AAA’s latest travel forecast confirms that Cancun has emerged as the most popular international winter sun destination for U.S. travelers this season, driven by a record surge in holiday travel plans and strong consumer demand for warm-weather escapes. The new data reflects both booking patterns and broader travel trends for the year-end season spanning late December through early January.
Record Travel Volumes Expected
According to AAA’s year-end holiday forecast, an unprecedented 122.4 million Americans are projected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the 13-day holiday period from December 20 through January 1, a 2.2% increase over last year’s record. This confirms the enduring strength of U.S. travel demand even amid rising prices and seasonal challenges.
AAA travel analysts emphasize the mix of motivations behind this growth: family reunions, reconnecting after the pandemic, and a clear preference for sunny winter getaways. The booking data shows international beach destinations dominating leisure travel choices this year, with Cancun leading the pack.
Cancun Tops the Charts
Cancun stands out as the #1 international destination for Americans this winter, besting other famed warm-weather options such as Punta Cana and Aruba. This isn’t the result of a single data source — both AAA and supplemental booking analyses indicate that Cancun’s combination of accessibility, resort variety, and climate is drawing U.S. travelers in larger numbers than any other international locale this season.
AAA’s booking patterns show strong preference for the Mexican Caribbean, where Cancun’s international airport, expansive hotel options, and proximity to other Riviera Maya attractions make it especially appealing for travelers seeking a tropical holiday escape. Cancun’s appeal appears to be resonating particularly with U.S. travelers who want a warm-weather retreat that’s easy to reach and familiar in experience.
“When Americans decide to chase winter sun, they overwhelmingly pick Cancun,” local travel observers noted, reflecting on both AAA data and on-the-ground tourism trends. This observation aligns with the broader sense that Cancun has become the go-to choice among Caribbean destinations for winter getaways.
What This Means for Travelers
Booking activity in Cancun is notably high, with flight capacities and hotel inventories tightening as the peak season approaches. Given the destination’s popularity, many resorts and flights are selling out quickly for key winter dates, and remaining availability often comes at premium rates.
The spike in demand is not limited to international travel. Domestic warm-weather destinations such as Florida’s Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami also feature prominently on AAA’s top lists, underscoring a broader pattern: Americans are opting to trade cold winter climates for beaches and sunshine both abroad and at home.
Traveler Behavior and Trends
AAA’s forecast reveals noteworthy behavior trends among U.S. holiday travelers:
- Road trips continue to dominate travel mode, with nearly 89% of holiday travelers expected to drive, reflecting enduring preference for flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
- Air travel remains robust, with over 8 million Americans expected to fly domestically — the first time on record that holiday air travel volumes exceed this threshold.
- Warm destinations like Cancun are particularly favored for their reliable weather and range of vacation options, from all-inclusive packages to cultural and adventure excursions.
The No. 1 Practical Tip for Your Cancun Trip
Travel experts recommend booking early and planning logistics in advance, especially given heavier airport traffic and rising demand during the peak holiday window. Efficient arrival planning and flexible accommodations can help travelers make the most of Cancun’s sunny beaches and festive atmosphere.
