Top 9 Summer Destinations Everyone Is Booking Flights To Right Now

Come summer, it’s time to forget about work and academic deadlines and take some time off off in order to unwind in welcoming and relaxing destinations offering activities like swimming, hiking, picnicking, beach camping in sandy paradises, and outdoor family-friendly events.

Naturally, those who have reservations about flying to another continent (or those on a budget) could always experience a taste of Europe in North American cities that feel European, like Helen, Georgia, or Montreal and Quebec City in Canada. Others, however, feel the urge to (and can afford to) discover distant places, like relatively unknown, crowd-free islands in Thailand or even charming small towns in Victoria, Australia.

So, where will people in the US head internationally this summer, according to recent flight booking data and search trends from Google? The answer lies in San Juan, Athens, Cancun, and other exciting places that are revealing themselves to be top summer destinations in 2024 among US-based travelers.

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9 San Juan, Puerto Rico

Free beaches, great nightlife, and stunning resorts

The unincorporated U.S. territory of Puerto Rico is a diverse and exciting destination, with pristine beaches and verdant jungles, and San Juan, its capital city, is an ever-lively hub brimming with casinos, beaches, spas, bars, nightclubs, mouthwatering eateries, and art museums.

Founded by Spanish colonists in 1521, Puerto Rico offers lots of beautiful destinations besides its lovely beaches, including imposing fortifications and various architectural styles, from Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque.

8 Madrid, Spain

Elegant architecture and a thriving wine and tapas scene

Spain is deeply rooted in history and offers plenty of historic sites to visit as well as iconic landmarks. Founded in 865 by Emir Muhammad I, then conquered by Alfonso VI of León and Castile in 1083, the country’s capital city of Madrid is perhaps the ideal location to experience this, plus there is no lack of other attractions and activities.

Today, Madrid is indeed world-famous for its tapas and spirits, but also for its elegant and intricate High Gothic, Romanesque, and Hispano-Islamic art and architecture. Madrid also offers amazing wine-tastings and sprawling vineyard tours.

7 Dublin, Ireland

A variety of neighborhoods for different tastes and ages

Located on the east coast of Ireland, Dublin was established by the Vikings in the 9th century as Dubh Linn, meaning “Black Pool.”

Today, the Irish capital is a charming mix of beautiful neighborhoods with plenty of attractions; Rathmines, for instance, is known for its welcoming pubs and restaurants; Ballsbridge is visited for its parks and gardens; Dún Laoghaire is a romantic sunset spot; and Clontarf offers stunning views of Dublin Bay.

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6 Athens, Greece

A lively base for exploring the Greek islands

Settled in 3000 BCE, Athens, the capital of Greece, has always been a tourist hotspot, but it’s also a great retirement destination because it’s relatively safe and affordable, not to mention that it offers free emergency healthcare.

Those vacationing there are presented with a wide array of archeological sites, shopping venues, jogging spots, street art, and tasty eats. There are even a number of hotels near the Acropolis of Athens, enabling tourists to be based right by this iconic ancient site.

Best of all, Athens constitutes a solid base to explore the Greek islands by ferry, from Kea to Poros, Santorini, and Mykonos. There are also a number of excellent options for day trips from Athens, including the Meteora monasteries and Lake Vouliagmeni.

5 Cancun, Mexico

Top beaches and all-inclusive resorts

Once a modest fishing and gathering settlement, Cancun is now a world-renowned vacation hotspot.

There may be other scenic destinations in Mexico that are a great alternative to Cancun, from Yelapa to Holbox and Rosarito and several other under-the-radar beach towns in Mexico away from the crowds of popular spots, but flight booking data and search trends suggest that Americans and other international tourists still prefer this Mexican city for its high-end, all-inclusive resorts, white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, ancient Mayan ruins, and bustling nightlife.

4 Rome, Italy

World-famous religious, archaeological, and culinary destination

Italy boasts many charming small towns with rich history, stunning architecture, and authentic cuisine, but a thorough exploration of ancient Roman sites in Italy, from Ostia to Tivoli and Rome, also merits a spot on that travel bucket list.

Legend has it that Rome was founded by two demi-gods, Remus and Romulus, in 753 BCE; it is now Italy’s capital city and a major religious, archeological, and culinary hub for tourists of all ages, making it an ideal summer destination for Americans.

3 Tokyo, Japan

Traditional meets cutting-edge for an enriching and exciting vacation

From first-class skincare products to cutting-edge electronics (all cool things worthy buying in Tokyo!), the futuristic capital of Japan offers both authentic and state-of-the-art items, and that combination alone is enough to entice first-time international visitors.

Formerly a fishing village called Edo that was settled in 3000 BCE, Tokyo is a fascinating mix of traditional temples and eateries, jam-packed dance clubs and karaoke bars, manga and anime shops and museums, exciting cosplay hangouts, and neon skyscrapers and electronic billboards. Add to that tasty fresh seafood, unique snacks to bring home, and vast parks, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable and thrilling summer vacation.

2 Paris, France

Exciting for couples and families

Settled by the Celtic Parisii tribe around 259 BCE, Paris, the capital of France, is now considered worldwide a prime romantic, culinary, and fashion destination. It also features many attractions for children, too, making it a great family getaway, from Disneyland Paris to SEA LIFE and charming game, book, and toy stores.

The dazzling Eiffel Tower Light Shows, which take place from 8 pm to 2 am in the summer, can be enjoyed for free, preferably between Île de la Cité and the Pont d’Iéna.

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1 London, England

A cosmopolitan hub with ample entertainment and cultural opportunities

The top summer destination for Americans this summer is London, founded by the Romans in 47 CE as Londinium and now a cosmopolitan hub of museums and galleries, traditional pubs, quaint bookshops and antique stores, and popular music venues. It features four UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Tower of London, Maritime Greenwich, Westminster Palace, and Kew’s Royal Botanic Gardens.

As for the notable public green spaces providing a serene escape from the urban hustle and bustle, they include Hyde Park, Saint James Park, and Hampstead Heath, with the former offering paddling opportunities and the latter boasting stunning views of the city.

While the British capital does get busy and crowded in the summer (and much more expensive as it’s peak tourist season!), especially at its popular attractions, there are plenty of alternatives to London’s top tourist traps to enjoy instead, such as the free-to-visit Horizon 22 (a fantastic viewing platform for stunning vistas) instead of the famous London Eye.