Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

These are the most popular summer travel destinations, according to Google Flights

Know the hot summer travel spots so you know where you want to go for vacation - or where you want to skip

Once that weather warms up, we can’t wait to race to the most amazing vacation spots. Whether we like that everyone else on the planet also is going there or not, there are specific summer destinations that we will go to, no matter what. Google Flights did the work and tracked where the summer travel is likely going to happen. From solo travelers to couple’s retreats, look at where the crowds want to flock to.

A view of a theme park in Orlando.

The most checked-out places

Make sure your passport is up-to-date, book that flight, and see if you’ll join other vacation-goers to these popular spots. With a group of friends or the whole family, these are where most people have their eyes pointed.

In the US

  • New York City
  • Orlando

We really don’t think of hot, sweltering New York City as the premier summer destination, but other people certainly do. But Orlando being on the list isn’t a surprise. The theme parks couldn’t hold an extra person during the summer months if they wanted to, and the beaches are just as crowded.

Outside the US

  • Rome
  • London
  • Cancun

Oh, how beautiful a holiday to Rome or London would be. Especially for those in the US, visiting those places would require a longer stay, so they make perfect summer vacation hangouts.

When isn’t Cancun a destination spot, though?

Not the most popular, but still high on the list

In the US

  • Seattle
  • Boston

Boston is stunning in the fall, but everyone should visit when they are able to. Seattle has a lot of festivals and plenty to do to fill your schedule.

Outside the US

  • Tokyo
  • Dublin
  • Barcelona

These destinations are a bit interesting. A little all over the place, but we would take an extended trip to any of them.

Where couples want to go

Ready to cuddle up with your partner this summer? Then see where other couples might be doing that, so you know if you also want to go there or try somewhere else.

  • Turks and Caicos
  • Bora, Bora
  • Jamaica
A crowded beach in the summer.
Federico Giampieri

The solo traveler

Maybe you want to eat, pray, and travel by yourself this year. There are a few places where you could do that with other solo adventurers. Don’t worry about if you should book that trip and just do it. Google Flights reported that searches for travel destinations for singles jumped 120% over last year. So don’t wait, just book your ticket.

  • Mexico City
  • New Orleans

As a friendly reminder — if you plan on going overseas anywhere, get those passport applications in now. With increased travel means the usual waiting period for a passport gets stretched out by a few weeks, and you don’t want to miss that flight out.

From June, when most kids get out of school, until August, when they go back, if you, your family, or a group of friends are booking a flight to make the most of your summer vacation, know the spots that are likely to be busy.

Editors' Recommendations

Dannielle Beardsley
Dannielle has written for various websites, online magazines, and blogs. She loves everything celebrity and her favorite…
What to bring on a plane: Experts reveal what should always be in your carry-on
If you need packing tips for long flights, experts have opinions on what to bring on a plane
A person on a plane on their laptop and phone.

The part of leaving for a flight that always gets the anxiety flowing is packing. Not even what we need when we get to our destination, but what to pack for the actual flight. Our friendly experts put together the list of what to bring on a plane, so you don't have to stress about it. Keep these tips for long flights in mind for your next jet-setting occasion.
The health and safety needs

Hand sanitizer
Sanitizing wipes
Pain medicine/sleeping aid

Read more
Not sure how to get over jet lag? A new report reveals Qantas has cracked the code
Tired of being tired after your long-haul flight? This airline is helping passengers to beat jet lag
A Qantas flight crew walking through the airport.

Delays, layovers, and long flights drive us absolutely crazy. Why? Not just the fact those dig into our vacation time, but they give us horrible jet lag. If you've ever tried to enjoy your time after a long flight, you know your body only wants to see the inside of the hotel room to sleep. If you'd like to do more sightseeing and less napping, our friends at the University of Sydney and the airline Qantas found ways for you to fight the effects of jet lag if you have a long flight ahead of you.

They released the results of a new study, conducted during test flights for Qantas' Project Sunrise Program, which will connect Sydney with London and New York when it begins operations in 2025.
The study breakdown
Things took place on non-stop flights from New York and London to Sydney, Australia
Those flights to Australia are long, with the average service from New York to Sydney landing at 22 hours and 40 minutes — without any bumps. We know, our back hurts reading that, too.
The details of the study

Read more
Summer is here — head to one of the 14 most underrated beaches in the U.S.
You can visit many of the best beaches in the world right here in the United States — no passport required!
Lumahai Beach

To find the perfect beach to have fun in the sun, it’s easy to assume that you need to head to some brand-name international tourist destination, like Fiji, Bora Bora, and the Maldives. Sure, you can’t go wrong with any of these, but some of the best beaches in the world are right here in the U.S. — no passport required. Pack up your favorite beach gear and head to one of these underrated beaches while practicing the necessary safety measures this summer.

Montaña de Oro State Park
San Luis Obispo, California
California’s Central Coast offers some of the most pristine coastlines in the entire state. For tourists, it’s an often overlooked area which, for those in the know, is a very, very good thing. Head to Montaña de Oro State Park in San Luis Obispo — seven miles of breathtaking Pacific coastline dotted with dramatic coves, panoramic bluff views, and a never-ending surf. Don’t miss the opportunity to head to the southern edge of the park, where a lesser-known path leads to beautiful Coon Creek Beach.

Read more