Top Trending International Travel Destinations
International travel is beginning to rebound more than one year since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared. The coronavirus vaccine rollout and loosening travel restrictions are making it easier for Americans to venture outside of their own borders. As the industry eyes a return to normal this summer, here are the places that travelers are most interested in visiting.
Mexico
Mexico is undoubtedly the hottest international destination for summer 2021. Based on Allianz Partners’ analysis of more than 985,000 flight itineraries for trips between five and eight days in length, Cancun is the most coveted overseas vacation destination, followed by San Jose del Cabo. In Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit region, Puerto Vallarta ranks ninth-most popular.
Iceland
Iceland is one of the award-winning tour operator Austin Adventures’ top six international destinations for 2021. The country recently reopened its borders to travelers who’ve been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. The European island nation is a bucket-list destination for many, boasting unrivaled natural attractions as well as an immersive cultural experience.
Costa Rica
Austin Adventures is also seeing surging interest in its Arenal Rainforest to Guanacaste tour through Costa Rica. The Central American country remains a natural wonder as it’s home to five percent of the world’s existing biodiversity and is among the few overseas destinations not requiring visitors to present proof of a negative COVID-19 test result.
The Bahamas
Like many destinations throughout the Caribbean, the Bahamas has been heavily impacted by the temporary pause in cruising from U.S. ports. Nonetheless, the islands’ proximity and accessibility continue to make it a highly sought-after vacation destination for travelers seeking warm weather and beaches, cheap flights and accommodations with minimal travel time.
Dominican Republic
Like Mexico, the Dominican Republic, specifically Punta Cana, continues to be a favorite among international travelers who don’t need to secure a negative COVID-19 test in order to visit. In addition to the destination’s elevated health and safety protocols implemented in response to the pandemic, affordable flights and discounted all-inclusive resort stays with flexible cancellation policies have enticed travelers to get down to the Caribbean hotspot in 2021.
Turks and Caicos
The Turks and Caicos Islands haven’t just been a hit with celebrities since welcoming back tourists but travelers from all walks of life. Providenciales, home to the glorious Grace Bay Beach, is one of the hottest international destinations for summer travel in 2021, garnering plenty of attention from travel-hungry Americans.
Jamaica
Elsewhere in the Caribbean, Jamaica continues to host international travelers from all over with the help of its resilient corridors that include the country’s most popular destinations such as Montego Bay, which is the sixth-most coveted international destination among American travelers for summer 2021, according to Allianz Partners’ research.
Aruba
Aruba was one of the first international destinations to reopen to travel in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic last year and continues to welcome visitors with proof of a negative coronavirus test result. The Island is not only beloved for its beautiful beaches and favorable climate but also its diverse food and culture and exceptional array of wildlife.
Greece
Greece is gaining momentum as the country prepares to reopen to tourists on May 15. Delta Air Lines will be the first carrier to resume service between New York City and Greece a couple of weeks later before launching service from Atlanta later this summer. The beloved European destination will also welcome back cruising this summer with Celebrity Cruise Lines sailing seven-day Greek Isles itineraries from Athens.
