PHOTO: Orlando, Florida took the top spot for domestic destinations. (Courtesy of Thinkstock)
This weekend signals the official start of summer, often considered vacation season for many travelers.
In that spirit, AAA Travel has revealed its lists of the top summer vacation destinations both domestic and abroad based on AAA hotel bookings.
Here's a look at how the top 10 U.S. destinations shake out:
1. Orlando, Florida
2. Miami, Florida
3. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
4. Honolulu, Hawaii
5. Tampa, Florida
6. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
7. Los Angeles, California
8. South Padre Island, Texas
9. San Diego, California
10. Branson, Missouri
Beach destinations, specifically Florida-based beach destinations, remain extremely popular based on AAA's rankings. The Sunshine State boasts four of the top six domestic destinations, led by the Theme Park Capital of the World in Orlando. Two other renowned American beach destinations, Myrtle Beach and Honolulu, round out the top six.
Perhaps the biggest surprise in the top 10 is Branson, Missouri, as the popular family vacation spot is located in the often overlooked Midwest.
The sun and sand theme carries over to AAA's top international summer destinations:
1. Cancun, Mexico
2. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
3. London, England
4. Rome, Italy
5. Montego Bay, Jamaica
6. Dublin, Ireland
7. Paris, France
8. Vancouver, British Columbia
9. Nassau, Bahamas
10. Edinburgh, Scotland
Even when traveling outside of U.S. borders, AAA Travel's hotel booking data shows that coastal destinations are favored. However, paradises like Cancun and Montego Bay have competition in beloved European cities like London, Rome and Paris, among others.
"Now is an excellent time for travelers to plan and book their dream vacations to Europe, as favorable exchange rates make popular European destinations more affordable than in recent years," said AAA senior vice president of travel and publishing Bill Sutherland in a statement summarizing the rankings. "After a harsh winter, Americans are also heading to warm weather destinations to enjoy the theme parks of Orlando and beach destinations across the U.S. and Caribbean."
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
