Holiday Travel Up by 15 Percent in 2018

According to Allianz Global Assistance’s 2018 Top Holiday Destinations Report, more Americans than ever will be traveling this holiday season.

The report found that travel increased 15 percent over last year, and New York City and Cancun remain the most popular national and international destinations for U.S. travelers.

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Americans’ travel plans December 19 to December 27, 2018, revealed that warmer-weather international getaways were once again the most popular destinations. Cancun, Mexico; San Juan, Puerto Rico; San Jose del Cabo, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; and Montego Bay, Jamaica, claimed the top five spots. Notably, Puerto Rico made the list once again after devastating hurricanes knocked the destination off of 2017’s lineup.

London, the only non-tropical destination on the list was in the number-six spot, followed by Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Mexico City, Mexico; Higuey, Dominican Republic; and Aruba.

New York City topped the domestic list once again and was followed by Los Angeles, Orlando, Boston, Seattle, Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, San Francisco, Minneapolis and Salt Lake City. San Francisco made the list once again, knocking Denver out of the ranking.

“Our holiday travel survey revealed that travel is up 15 percent over last year. Mexico City, named 2018’s World Design Capital® by World Design Organization (WDO), is a first-timer to the list, while Puerto Rico jumped up to the second most popular international destination,” said Daniel Durazo, director of marketing and communications for Allianz Global Assistance USA. “Whether you’re escaping to a sunny beach or exploring a new city, the busy holiday season can bring with it unpredictable winter weather delays or illnesses. It’s a good idea to protect your holiday trip with the right travel insurance policy** for extra peace of mind to reach your destination safely.”

For those looking to make the most of their holiday travel, Allianz recommends travel insurance as well as the following tips:

—When possible, avoid traveling on the busiest travel dates (in terms of volume, most Americans have plans to travel on Friday, December 21 and return on Wednesday, December 26)

—Wash hands and carry anti-bacterial hand gel to prevent sickness

—Download Allianz’s TravelSmart app to quickly access assistance, file and track claims, check flight status in real-time, translate first aid/medical terms and more

—With its new customer-friendly SmartBenefits, Allianz travel protection features new proactive payments and allows travelers to file other travel delay and baggage delay claims with no receipts