Thinking of planning a trip to Europe this winter? These are the most popular destinations for American travelers right now!
According to recent data from Allianz Partners, a travel insurance company, these are the top winter destinations in Europe for Americans.
The data is based on trips booked from November 2023 through January 2024.
Here are the most popular European destinations this winter:
1. London, England
Topping the list is London, the enchanting capital city of the United Kingdom.
London remains a popular destination with American travelers because of its proximity to the U.S. (just a hop across the pond, with many direct flights available) and because of its lack of cultural barriers.
Visiting London around the holidays is especially magical, with tons of Christmas lights and decorations throughout the city.
It’s definitely one of the most festive places to go in the winter.
In addition to visiting classic attractions like the Tower of London, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace, you can go ice skating, admire the over-the-top window displays at Harrods and Selfridges, or stroll down the lavishly decorated Regent Street.
2. Paris, France
Another popular European destination for American travelers is Paris.
Having lived in Paris and spent time in the city during all seasons, I can honestly say that winter is my favorite.
There are far fewer crowds, so you can enjoy the city’s most popular attractions without having to fight your way through hordes of tourists.
It’s also very festive around the holidays, making winter the best time to visit Paris.
3. Madrid, Spain
Madrid is one of the trendiest destinations on this list, seeing a 37% increase in popularity this winter compared to last winter.
Spain’s capital city is another destination that is best visited in the winter when the weather is cooler and there are fewer crowds.
It’s the perfect time to stroll around the Plaza Mayor, visit the famous Prado Museum or the Royal Palace of Madrid, and walk in El Retiro Park.
4. Rome, Italy
Rome is one of the best European capitals to visit during the winter. This Italian city is notoriously hot and crowded during the summer, but it’s amazing and underrated during the winter.
With temperatures often sunny, mild, and in the fifties during the winter, it’s the perfect weather for walking miles as you explore Rome’s incredible ancient sites like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam may be chilly during the winter, but the cold winter weather does not deter American travelers from visiting this iconic city.
This unique city is known for its historic canals, and even during the winter, you can hop on a sightseeing boat (with indoor seating) to see the city from the water.
Visiting the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum are two other good indoor activities for winter.
Amsterdam is a European city that gets very festive around the holidays, with ice skating on the Museumplein and lots of lights and decorations.
6. Barcelona, Spain
Out of all the destinations on this list, Barcelona has risen the fastest. Compared to last year, there’s been a 61% increase in winter trips to this Spanish city.
Barcelona is a great place to visit during the winter.
While it can be unbearably hot and crowded during the summer, it’s mild during the winter (temperatures tend to be in the fifties and sunny) and there are fewer crowds.
Although it may not be the first place you think of as a Christmas destination in Europe, Barcelona gets surprisingly festive during the holiday season, with lights, parades, and festivals.
Credit: Source link
