Spring Break 2026: where travelers are going — and how much more they’re spending

Spring Break planning is officially underway — and in 2026, travelers are thinking bigger, going farther, and spending more than ever before.

According to our latest data, 68% of insured travelers are heading internationally for Spring Break this year, with Europe and major global hubs leading the way.

Top Spring Break destinations for 2026

So, where is everyone going? Based on our numbers, these are the top destinations being booked this Spring Break:

  • Italy

  • France

  • Japan

  • Mexico

  • The Bahamas

  • The Netherlands

  • Spain

  • United Kingdom

  • Germany

  • Dominican Republic

Travelers are paying more and protecting more

With travelers spending an average of $5,617 per person (nearly 10% more than 2025) on their Spring Break trips, travel protection is top of mind. And this year, one coverage add-on is leading the pack: 

Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage–the ultimate flexibility booster. With this add-on, travelers can get up to 75% of their non-refundable trip costs back if they cancel for, well, any reason—up to 48 hours before their scheduled departure date. Whether plans change or life throws a curveball, CFAR helps keep stress levels low.

Right behind CFAR? Our Pet Care coverage add-on—because more travelers are bringing their furry family members along, and they deserve coverage too!

What’s new in Spring Break travel for 2026

Beyond where travelers are going and how much they are spending, this Spring Break season is also being shaped by how people want to travel.

In 2026, we are seeing a clear shift toward trips that feel more intentional and experience-driven, with itineraries built around culture, learning, and time well spent. Here are two trends defining this year’s Spring Break season. These include:

  • Cruise ships as the destination
    Rather than racing through ports, more travelers are treating the ship itself as the main attraction. Onboard dining, entertainment, and curated experiences are becoming just as important as the destinations, with newer offerings like Celebrity Xcel reflecting this shift.

  • Rural upskilling
    The new farm-to-table is farm-to-hands. Travelers are booking trips centered on learning traditional skills such as farming, food production, and craftsmanship, making hands-on education the core of the experience.

Spring Break, the smart way

With trips becoming more complex and more expensive, having the right protection in place matters more than ever. Whether your plans take you across the ocean, down the coast, or somewhere entirely new, travel insurance helps keep things moving when the unexpected shows up.

Faye’s whole-trip travel protection helps with everything from medical emergencies to trip disruptions and lost luggage, so you can spend less time worrying about the logistics and more time enjoying the experience.

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