As border restrictions ease worldwide, travelling abroad is on everyone’s mind. After the widespread shutdown of international travel, most are already thinking about where to take their next vacation.
If you’re planning a trip, it’s essential to prepare in advance. From pre-booking airport hotels online to checking the travel restrictions at your dream destination.
ParkSleepFly compiled a list of the best travel destinations, using Google search results to discover the most popular tourist spots, upcoming vacation destinations and each state’s favorite places to visit.
total searches in the last 6 months
It’s no secret that Americans love a Caribbean vacation, and the white sand beaches of Puerto Rico are no exception.
Of the five bioluminescent bays that exist worldwide, Puerto Rico is home to three - the brightest being Mosquito Bay. Vacationers to Puerto Rico can watch the waves glow a magical vibrant blue at night.
There were over 1.6 million Google searches in the last six months relating to vacations in Puerto Rico.
Since Puerto Rico is a US territory, US citizens travelling to the island via domestic flights can enter without restrictions. Unvaccinated travellers must produce a negative PCR test and vaccinated passengers must show vaccination proof upon arrival.
total searches in the last 6 months
The tropical South Asian island famous for its crystal blue waters and idyllic landscape is one of the most popular travel destinations for Americans.
Most Maldives resorts are private enclaves situated on individual islands, offering the ultimate level of privacy while you relax in paradise.
Over the past six months, there have been over 400,000 Google searches for hotels, flights and vacations in Maldives!
The Maldives borders are open to US travellers who can present a negative PCR test result from within 96 hours of flight departure.
total searches in the last 6 months
Costa Rica is one of the most popular vacation countries for US residents. Despite having a smaller land area than West Virginia, the Central American country is well known for its large jungles, volcanoes and varied wildlife.
Americans have searched over 380,000 times for vacations, hotels and flights to Costa Rica, in the last six months!
Visitors from the US can enter Costa Rica whether vaccinated or not. Unvaccinated travellers must purchase a travel policy to cover medical expenses and all visitors must complete an online Health Pass form prior to arrival.
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increase in searches
Gorgeous white beaches and deep blue waters line the coasts of the US Virgin Islands. The tropical heaven gets the sun all year, with the cooler season averaging highs of 82°F.
There has been an over 98% increase in the total number of google searches for flights, vacations and hotels in the US Virgin Islands in 2021 compared to the previous year.
increase in searches
Maldives, which is one of 2021’s most popular vacation hotspots, saw an over 72% increase in Google searches this year when compared to 2020.
A vacation in the Maldives can be a romantic getaway or wildlife vacation. Resorts are often situated on private islands, and the crystal blue lagoons make it easy to spot bright-coloured fish, turtles and sharks while snorkelling.
increase in searches
There has been a 61% increase in searches for flights, vacations and hotels in Indonesia this year.
No exception to the growth in popularity of island vacations, Indonesia’s most popular tourist hubs are on the surrounding islands. Common vacation spots include Bali and Lombok.
decrease in searches
The biggest decline in vacation popularity among Americans can be seen in China. There has been a 75.03% decrease in Google searches for flights, vacations and hotels in China this year.
Following the emergence of Covid-19 China imposed strict border policy, and suspended all visas on-arrival, so it’s not surprising to see a decline in popularity.
decrease in searches
Compared to 2020, there has been a 59.64% decrease in searches for vacations, hotels and flights to Italy.
Although a common tourist-hub, the declining popularity of vacations in Italy comes alongside numerous lockdowns throughout 2021 where shops and restaurants closed.
decrease in searches
The popularity of vacations in Hong Kong has decreased 54.06% since last year, according to Google search results over the last six months.
With some of the strictest border restrictions in the world, it’s easy to see why less Americans are searching for trips to Hong Kong.
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total searches in the last 6 months
Cancún is the most popular vacation city of 2021, according to Google search results. There were over 600,000 searches for flights, hotels and vacations in the Mexican capital of tourism, nightlife and culture.
Close to Mayan ruins including Chichen Itza and the Tulum fortress, a trip to Cancún is rich with history.
There is no requirement to provide negative PCR test results or quarantine upon arrival in Mexico.
total searches in the last 6 months
Bali has been a favorite travel destination for Americans in recent years, and in 2021, it is one of the most-Googled travel destinations in the world.
