Beaches and big cities reign for summer travel as Americans head to bucket-list destinations: Allianz Partners

Warm Mexican beaches, cool shades and thirst-quenching cocktails are on Americans’ radar, reveals Allianz Partners’ Top 10 Summer Travel Destinations survey for 2024. International travel will be up 15% this summer over last year and domestic travel will cool by 5%, but domestic hotspots still take the lion’s share (68%) of Americans summer itinerary bookings.

Tried-and-true vacation destinations Orlando and Cancun are awarded the #1 slot in this year’s ranking. Meanwhile, after six years, Paris makes an appearance in the Top 10 international roster, after previously holding ninth place in 2018.

The travel insurance and assistance company analyzed more than six million flight itineraries* for trips between five and eight days in length for travel booked between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. While radiant Orlando’s #1 ranking stays intact, major metropolitan cities are stepping into the ring with Seattle (#2) claiming second place for the third year in a row. Other stateside city favorites include Boston (#3), New York (#4), Las Vegas (#6) and Los Angeles (#7). Americans are also looking to hang ten with visits to Honolulu (#5) and Kahului (#9). Rounding out the Top 10 domestic roster, Denver (#10) was once again reinstated, after previously being knocked out by Miami in 2023.

Cloudless and radiant all around, Mexico tops the charts as Cancun continues to reap the benefits of being crowned #1 in this year’s summer international roster, alongside treasured destinations, San Jose del Cabo (#2) and Puerto Vallarta (#7). Meanwhile, others are vibing and grooving as they make their way to Oranjestad (#3), Montego Bay (#6) and Nassau (#10).

The only European destination in 2023’s ranking, London (#4) proudly jumps four spots from its previous eighth position. Following suit, after flying under the radar for six years, Paris is back in on the action holding the ninth spot, likely spurred by the country’s long-awaited summer sporting event. Finalizing this year’s summer picks, Turks & Caicos  wins the eighth spot, further highlighting Americans’ desire for international sun.

“After months of cold and gloomy weather in the states, it’s no surprise that both domestic and international beaches are a big allure to American travelers,” said Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA. “Whether you’re staying in the U.S. or traveling abroad, unexpected events can happen that may derail even the best planned trips. The right travel insurance policy can protect you against the cost of covered travel delays, trip cancellations, baggage loss and even medical emergencies.”

Allianz Partners offers travel insurance through most major U.S. airlines, leading travel agents, online travel agencies, hotel companies, cruise lines and directly to consumers.