BUFFALO, N.Y. — National Plan for a Vacation Day is recognized on the last Tuesday in January. It’s no secret this past year was the busiest for travel in the TSA’s 23 years. In fact, the top 10 busiest days in those 23 years took place in 2024 starting with Memorial Day weekend.

TSA screened 3 million passengers in a day, breaking previous records. The administration can’t predict what this next year will bring, but they expect it to be busy. So as you get ready for those February break trips, here’s what to remember as you make your way to the airport. This advice is not only for you, but fellow jet setters to keep the security line moving. It’s the 3-1-1 rule.

“For my liquids, gels and aerosols, 3.4 ounces, one quart-sized bag, one bag per person," said Lisa Farbstein, strategic communications and public affairs for the Transportation Security Administration. "Bring your thermal insulated container with you, an empty one, through the checkpoint, or an empty bottle of water, and just fill it up on the other side.”

Farbstein says people having to dump out those bottles really holds up the line. And you can expect lines that are just as long this year.

AAA says 2025 is expected to be another busy year at airports, resorts and on cruise ships. In fact, AAA projects 19 million Americans will go on ocean cruises this year. That's a 4.5% increase from last year.

Other popular travel trends for this year include river cruising, National Parks, multi-generational travel, adventure travel, health and wellness-themed trips and overall celebration travel.

AAA says the top international destinations for 2025 are: 

  1. France
  2. Canada
  3. New Zealand
  4. South Africa
  5. Japan
  6. Turks & Caicos
  7. Thailand
  8. Costa Rica
  9. China
  10. The Maldives
  11. Finland

AAA says the top domestic destinations for 2025 are: 

  1. Florida
  2. Hawaii
  3. New York
  4. Nevada
  5. Louisiana
  6. Oregon
  7. Tennessee
  8. California
  9. Alaska

AAA adds studies show that each year, Americans leave more than 600 million vacation days unused.

TSA says the best days to travel are Tuesday and Wednesday. The afternoon is the best time to fly. Also, get your Real ID. That deadline is May 7.

Airlines 4 America says in 2024, U.S. airlines made significant investments in their mobile apps. You might have noticed better flight updates, such as boarding times, gate numbers and any other important announcements. A4A adds that U.S.-Italy routes saw the largest increase in passengers.