AAA Unveils Top 10 Summer Travel Destinations

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Friday, June 10th, 2016

Demand for travel to Europe remains strong, and AAA summer travel bookings show that Rome and London are at the top of many international travelers’ itineraries this summer. Americans are also flocking to warm-weather destinations in the U.S., Mexico and Caribbean, and increasingly traveling to Canada to take advantage of favorable exchange rates.

The top international summer destinations, based on AAA bookings for travel June 1 through August 15, are:

Rome, Italy (4)
London, England (3)
Cancun, Mexico (1)
Vancouver, Canada (8)
Paris, France (7)
Dublin, Ireland (6)
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (2)
Montego Bay, Jamaica (5)
Calgary, Canada
Amsterdam, Netherlands

(Number in parentheses indicates summer 2015 ranking position)

“Europe remains very popular with American travelers despite recent terrorism concerns. In fact, some of the most popular European destinations moved higher on the list this year,” said Joseph J. Richardson Jr., President and CEO, AAA - The Auto Club Group. “Increased security, a strong dollar and discounted pricing are motivating millions of Americans to venture across the pond for their summer vacations.”

Georgia Summer Traveler Statistics

-81% plan to take at least one summer trip, of 2 days or more from May - September

-74% will travel domestically, 26% internationally

-Of the various vacations: 71% will include driving, 47% flying, 7% other modes (train, RV, etc.)

Travel Alert

On May 31, the U.S. State Department issued a Travel Alert for Europe, citing the risk of potential terror attacks. Travel Alerts are issued for short-term events that travelers should be aware of when planning to visit a country. This differs from a travel warning in which the State Department urges travelers to consider very carefully whether to visit a country or region at all.

AAA urges travelers to exercise vigilance when traveling and be aware of their immediate surroundings. Determining when and where to travel is very personal. The strong interest in Europe and even Paris shows that many Americans are undeterred by recent global events.”

Top Domestic Destinations

Domestically, the great American road trip is back, with nearly 56 percent of Americans planning a drive vacation this summer, according to a recent AAA survey. The lowest summertime gas prices in 11 years are prompting Americans to drive in record numbers. More than half of U.S. adults say low gas prices are prompting them to hit the roads this year.

AAA’s top domestic summer travel destinations include:

Orlando, Fla. (1)
Seattle, Wash.
Los Angeles/Anaheim, Calif. (7)
Honolulu, Hawaii (4)
Las Vegas, Nev.
Anchorage, Alaska
New York, N.Y.
Maui, Hawaii
San Francisco, Calif.
Denver, Colo.

(Number in parentheses indicates summer 2015 ranking position)

“There are several newcomers to AAA's list of most-popular U.S. travel destinations" said Richardson, "This tells us that Americans are looking forward to venturing out this summer and exploring diverse destinations from coast to coast. However, Orlando remains a top draw for travelers of all ages. The 'City Beautiful' is world renowned for its world famous theme parks, top notch hotels and restaurants, all sandwiched between some of the most beautiful beaches in the world."