Trying to plan your travel plans for summer 2024?
Delta Air Lines Releases Its Most Wanted List summer destinations, and although there are perennial favorites – Paris and Rome, to name just two, other places might surprise you.
Athens, Greece, for example, saw the largest year-over-year increase in interest, with an increase of almost 250%. And while Vancouver, Canada and Dublin may not necessarily be on your must-have travel radar, they've cracked Delta's top 10. Overall, searches for these top 10 international destinations are up more than 150% from 2023.
To create the list, Delta analyzed US-based research data on Delta.com between November 2023 and March 2024 for travel between May and August 2024. Here is the summary of the most sought-after international destinations:
- London, England
- Paris, France
- Rome, Italy
- Athens, Greece
- Cancun, Mexico
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Tokyo, Japan
- Dublin, Ireland
- Barcelona, Spain
- Vancouver, Canada
Using the same research data and timelines, Delta also shared the top five domestic destinations, excluding Delta hubs, for summer 2024 travel:
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Orlando Florida
- Miami, Florida
- Honolulu Hawaii
- Denver, Colorado
From near and far, this is shaping up to be a big year for travel. “Demand continues to be strong and we are seeing a record spring and summer travel season, with our 11 highest sales days in our history all occurring this calendar year,” said Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines. If you need some fun travel inspiration for Delta's summer 2024 hot spots, here are some far-flung international and domestic ideas to inspire your wanderlust.
Barcelona
Settle in at El Palace Barcelona, celebrating its 105th anniversary this year (or party hard: a DJ hosts an entire social event in the rooftop garden). For a splurge, stay in one of the “art suites” inspired by Salvador Dalí, Joséphine Baker, Joan Miró and more, or dine at Amar Barcelona, where you'll talk shrimp and sole miller for months. Although there is plenty to see and do in the Catalan capital, we direct you to the following points: La Ramblaa beautiful and wide boulevard followed by a restoration at the Boqueria Marketthat of Antoni Gaudí Sagrada Familia, National Art Museum of Catalonia, Picasso Museum And The Museum of Jewish History.
Dublin
Say “sláinte” or well done to Ireland! To make the most of your stay here, we recommend booking with Brendan Vacationsa great expert on Celtic destinations, who can constitute a great itinerary for you in Dublin including local food tours, Dublin Castle, Trinity College, Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery and a chance to see the Book of Kells. Post to The Shelbourne Dublinestablished in 1824, with a spa and several fine restaurants on site.
Honolulu
For those who dream of a taste of island life, Hawaii is never a hard sell, especially when you're staying at the highly anticipated location. Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spawhich opened earlier this year and offers amenities such as a saltwater pool, children's activities, and a spa equipped with traditional Japanese ofuro tubs and Himalayan salt saunas.
Or try The Twin Fin Hotel, a stone's throw from the Waikiki waterfront, home to a recently launched experiential surf school run by professional surf champion Jamie O'Brien. (For those traveling with children or in a group, another great option for your digs is Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort Or Romer Waikiki to the Ambassador.) No matter what you call your home away from home, be sure to enjoy La Bettola Waikikione of O'ahu's liveliest Italian restaurants and The LookOut Food and Drinkwith epic views of the Wai Kai WaveHawaii's first deep-water standing wave, and live entertainment every night.
Denver
Located east of the Rocky Mountains, it's a summer must-see to catch a concert at the famous Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, just like riding a bike or walking in Washington Park. Settle into the chic B&B House of Florawhich opened in 202 in Denver's historic Wyman neighborhood, or Thompson Hotel Or L'Ardoise Hotel, some of the most recent excavations in the city. For excellent dishes, recently reopened Casa Bonita was purchased by “South Park” creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and features Mexican-inspired dishes like ceviche and Christmas enchiladas from chef Dana Rodriguez. Other newcomers to the dining scene include Top Chef alum Carrie Baird's Fox & the Hen, an all-day breakfast spot, and Sap Suaserving “non-traditional Vietnamese cuisine” in Denver’s East Colfax neighborhood.
Orlando
We don't need to tell you to plan a trip to Disney. But we will tell you to rejoice in the fact that Evermore Orlando Hotel landed in town this year. This $1.5 billion luxury resort brings a taste of the shore to Orlando with a 20-acre faux beach featuring a water slide, rope swing, stand-up paddleboards, kayaking and of beachfront restaurants. Bordering Walt Disney World, the resort is anchored by Conrad Orlandowith more than 400 rooms and suites (as well as two Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses).
