Where are most travelers headed this summer?
Delta Air Lines just revealed their most-searched international destinations right now, and spoiler alert — European summer is HOT this year.
Searches are actually up 150% compared to last summer, which just goes to show how much pent-up demand there still is for travel.
It also means that many of these international hotspots will be crowded this summer, so I’m going to be sharing my top tips for when to visit each of these destinations for the best possible experience.
Let’s take a look at the top five trending international destinations right now…
5. Cancun, Mexico
The only destination not in Europe to crack the top five is Cancun. It’s no surprise since this tropical beach paradise is just a short nonstop flight away from nearly 40 U.S. cities.
Summer is actually a great time to visit Cancun for fewer crowds, lower prices on hotels, and better deals on airfare. Winter and spring are peak season in Cancun, but things slow down dramatically in the summer.
If you don’t mind extremely hot, humid weather and a high chance of afternoon storms, summer is a great time to visit for budget-conscious travelers.
Not interested in Cancun? Plan a trip to one of these underrated nearby Mexican Caribbean destinations instead.
4. Athens, Greece
Another popular destination this summer is Athens, Greece. With new nonstop flights from the U.S. to Athens, it’s easier than ever to get to this city full of ancient wonders.
Now, I’ve been to Athens in the summer, and I’m going to strongly urge you to avoid visiting during this time of year!
Just a few days ago, the Acropolis closed to protect tourists from the extreme heat. Temperatures were above 104° F and the country is experiencing its earliest ever heat wave.
I highly recommend visiting Athens in the late fall, winter, or early spring instead. You could go in the dead of winter and still temperatures are rarely lower than the fifties.
3. Rome, Italy
Next up, Rome is trending with American travelers this summer. Nicknamed the Eternal City, Rome is another destination with jaw-dropping ancient marvels like the Colosseum.
This is another city I’d avoid during the summer because of how hot and crowded it gets. I went to Rome last year in November, and it was actually perfect.
The weather was still surprisingly warm and mild, and there were way fewer crowds.
You can also find significantly better deals on airfare from the U.S. if you look for flights outside the peak summer season.
2. Paris, France
The second most popular international destination this summer is Paris. But should you go?
I’ve already shared why you won’t want to visit Paris this summer. The short version: sky-high prices and record-breaking crowds for the Olympics in late July and early August.
I used to live in Paris and have spent a lot of time there, and my top picks for when to go are fall (October and November) or spring (April is an amazing and beautiful month to visit!)
1. London, United Kingdom
Finally, London is the number one trending international destination this summer!
It’s also the only city in Europe that I think you’re okay visiting in the summer — it doesn’t tend to get as hot as the other cities on this list, and London really comes alive during the summer.
That being said, I highly recommend getting out of the city for some of your trip instead of spending all your time in London.
There are some amazing day trips and weekend trips you can take from London — my favorites are Oxford, the Cotswolds, and Bath.
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