2021’s Top US and International Summer Travel Destinations
Summer Hotspots
After a year hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans are growing in confidence and eyeing long-awaited summer getaways to warm-weather destinations, including Florida, Hawaii and the Caribbean. Allianz Partners recently analyzed more than 985,000 flight itineraries for trips of five to eight days to determine the most popular domestic and international destinations for summer travel in 2021.
10. Miami, Florida
After breaking into the top 10 last year, Miami is down two spots to 10th domestically in 2021. The sun-kissed beach destination with unparalleled nightlife is one of two Florida cities in the top 10 this year.
9. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston remains the ninth-most coveted summer travel destination in the U.S. in 2021. The New England favorite has lost a bit of momentum since ranking as high as fifth in 2019 but that’s to be expected given that Massachusetts is advising all visitors to quarantine for 10 days upon their arrival.
8. Big Island, Hawaii
The successful rollout of Hawaii’s pre-travel COVID-19 testing program has made the Aloha State a sought-after destination this summer. The Big Island or Island of Hawaii—home to beloved stops like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kailua-Kona, Hilo and Waimea—is new to the top 10 this year, ranking as the eighth most popular place within the U.S.
7. Kauai, Hawaii
We weren’t kidding. Hawaii is well-represented with four destinations in the top 10 this year. The good news is that the Garden Isle recently rejoined the state’s pre-travel testing program allowing visitors to test out of mandatory quarantine.
Las Vegas Strip viewed from The Cosmopolitan. (photo by Patrick Clarke)
6. Las Vegas, Nevada
The Entertainment Capital of the World is down but not out in 2021, ranking sixth after finishing as high as second a year ago and fourth in 2019. Las Vegas recently began rolling back restrictions meaning that summer visitors will have much more to look forward to this time around.
5. Anchorage, Alaska
Like the Big Island and Kauai in Hawaii, Anchorage is new to the top 10 this year, replacing perennial favorites like New York City, Los Angeles and Denver. While it may be under the radar for summer travel, Alaska’s largest city boasts something special for culture and adventure seekers alike.
4. Seattle, Washington
Elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is one of the big movers in 2021, climbing three spots from seventh in 2020 to fourth this year. The Emerald City ranked as high as third in 2019 prior to the coronavirus pandemic and appears well on its way back to becoming one of America’s premier cities for leisure travel.
3. Honolulu, Hawaii
The Hawaiian capital continues its rise up Allianz’s rankings in 2021, climbing to third overall domestically after ranking sixth last year and eighth in 2019. One-of-a-kind sites and attractions such as Waikiki Beach and the Pearl Harbor National Memorial help set this inviting island destination apart.
2. Maui, Hawaii
Despite Honolulu’s ascent, Maui is the state’s most sought-after destination for summer 2021. Laidback and quintessential Hawaii, the island boasts the scenic Hana Highway and some of the most beautiful beaches in the nation.
1. Orlando, Florida
Orlando doesn’t appear poised to be unseated as the leading domestic summer vacation destination anytime soon. Once again number one in the U.S., the Theme Park Capital of the World is only building on its allure as it prepares to welcome a plethora of new attractions this year.
By: PATRICK CLARKE, APRIL 2021, DESTINATION & TOURISM, ALLIANZ GLOBAL ASSISTANCE , 2021’s Top US and International Summer Travel Destinations, recovered from: https://www.travelpulse.com/gallery/destinations/2021s-top-us-and-international-summer-travel-destinations.html?image=16
