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…
Read full article: AAA Reveals No. 1 Winter Sun Destination for Americans in Winter 2025-26
The post “AAA Reveals No. 1 Winter Sun Destination for Americans in Winter 2025-26” by Luka Trcek was published on 12/12/2025 by www.travelinglifestyle.net