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The summer vacation season is in full swing, and U.S. travelers are traveling overseas in record numbers.
Air travel demand is 35% higher than last year, and 55% more Americans are traveling to Europe this year than they did in 2022.
Pent-up demand for travel is so high that 1 in 10 travelers are even considering taking on debt to finance their summer travel. On average American travelers are planning to take two trips this summer. But where in the world are U.S travelers going?
According to a new report, the top ten international destinations are:
- Paris, France
- London, United Kingdom
- Cancun, Mexico
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Rome, Italy
- Dublin, Ireland
- Tokyo, Japan
- Barcelona, Spain
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Mexico City, Mexico
With 51% of American travelers reported to have not booked their summer vacation yet, here is some inspiration from the top destinations:
Paris, France
According to the government in Paris, North America is the biggest contributor to tourism in the City of Light this summer.
Whether they’re attracted to the romance, the rich food, or the iconic attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, what is clear is that American travelers can’t get enough of Paris.
With so many travelers heading to the city, Paris is going to be busy this summer. This also means that hotel room costs will be higher than usual in the city this summer. But that doesn’t mean it’s not still a fantastic vacation destination.
First-time visitors to Paris list climbing the Eiffel Tower, taking a boat ride along the River Seine, and seeing the Mona Lisa in the Louvre Gallery as their must-see attractions.
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Paris is centrally located in France too. This means that there are plenty of easy options to get out of the city and learn more about the culture and history of France.
Why not visit the Palace of Versailles, which is a short distance away, or if you want a longer journey, you could explore the wine-making country of the Loire Valley.
London, United Kingdom
At the end of last year, London was the top European destination for North American travelers. And this trend is set to continue this summer, with a huge number of U.S travelers choosing London as their vacation destination.
London is an incredibly vibrant city. It is also one of the most historic cities in Europe.
Tourists visit London for its ancient places, vibrant nightlife, and of course its rich royal history. The British monarchy is, without a doubt, one of the most well-known and popular royal families in the world.
Summer in London is appealing to those wanting to explore Royal London. This is because while Buckenham Palace isn’t open to the public year-round from July-October each year, visitors can walk through 19 of the State Rooms and explore the Palace’s Garden.
London is experiencing unseasonably cool temperatures this summer which makes it incredibly appealing for Americans hoping to escape the unrelenting heat of the hottest states.
And the common language makes London an easy city to visit for inexperienced travelers or those taking their first overseas trip too.
Cancun, Mexico
The relatively short flight time from the States to Mexico makes Cancun a convenient location for overseas summer vacations. But it is also a beautiful country with a host of tropical beaches and a vibrant atmosphere.
Cancun is considered one of the best destinations for Americans to book an all-inclusive vacation. That’s why Cancun is one of Mexico’s most popular—and most visited—resort areas.
Figures show that roughly 5.6 million Americans visited Cancun and the surrounding area in 2022.
Cancun is popular because it offers such a diverse range of vacations. Travelers hoping to relax and unwind can sunbathe or drink cocktails on the beach. Adventure lovers can swim with whale sharks or zip-wire through the jungle. And culture vultures can explore the rich history of Mayan culture and archaeology.
Taking a vacation to Cancun is easy, thanks to regular flight connections from across America. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to head overseas but are short on time, which is why Cancun is such a popular destination.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Mike S.
Thursday 3rd of August 2023
Thanks for the article--now I know where NOT to go.