Get ready to hear a whole lotta “¡Hola!” at the airports this summer, because a new report says Cancun, Mexico, is the number one international hotspot for American travelers! That’s right, folks are trading their office chairs for beach loungers, and it seems like Cancun’s sandy shores and turquoise waters are calling their names the loudest.
The scoop comes from the travel gurus at Allianz Partners USA, who just dropped their “Top Summer Travel Destinations Report.” After crunching the numbers on nearly seven million travel plans for summer 2025 (we’re talking trips planned between late May and early September), one thing became crystal clear: when Americans go international, they’re often heading straight for Cancun.
So, Why Cancun Reigns Supreme?
Well, besides the obvious – stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and enough tacos to make your heart sing – Cancun has that perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re looking to explore ancient Mayan ruins, snorkel in crystal-clear cenotes, or just perfect your tan with a frosty drink in hand, Cancun’s got you covered. It’s like the ultimate summer playground, and clearly, Americans are ready to play!
It seems the allure of Mexico, in general, is pretty strong. San José del Cabo snagged the second spot for international travel, and Puerto Vallarta waltzed in at number nine. That’s three Mexican destinations in the top ten! Arriba!
But Wait, There’s More! What About Stateside Adventures?
Now, don’t think everyone’s packing their passports. The report shows that most Americans (a whopping 71%) are planning to keep their summer adventures within the good ol’ U.S. of A. And who’s leading the domestic pack? Drumroll, please… Seattle, Washington! The Emerald City, known for its coffee, culture, and stunning mountain views, is where most domestic-bound travelers are setting their sights.
It seems like a mix of city vibes and natural beauty is the winning combo for domestic travel. Following Seattle, we’ve got Orlando, Florida (hello, theme parks!), and New York City (the city that never sleeps, or stops vacationing, apparently!).
Aloha, Sunshine! Hawaii Still a Firm Favorite
And of course, what’s a summer travel list without a nod to the Hawaiian Islands? Honolulu and Kahului (Maui) are sitting pretty at numbers four and five respectively for domestic destinations. Those postcard-perfect beaches and lush landscapes are clearly a perennial favorite. Other popular U.S. spots include Boston, Portland, Las Vegas (because, Vegas!), Los Angeles, and even Anchorage, Alaska, for those seeking a cooler adventure.
Beyond the Americas: London Calling and Parisian Dreams
Back on the international front, if it’s not Mexico, it’s often Europe. London, England, is the third most popular international destination, proving that a bit of history, some royal watching, and maybe a ride on a double-decker bus are high on the summer agenda. Paris, France, also made the top ten, because who can resist the allure of the Eiffel Tower and fresh croissants? Other global favorites include Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, Montego Bay in Jamaica, Calgary in Canada (eh!), and Dublin, Ireland, for a pint and some craic.
A Little Word to the Wise: Travel Insurance!
With all this exciting globetrotting, Daniel Durazo from Allianz Partners USA has a friendly reminder: “Summer travel is often the highlight of travelers’ year… No one wants an unexpected challenge to take away from that excitement – that’s why it’s critical to have travel insurance.” He points out that it can save your bacon (and your vacation budget) if you run into unexpected trip cancellations, delays, medical emergencies, or even the dreaded lost luggage. So, before you zip up that suitcase, check out these 5 best travel insurance plans for summer.
Allianz Partners gathered this data by looking at roundtrip flights booked through their partners for trips between five and eight days long, departing from U.S. airports. So, it’s a pretty solid snapshot of where Americans are headed.
Whether you’re Cancun-bound, exploring a U.S. city, or jetting off to Europe, it looks like summer 2025 is shaping up to be an adventurous one! Happy travels!
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