Americans Haven’t Given Up on International Travel—These Are the 10 Trips They’re Booking Most
Tripadvisor data shows travelers aren’t skipping international travel, they’re just planning it differently.
Even with domestic beach trips taking over a lot of summer plans, international travel is still very much on the table. According to Tripadvisor’s Summer Travel Index, which tracks search and booking behavior for trips between June and August, plenty of Americans are still locking in trips overseas.
The difference is how people are approaching it. These aren’t as last-minute as the quick U.S. beach getaways…travelers are booking tours, day trips, and experiences ahead of time and building their itineraries around them.
The 10 Most Popular International Destinations for U.S. Travelers
10. Oranjestad, Aruba
Oranjestad gives you a little more to do than a typical beach resort area. You’ve got the waterfront, shops, and restaurants all within easy reach, so you’re not limited to just the hotel.
It’s also one of those places where you don’t have to overthink the logistics. Flights are straightforward, and once you arrive, it’s easy to settle into a routine.
9. Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver feels like an easy entry point into international travel. It’s clean, organized, and familiar in a lot of ways, but the scenery is what really stands out once you’re there.
In the summer, you can spend time along the water, head into the mountains, or just enjoy the neighborhoods without feeling rushed. It’s a good option if you want something a little different without committing to a long-haul trip.
8. Palm-Eagle Beach, Aruba
Palm-Eagle Beach is more about settling in than packing your days with plans. The beaches are wide, the water is calm, and most of the resorts are set up so you don’t need to leave unless you want to.
A lot of travelers pick this area because it feels easy from start to finish, especially if you’re looking for a slower-paced trip.
7. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of those places where your days fill up quickly without much effort. You can start with sightseeing…Gaudí, markets, old streets, and end up at the beach by late afternoon.
It’s also a city that rewards wandering. Some of the best parts of the trip tend to come from just moving through different neighborhoods and seeing what you find.
6. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo continues to be one of the most convenient international trips from the U.S. Flight times are manageable, and there’s a wide range of places to stay depending on what kind of trip you want. (I loved the Casa Maat at JW Marriott Los Cabos Beach Resort & Spa.)
Some people come here to fully relax, others plan out dinners, boat days, and excursions. It’s flexible in a way that works for a lot of different travel styles, as there is a wide variety of things to do in Cabo.
5. Bávaro, Dominican Republic
Bávaro is heavily centered around all-inclusive resorts, which is a big part of the appeal. Once you check in, you don’t need to think about much beyond what you want to do that day.
For travelers who want a break without having to plan every detail, that setup is hard to beat.
4. Rome, Italy
Rome is a bigger trip, and most people treat it that way. There’s a lot to see, and it’s easy to overpack your days if you’re not careful.
Spacing things out tends to make the experience better. Picking a couple of major sights and leaving room for long meals and slower afternoons makes it feel less like a rush.
3. London, England
London is one of those cities where having a few things booked ahead of time really helps. Popular tours, especially the smaller group ones, tend to fill up quickly in the summer.
At the same time, it’s still easy to balance that with unplanned time—walking through neighborhoods, stopping in pubs, and exploring different parts of the city. There are a ton of fun things to do in London!
2. Paris, France
Paris is less about fitting everything in and more about how you spend your time there. The highlights are obvious, but the smaller moments tend to stand out more once you’re actually in the city.
Summer makes it especially easy to slow down a bit—longer days, outdoor seating, and more time to just walk and take it in.
1. Cancún, Mexico
Cancún continues to be one of the most straightforward international trips to plan. Flights are easy, there are plenty of resort options, and you can decide how structured or relaxed you want the trip to be.
It’s also where a lot of travelers are booking activities ahead of time—cenote tours, trips to Chichén Itzá, and guided excursions that break up the typical resort stay.
If you’re leaning toward staying closer to home, I also broke down the most popular U.S. destinations travelers are booking right now—it’s a very different mix than this list.