Over the past six months there have been over 440,000 searches for vacations, flights and hotels on the Indonesian island.
Known globally for its temples, beaches and nightlife scene, a visit to Bali can be a relaxing getaway or party vacation.
Visa-free and visa-on-arrival entry for all foreign travelers, including U.S. citizens, is currently suspended, with no indication of when restrictions may be lifted.
total searches in the last 6 months
The Middle Eastern tourist hub Dubai is one of America's favourite cities to vacation in! Over 400,000 Google searches for vacations, flights and hotels in Dubai were made in the last six months.
Famous for its modern skyline, filled with architecture and skyscrapers, visitors in Dubai can enjoy luxury shopping in the city centre.
However, the natural landscapes of the UAE are equally captivating. Travellers who venture outside the city can find vast deserts to explore, including the Sweihan Desert which is popular among off-roaders.
A negative PCR test result taken no more than 72 hours before flight departure is required upon arrival in Dubai.
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increase in searches
Saint Thomas is filled with opportunities for adventure, learning and world-class dining. Home to attractions from the Pirate Treasure Museum to the picturesque Magens Bay, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on the island.
Searches for flights, hotels and vacations in Saint Thomas saw a 77.03% increase in 2021 compared to 2020!
increase in searches
With travel restrictions imposed on most international arrivals across the world, it’s no surprise to see more Americans vacationing closer to home.
Compared to 2020, there have been 45.88% more searches this year for flights, hotels and vacations in Toronto!
increase in searches
Cabo is the perfect destination for a sunny beach vacation. It’s easy to travel to Cabo from the US by air, boat or road and US dollars are widely accepted as a valid form of currency.
The total number of searches for flights, vacations and hotels in Cabo has increased over 41.40% in 2021 compared to the previous year.
decrease in searches
Home to gothic architecture, historic cathedrals and the Goethe House, Frankfurt has been a common tourist destination for years.
However, until recently only fully vaccinated travellers from the US were permitted to enter Germany. Compared to last year, there has been a 61.38% decrease in searches for vacations to Frankfurt.
decrease in searches
China’s capital saw an over 56.81% decrease in searches for flights, vacations and hotels in 2021 compared to 2020.
decrease in searches
There was a 54.33% decline in the number of searches for flights, hotels and vacations in Auckland this year.
Entry to New Zealand from all nations, except a select few quarantine-free travel countries, is still strictly closed.
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most popular in
The total number of Google searches for flights, hotels and vacations in popular tourist countries across the world reveals the top travel country in each state.
Puerto Rico was the most-Googled vacation spot in the last six months in 41 out of 50 states!
most popular in
Residents in Alaska, North Dakota and Wyoming Googled flights, hotels and vacations in the Maldives more than any other country in the last six months.
most popular in
Aruba is the most popular vacation country in Massachusetts and New Hampshire!
most popular in
Costa Rica is the most-Googled country for flights, hotels and vacations by those living in Idaho and Montana.
most popular in
Using google searches for the past six months reveals Cancún is the most popular vacation city for 18 states.
most popular in
15 states’ top travel destination of 2021 is Bali, including Alaska, Hawaii and Michigan!
most popular in
The three states that searched the most for flights, hotels and vacations in Bora Bora over any other destination are Kentucky, Indiana and Tennessee.
most popular in
Dubai was the most-searched vacation destination in three states, including Mississippi, Louisiana and South Carolina.
Using a list of 79 countries and 89 cities data was collected from Google Keyword planner on the number of searches for ‘flights to x’, ‘vacations to x’ and ‘hotels in x’.
To find the most popular travel spots of 2021 the total number of Google searches for all terms from April-September 2021 was recorded.
To reveal the travel destinations increasing and declining in popularity, the total search volume for all 3 search terms in October 2019 - September 2020 was compared to the period from October 2020 - September 2021.
To discover each state’s favourite travel locations, the total number of searches for all 3 search terms over the past 6 months was totalled.
All data is correct as of November 2021.
Always check the latest information on Covid-19, entry requirements and travel warnings for your destination before travelling. Consult the U.S. State Department and CDC travel guidelines for the latest advice.