Airalo has compiled a ranking of the five most popular international summer travel destinations using information from Google Flights. – WineDonuts // Shutterstock
Sheeka Sanahori
Summer is the most popular time of year for Americans to travel, and despite concerns about inflation, 2024 could be a busy year for summer vacations. A travel report from Nerdwallet showed that more than 2 in 5 Americans (45%) I am planning a summer trip that involves booking a flight or hotel.
Family is a big part of summer plans. Four in five respondents plan to go on a family holiday or visit this summer. With children out of school during the summer months, this is the time of year when families tend to spend the longest time away from home – and for many, that means travelling abroad.
Others want to leave home and embark on a meaningful adventure. An American Express trend report found that 65% of people If you're planning to travel this year, plan on treating yourself to a big trip, whether it's off-the-beaten-path adventures or a vacation to multiple European countries.
Whether travelers are looking to create memories with family and friends or take the trip of a lifetime, many will be looking to international destinations for their summer vacations. To find out which global cities will top the list, Airalo has compiled a ranking of the five most popular international summer travel destinations, according to Google Flights research data collected between January 2024 and March 2024.
Read on to see if your dream travel destination made the list.
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#5. Cancun
Cancun has long been a favorite resort destination and in 2022 alone, 9.5 million international passengers arrived by planemaking the city Mexico's most popular air destination. Its proximity to the United States and many direct flights help boost its ranking among American travelers. Perhaps the biggest draws for tourists are the city's white-sand beaches and temperate Caribbean Sea.
Travelers can choose from more than 35,000 rooms at a variety of price points in dozens of resorts and hotels in Cancun. Once they've had their fill of the Yucatan Peninsula's beautiful beaches, many enjoy visiting nearby historic ruins, including Chichen Itza and Tulum.
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#4. Rome
History buffs love Rome for its ancient architecture, which still stands tall among the city’s more modern neighborhoods today. Perhaps the most famous tourist site is the Colosseum, the massive amphitheater that hosted gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and other public spectacles starting in the first century. Visitors wandering the Eternal City can also see other monuments to its long and storied history, including the ancient aqueducts, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. Foodies can sample authentic local cuisine, including its famous carbonara, cacio e pepe, and suppli.
Nearby is Vatican City, seat of the Roman Catholic Church and site of artistic masterpieces including Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling and Raphael's School of Athens.
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#3. Tokyo
Japan hosted a record 3.1 million international visitors In March 2024, many of them traveled to the country’s capital, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. Travelers like to visit Sensō-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, which houses a golden icon of the Buddhist goddess of mercy. For a unique taste of the city, head to Harmonica Yokocho for delicious food at small, unpretentious restaurants.
Before leaving, tourists often stop at Shibuya Crossing. Surrounded by shops and restaurants, the world's busiest intersection is invaded by waves of strangers crossing under the bright lights of nearby advertisements.
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#2. Paris
Paris remains one of the world's busiest tourist cities and is gearing up for an even busier summer this year as it hosts the 2024 Summer Olympics. Many tourists head to the Eiffel Tower to snap a photo of the world's most visited monument, but most don't know about the gardens beneath the tower, which are free to enter and make a great picnic spot.
The Louvre, the largest museum in the world, is another must-see in Paris. Of course, you can find art everywhere in the city of love. Near the Pont de Grenelle, for example, is a replica of New York’s Statue of Liberty, which stands about 12 meters tall. Of course, no trip to Paris would be complete without sampling the city’s many breads, cheeses, and pastries.
Tomas Marek // Shutterstock
#1. London
With its many activities and attractions, the United Kingdom's capital is the most popular international destination for American travelers this summer. One of London's most visited sites is also one of its oldest: once a royal palace, the Tower of London was built in 1066 by William the Conqueror and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buckingham Palace, another former residence of the British monarchy, is also a popular tourist attraction today.
Westminster Abbey is another must-see. 3,300 famous people are buried or commemorated here, including William Shakespeare, Sir Isaac Newton, and Queen Elizabeth I. When you're ready to move on from your historical tour, visit the London Eye, where glass capsules offer 360-degree views of the city.
Story editing by Cu Fleshman. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Paris Close.
This story originally appeared on Airalo and was produced and
distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
