Easter travelers are heading to beaches and theme parks to celebrate spring while some are venturing to Rome for the Jubilee, which occurs every 25 years. AAA projects that 19 million Americans will take ocean cruises in 2025, up five percent from 2024, so Easter travelers are also hopping on board.

“No matter the destination, travelers are ready to unwind after a long winter,” said Josie Nicotra, Director of Travel at AAA Western and Central New York. “For many, Easter vacation is a family tradition. This year, many families are traveling with grandparents as multigenerational travel continues to trend upward.”

Here’s a look at the top destinations for local travelers this Easter based on AAA Western and Central New York bookings this Easter travel season:

1. Orlando, FL
2. Rome, Italy
3. Cruising out of Florida – Ft. Lauderdale and Miami
4. Punta Cana, DR
5. Hawaii

It’s no surprise that two international destinations make the top five, as AAA Western and Central New York is reporting a 40 percent increase in local travelers flying out of the Toronto airport to international destinations in the first three months of this year compared to 2024. Overall, local travel is up five percent so far this year compared to last year.

Aside from flying, Easter road trips are also popular with local families taking advantage of school breaks. For those traveling by car, these are the top destinations based on AAA WCNY Route Production Department, which handles maps and TripTik requests:

1. Florida – Theme Parks/Orlando and West Coast of FL
2. South Carolina – Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head
3. Tennessee – Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge and Nashville

Road trips across the state to places like Niagara Falls, Finger Lakes, Thousand Islands, and New York City are also popular this spring. Gas prices typically increase each spring though local prices are much lower than a year ago. As of today, the national average for a gallon of unleaded is $3.24, down 37 cents from this time last year. The New York average is $3.13. In Buffalo, the average is $3.07, in Rochester it is $3.13, and in Syracuse it is $3.11.

Motorists can benefit from comparing pump prices before filling up with the AAA Mobile App for iPhone, iPad, and Android — a convenient option to find the lowest gas prices in a given area. Plus, the app is the quickest way to request roadside assistance, map a route, find discounts, or book a hotel.