Morning view of Positano cityscape on the Mediterranean Sea coast, Italy
When it comes to favorite summer vacation destinations that require a passport stamp, Americans are all over the map with their preferences, according to new findings from Google. Search data breaks down the most searched international summer vacation destinations on Google by each U.S. state, and Italy appears as the most searched for summer vacation destination in most states, according to Google trends. Several Caribbean hotspots as well as some Canadian destinations, such as Vancouver, Whistler and Mont-Tremblant, also appear in the ranking.
Research data collected and analyzed from March 30 to April 29, 2024 shows that Italy is the most popular international vacation destination in 20 states, with residents from California to New England states and many more. others in between, looking for a dose of la dolce vita this summer.
Boats and ships sailing along the Grand Canal on a sunny day in Venice.
Travelers, of course, have a number of Italy vacation itinerary options, from wine tasting in Tuscany to private boat tours and sipping limoncello spritzes along the Amalfi Coast, to lazing on the beaches of Puglia, the heel of the Italian boot, plus a few alternative ways to explore the country. For an extended stay, Italy has also become the latest EU country to launch a digital nomad visa.
Also new this year, Venice became the first city in the world to charge fees to day-trippers, raising fears among some locals that it could transform the famous city in theme park. Entrance fees are charged on peak tourist days, although there are several exemptions.
Here's the Google map of each state's favorite summer destinations:
The top international summer travel destinations, broken down by state, according to Google.
After Italy and Tokyo, Japan is one of the most sought-after summer destinations, with seven states, including Hawaii, eager for summer travel to Japan's capital. Tokyo hosts several festivals throughout the summer, including the Sumida River Fireworks Festival which takes place on the last Saturday in July. Adventurers can also climb Mount Fuji, which, according to the Japan National Tourism Association, is open to hikers from early July to early September.
Fireworks Festival in Itabashi, Tokyo, Japan
The map also shows warm weather destinations popular among summer travelers, including Cancun, Bermuda and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Tourists enjoying the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the famous Horseshoe Bay … (+)
The Bahamas was the most sought-after summer vacation destination for residents of five states, including Illinois, Alabama, West Virginia, Delaware and North Carolina.
The Bahamas has 16 main islands that offer different types of vacations, from the luxury Baha Mar resorts in Nassau to a more secluded getaway in Caerula Mar Club, an avant-garde boutique stay with suites and private villas on South Andros, one of the most uninhabited main islands in the Bahamas, bordered by the Andros Barrier Reef. The avant-garde hotel was transformed by Bryan and Sarah Baeumler of HGTV fame.
Caerula Mar Club in the Bahamas
Costa Rica's beaches and rainforests have risen to the top of vacation searches for residents of Colorado, Texas, Arkansas and Virginia. Itineraries in Costa Rica can range from ziplines and hot springs in La Fortuna to beach and surf days in Puerto Viejo, in the Caribbean side of the country.
Three Sixty Hotel in Ojochal, Costa Rica
On the southern Pacific coast, Ojochal is a jumping off point for all kinds of adventures, from beaches to waterfalls and mangroves. Stay in a villa in Three Sixty Hotelan adults-only property nestled in the middle of a rainforest, where, from the private balconies, you can hear the symphony of tropical birds and even spot capuchin monkeys swinging between the trees.
