Cancun Is Officially Americans’ Favorite International Getaway According To New Data

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Last Updated 6 months ago

Cancun is the number one international destination for American travelers this year, according to a study conducted on flight booking data by travel website Skift.

With 17.5% of all bookings from U.S. cities to international airports from January to August, Cancun emerged as the top destination, even surpassing the second-most popular, London, with 8.5%.

Moreover, bookings from the U.S. to Cancun boasted a remarkable 91% of their pre-pandemic level in 2019.

While it’s no secret that Cancun has long been a favorite destination for U.S. travelers, this noteworthy achievement underscores Cancun’s exceptional reputation as a tourist hotspot, particularly in the highly competitive Caribbean region.

@sunwingvacations Top things to do in Cancun, Mexico! Make sure to follow for more of our Mexico series! 🇲🇽🌺🌴 Les meilleures activités à faire à Cancún, au Mexique! Suivez-nous pour encore plus de trucs de pros sur le Mexique! 🇲🇽🌺🌴 #cancuntravel #cancunmexico #cancun #cancunvacation #cancunvibes #mexicotravel #greenscreen ♬ original sound – Sunwing Vacations

So, what exactly sets this charming Mexican Caribbean resort town apart from all other international destinations?

Let’s find out.

Better & Cheaper Flight Deals

Nobody enjoys a long flight with lots of connections just to get to your destination with a massive jetlag – and paying lots of money for it.

But with an average flight duration of 3 hours from the U.S., Cancun offers American travelers a convenient and affordable option for an unforgettable Caribbean getaway.

@nadjatraveler ✈️🏝📍Cancún , mexico#cancun #mexico #flight #planewindow #view #travel #traveler #nadjatraveler ♬ Paradise – Bazzi

Not only does a flight to Cancun typically cost much less than flights to other popular Caribbean destinations like the Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico, but flight costs are actually expected to become cheaper in 2024.

So, why is this possible?

Well, the US Federal Aviation Administration recently updated Mexico’s safety rating to the highest category after a two-year downgrade, following a significant improvement in the country’s air transport system in terms of safety, regulation, and efficiency.

This decision has prompted a deluge of initiatives, including increased flight frequencies and seating capacity, with carriers such as United recently announcing record numbers of flights to Cancun.

@vreige I never get used to these views. #airplaneviews #traveltiktok #airplabemode #cancunmexico #travelvlog #flightattendant #falife ♬ love nwantinti (ah ah ah) – CKay

So, this surge in flight connections and frequencies will make traveling from the US to Cancun more affordable and convenient than ever before. 

A Selection Of Exceptional Resorts

Cancun’s multifaceted hospitality scene is undoubtedly one of the top reasons Americans keep flocking to this Mexican Caribbean paradise.

At the city’s iconic Hotel Zone, you’ll find a myriad of options, which range from luxury all-inclusives to charming hotel boutiques.

There’s a resort for every preference and every budget, making Cancun the perfect destination for a diverse range of travelers.

Furthermore, Cancun resorts are renowned for their top-notch service, state-of-the-art facilities, and, above all, stunning Mexican Caribbean ocean views.

Unlimited Experiences

The ‘Cancun experience’ for American travelers has long been synonymous with luxury, sun and beach, and nightlife.

So, while in the past, this experience typically meant staying at your all-inclusive, enjoying dinner or a night out, and maybe visiting Xcaret or an archeological site here and there – this is quickly changing.

Now, destinations near Cancun are skyrocketing in popularity among U.S. travelers, particularly Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, and Bacalar.

Cancun’s ‘classic’ tourist offerings remain – understandably – popular as ever, but a growing number of travelers are venturing beyond Cancun to explore a more authentic and relaxed side of the Mexican Caribbean.

With the introduction of the Maya Train project, reaching all of these destinations and more will be easier than ever, unlocking a world of natural and cultural experiences that will propel the Mexican Caribbean’s tourism scene to new levels.

Amazing Beaches

And last but not least, Cancun’s pristine coastlines can’t be ignored as one of the main reasons American travelers can’t get enough of this stunning resort town.

These world-famous beaches boast white, fine-grained sands and turquoise waters, perfect for simply basking in the sun or enjoying water activities such as snorkeling, surfing, sailing, kayaking, and much more.

Moreover, Cancun’s all-year-round amicable weather offers travelers the opportunity to enjoy these beautiful coastlines regardless of the time of the year.

With its perfect combination of luxury, natural beauty, countless tourist attractions, and convenience, Cancun offers Americans an unparalleled travel experience. 

So, it’s safe to say that its position as the most popular international destination for US travelers isn’t likely to change soon.

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