Summer is just around the corner, and many people are starting to plan their vacations. To help travelers choose their perfect summer getaway, Expedia, one of the world’s leading travel companies, has released its list of the top vacation destinations based on flight demand as of April 1, 2023, for travel from June to August.
Whether you’re looking for a beach escape, a city break, or a cultural adventure, this list offers a range of exciting options. Let’s look at these top vacation destinations and what they offer.
Seattle
Seattle is a vibrant vacation destination known for its natural beauty, world-famous attractions, and thriving cultural scene. Seattle is home to iconic landmarks like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Museum of Pop Culture, offering a range of experiences. Seattle is surrounded by natural landscapes, including the Olympic Mountains and the Puget Sound, providing opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and whale watching.
Seattle is renowned for its coffee culture, with numerous cafes offering a range of artisanal blends and roasts. Seattle’s diverse neighborhoods, such as Capitol Hill and Fremont, offer unique shopping, dining, and nightlife experiences, ranging from fine dining to bars and music venues. You can also explore the city’s rich history and culture by visiting museums and cultural institutions such as the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum and the Seattle Art Museum.
Rome
Rome, the “Eternal City,” is a fascinating vacation destination that offers a rich blend of ancient history, culture, and art. The city is famous for its iconic landmarks, such as the Pantheon, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum, which transports you back to the Roman Empire.
You can also explore the Vatican City, home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, where they can marvel at the breathtaking art and architecture. Rome is renowned for its cuisine, offering a range of dishes from traditional pasta and pizza to gourmet cuisine.
The city is also home to numerous outdoor markets, where visitors can sample local delicacies and shop for souvenirs. Rome’s charming streets and alleys provide endless exploration opportunities, whether discovering hidden fountains and gardens or people-watching from a cozy cafe.
Paris
Paris, known as the “City of Light,” is a romantic and enchanting vacation destination with great history, culture, and beauty. The city is famous for its iconic landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre Museum. Stroll through the city’s charming streets, take in the breathtaking architecture, or enjoy a romantic river cruise along the Seine River.
Paris is known for its world-class cuisine, with numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, bistros, and cafes offering various culinary delights. The city is also a cultural hub, with a vibrant art scene and a rich history that can be explored through museums such as the Musée d’Orsay and the Palace of Versailles. Visitors can indulge in shopping along the famous Champs-Élysées or visit one of the city’s many fashionable boutiques or markets.
Punta Cana
Punta Cana is a picturesque vacation destination in the Dominican Republic, famous for its beaches, crystal-clear water, and year-round tropical climate. You can enjoy the sandy beaches of the Caribbean and the Atlantic, which stretch for miles and are fringed with swaying palm trees, offering the perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.
The area is also popular for water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing. Punta Cana is also home to numerous luxurious resorts that offer all-inclusive packages. The town offers a range of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, providing a vibrant nightlife experience. You can also explore the local culture and heritage by visiting the town’s markets and participating in cultural activities such as dance, music, and cuisine.
Orlando
Orlando is a popular spot known for its theme parks, warm climate, and abundant natural beauty. The city is home to world-famous amusement parks, including Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios, offering endless fun and entertainment for families and thrill-seekers.
You can also explore the surrounding area’s natural beauty, including the Everglades National Park and the Wekiwa Springs State Park, which provide opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting. The city is also renowned for its shopping and dining options, with numerous malls, outlets, and restaurants offering diverse cuisines.
New York City
New York City is one of the most iconic vacation destinations in the world. The city has world-famous landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. You can also take in Broadway shows and explore the diverse neighborhoods, including SoHo, Greenwich Village, and Chinatown, each with unique charm and offerings.
New York City is known for its art scene, with museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art showcasing works from artists around the world. The city is also a mecca for foodies, with many restaurants offering cuisines from all over the world and iconic street foods like hot dogs and pretzels.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a wonderful city known for its glamour, beaches, and entertainment industry. From the iconic Hollywood sign to the Walk of Fame, this city has no shortage of famous landmarks. Los Angeles is home to numerous art museums, theaters, and concert venues, making it a cultural hub that appeals to various interests. You can also enjoy miles of sandy beaches, explore the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains, or stroll along the Venice Beach Boardwalk.
London
According to a TripAdvisor report, London, known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture, is one of the top vacation destinations this summer. You can stroll through the beautiful parks and gardens or explore the many museums and galleries, including the British Museum and the Tate Modern. London is also home to famous landmarks such as Big Ben, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye.
Shoppers can enjoy a variety of retail options, from the famous Oxford Street and Covent Garden to luxury department stores like Harrods. The city is also renowned for its world-class theatre scene, including West End productions and the Globe Theatre, which offers a unique experience of Shakespearean plays. London’s diverse food scene is another draw, with many restaurants offering cuisines from around the world.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is a world-famous vacation destination in the heart of the Nevada desert. Known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” this city is famous for its flashy casinos, luxurious hotels, and thrilling nightlife. You can try their luck at slot machines, watch world-class shows and concerts, or dine at some of the best restaurants in the world. Beyond the Strip, visitors can explore the nearby Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, take a scenic drive to the Hoover Dam, or enjoy a round of golf at one of the many courses in the area.
Cancun
Cancun remains one of the top destinations for summer travel this year despite the ongoing violence in the country. Travel advisories for the Cancun and Riviera Maya regions state, “to exercise increased situational awareness after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen and to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.”
Cancun is a beautiful vacation destination known for its beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife. The city offers a variety of activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, jungle tours, and zip-lining. The Hotel Zone, a long strip of resorts, hotels, restaurants, and shops, is a popular area for tourists to explore. The ancient ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum are also within easy reach of Cancun and provide a glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture.
This article Expedia Reveals the Top Summer Vacation Destinations for 2023 originally appeared on Wander With Alex. Study by Expedia.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alexandrea Sumuel Groves is a nationally syndicated travel writer and founder of the Wander With Alex travel blog. Her work has appeared on MSN, YAHOO!, Euronews, and FOX, ABC, and NBC affiliates across the United States.
Alex travels to experience, eat, explore, and occasionally escape! She collaborates with destinations, vacation property management companies, and hospitality technology firms to provide her readers with exclusive insights and information.