The Hottest US and International Summer Travel Destinations

Portland, Oregon (Photo via Noreen Kompanik)

by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 10:00 PM ET, Fri May 5, 2023

10. Portland, Oregon

1/20

The Pacific Northwest appears to be in high demand this summer as Portland falls just one spot from last year to round out the domestic top 10 in 2023. This time of year is ideal in the City of Roses as visitors can look forward to comfortable weather, outdoor festivals, farmers markets and endless nature to explore.

9. Miami, Florida

2/20

After falling out of the top 10 last year, Miami bumped Denver out of the mix this year, re-emerging at number nine. This sizzling South Florida metropolis boasts undeniable appeal for summer vacationers who can even use it as a starting and or end point for a cruise getaway.

8. Las Vegas, Nevada

3/20

Las Vegas remains the eighth-most popular U.S. city for a summer vacation, based on Allianz's latest review. The arrival of scorching desert temperatures also means Vegas pool season is in full swing so visitors will have no shortage of ways to cool off while experiencing the Entertainment Capital of the World.

7. Los Angeles, California

4/20

Los Angeles is also unmoved from 2022, holding steady at number seven domestically. The Southern California sun is calling weary travelers after a long winter and those who answer will be rewarded with gorgeous beach days, rejuvenating hikes through the hills, retail therapy and an unparalleled foodie scene.

6. New York, New York

5/20

The Big Apple is a perennial summer vacation favorite as it features an abundance of premier sites and attractions as well as marquee summer events ranging from star-studded music festivals to can't-miss sporting events like the U.S. Open tennis championships.

5. Kahului, Hawaii

6/20

For the second straight year, two Hawaiian destinations rank inside of the top five, with Kahului on the island of Maui continuing to draw interest thanks to its pristine beaches, delectable food trucks, laid-back bars and numerous opportunities for adventure.

4. Boston, Massachusetts

7/20

In the Northeast, Boston once again edges out rival New York when it comes to summer appeal. The city is known for brutal winters but the changing of the seasons means visitors can explore top sites and attractions outdoors, whether its the Freedom Trail, catching a Red Sox game at Fenway Park or strolling the scenic waterfront.

3. Honolulu, Hawaii

8/20

The Hawaiian capital is always a summer hit for travelers in search of great weather, beautiful beaches and lively events like fairs and festivals. Honolulu boasts a diverse range of offerings, from nature and outdoor adventures to cultural experiences and quintessential vacation activities like lounging on the beach, dining out and shopping.

2. Seattle, Washington

9/20

Seattle ranks as the second most popular U.S. city for a summer escape for the second straight year in 2023. The Emerald City has got plenty to offer, including iconic attractions and bucket-list sites as well as mouthwatering seafood and jaw-dropping nature.

1. Orlando, Florida

10/20

It's going to take something dramatic to remove Orlando from the top spot when it comes to summer vacation hotspots. After all, the Theme Park Capital of the World has no shortage of family-friendly offerings and warm weather to complement those experiences.

10. Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Islands

11/20

When it comes to a summer trip abroad, the Caribbean is calling many travelers. The U.S. Virgin Islands jump out as Americans don't need a passport to visit the sun-kissed islands of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix.

9. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

12/20

The Turks and Caicos Islands, which dropped COVID-19 vaccine requirements on April 1, will be another popular stop in the Caribbean this summer, according to Allianz's latest data.

8. London, UK

13/20

London is the lone European destination in the international top 10. The U.K. is a perennial favorite for those venturing overseas but the coronation of King Charles III has only added to its allure as more Americans eye a trip across the Atlantic.

7. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

14/20

Puerto Vallarta is one of three Mexican destinations generating tons of interest this summer. Located on the country's Pacific coast, the resort town is renowned for being one of the world's most LGBTQ-friendly destinations, blending natural charm with a lively nightlife scene to give visitors something to look forward to round-the-clock.

6. Nassau, Bahamas

15/20

A destination often visited by cruise travelers, Nassau in the Bahamas is an easy choice for a summer vacation locale. Visitors can set up shop at world-class resorts like Atlantis Paradise Island and book once-in-a-lifetime experiences like swimming in crystal-clear waters with friendly pigs.

5. Montego Bay, Jamaica

16/20

Montego Bay, Jamaica is down one spot from 2022, ranking as the fifth most sought-after international destination. Travelers will find it all here, from splendid beaches and nature to fascinating history and culture.

4. Oranjestad, Aruba

17/20

Aruba is a Caribbean paradise with something for everyone, whether they're seeking a closer connection with nature, a luxury stay an adrenaline-pumping experience out on the Caribbean Sea. Visitors can swim in a natural pool, go kitesurfing and win big at an oceanfront casino all on the same day.

3. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

18/20

Elsewhere in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic, specifically Punta Cana continues to draw tons of interest from American travelers. Plentiful flight options and an array of top-tier beachfront hotels and resorts make this magnificent stretch of coastline one of the most popular among summer vacationers.

2. San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

19/20

Few words are as synonymous with summer vacation as Cabo. Whether making the short trip from the West Coast or flying from across the country, San Jose del Cabo is certain to wow visitors with world-class golf courses, remarkable beaches and blissful spa resorts.

1. Cancun, Mexico

20/20

Like Orlando, Cancun continues to fend off the competition when it comes to summer travel interest. This resort city in the Mexican Caribbean is beloved for its tourist-friendly infrastructure, including a plethora of award-winning all-inclusive resorts, accessibility, beaches, reefs and proximity to mesmerizing cenotes and ancient ruins.

The peak summer travel period is nearly upon us and that means travelers are busy making plans to visit their favorite places around the world.

Allianz Partners recently released its Top 10 Summer Travel Destinations review, revealing the most popular domestic and international destinations for summer vacationers in 2023.

The leading travel insurance and assistance provider analyzed more than 1.6 million flight itineraries between five and eight days in length for travel booked between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day, revealing that nearly three out of four travelers (73 percent) are planning to travel within the U.S. while the remaining 27 percent are seeking a summer vacation abroad.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, big cities and sunny beach destinations dominate this year's top 10 lists.

Here's a look at the 10 U.S. cities and the 10 overseas destinations drawing the most interest from summer vacationers this year.