Summer Travel 2021: Where Are Americans Heading?
The summer travel season is approaching fast, and this year is expected to break records for American travelers. With vaccinations making travel more comfortable, both domestic and international travel bookings are showing significant increases compared to last year. People are excited to go everywhere, from the beaches to theme parks, big cities, and beyond.
To get a grasp of where American travelers are heading this summer, travel insurance company Allianz Partners analyzed more than 1.6 million flight itineraries for travel booked between Memorial and Labor Day. The company compiled lists of the top 10 places people booked for their summer trip, with separate lists for international as well as domestic travel.
It is important to note that to be included in this survey, the trips analyzed averaged between 5-8 days, and Allianz Partners only tracked people who booked online with any travel partners that offer Allianz Global Assistance travel insurance. Travelers started departing from U.S. airports during the summer travel season between May 26th to September 5th.
Top Domestic Destinations:
For those who prefer to stay closer to home, domestic travel is expected to rise by approximately 23% this summer, with travel to the following destinations leading the pack:
1. Orlando, Florida
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
3. Honolulu, Hawaii
4. Seattle, Washington
5. Anchorage, Alaska
6. Denver, Colorado
7. Maui, Hawaii
8. San Juan, Puerto Rico
9. Los Angeles, California
10. Atlanta, Georgia
Orlando, Florida, tops the domestic travel list, with its world-famous theme parks, waterparks, and idyllic weather. Las Vegas, Nevada, holds second place, with its glamorous nightlife, luxurious hotels, casinos, and top-quality restaurants. Honolulu, Hawaii, comes in at the third spot, offering a tropical paradise with white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a warm climate.
Honolulu beats Maui, Hawaii, which appears at the seventh spot on the list, with its spacious beaches, world-class resorts, and plethora of water activities. Anchorage, Alaska, holds the fifth spot, offering some of the most exciting outdoor experiences in the country, including national parks, glaciers, and wildlife.
Seattle, Washington, lands at fourth place, offering city life with spectacular nature, including nearby national parks and forest reserves. Denver, Colorado, holds sixth place, offering rugged mountain ranges, breathtaking national parks, and top-notch skiing opportunities. San Juan, Puerto Rico, comes in eighth place, enticing travelers with its delicious local cuisine, sandy beaches, and vibrant nightlife. Los Angeles, California, takes ninth place, providing diverse opportunities in music, film, art, and technology. Atlanta, Georgia, rounds out the top ten destinations, offering cultural landmarks, historical sites, and great shopping opportunities.
Top International Destinations:
International travel is also picking up this summer, with South American and European destinations dominating the list.
1. Cancun, Mexico
2. San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
3. San Juan, Puerto Rico
4. Nassau, Bahamas
5. Aruba
6. Montego Bay, Jamaica
7. St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
8. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
9. Providenciales, Turks, and Caicos
10. Maui, Hawaii
Cancun, Mexico, takes first place as the top international destination, with its stunning beaches, clear waters, and excellent resorts. San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, lands in second place, offering scenic drives, world-class golfing, and luxurious spas. San Juan, Puerto Rico, appears on both domestic and international travel lists, with its vibrant culture, excellent cuisine, and tropical weather, coming in third place.
Nassau, Bahamas, comes in fourth, with its natural wonders, including coral reefs and exotic marine life. Aruba takes the fifth spot, enticing travelers with its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and year-round sunshine. Montego Bay, Jamaica, rises to sixth place, offering excellent beaches, crystal-clear waters, and delicious food. St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, comes in seventh place, attracting water sports enthusiasts with its clear waters, and coral reefs. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, takes eighth place, with its idyllic beaches and relaxing resorts. Providenciales, Turks, and Caicos, come in the ninth, and Maui, Hawaii, rounds out the top ten international destinations.
Concluding Thoughts:
Traveling post-pandemic is inevitable, and with the increase in vaccinations, the number of travelers will likely surge. Allianz Partners’ survey gives us an insight into where American travelers are heading this summer. While domestic travel leads, international destinations are also gaining in popularity. Regardless of where travelers go, a break from the long-lasting pandemic, enjoying some fresh air and new experiences, may be the perfect way to kick off the summer.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How did Allianz Partners compile the list of top summer destinations?
Allianz Partners analyzed more than 1.6 million flight itineraries for travel booked between Memorial and Labor Day. The company compiled lists of the top 10 places people booked for their summer trip, with separate lists for international as well as domestic travel.
2. When will the survey start and end?
Travelers will depart from U.S. airports during the summer travel season between May 26th to September 5th.
3. What is the average length of trips for the survey?
The trips analyzed averaged between 5-8 days.
4. How do travelers become part of the Allianz Partners survey?
Allianz Partners only tracked people who booked online with any travel partners that offer Allianz Global Assistance travel insurance.
5. Is domestic or international travel more popular this summer?
Domestic travel is expected to rise by approximately 23% this summer, with international destinations also gaining popularity. This year, Cancun, Mexico, takes the first place as the top international destination.
