Are you making travel plans for summer 2024?
Recommendation
Delta Airlines has released its list of the most searched-for summer travel destinations, and while there are some classic favorites like Paris and Rome, other locations might surprise you.
For example, Athens, Greece saw the highest growth in interest, up nearly 250% year-over-year, while Vancouver and Dublin, Canada, may not necessarily be must-visit destinations, but they made it into Delta's top 10. Overall, searches for these top 10 international destinations increased by more than 150% from 2023.
To compile this list, Delta analyzed U.S.-based search data on Delta.com from November 2023 to March 2024 for travel from May to August 2024. Here's a summary of the most searched-for international destinations:
London (UK), Paris (France), Rome (Italy), Athens (Greece), Cancun (Mexico), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Tokyo (Japan), Dublin (Ireland), Barcelona (Spain), Vancouver (Canada)
Using the same search data and time period, Delta also released the top five domestic destinations excluding Delta hubs for summer 2024 travel.
Las Vegas, Nevada Orlando, Florida Miami, Florida Honolulu, Hawaii Denver, Colorado
It's shaping up to be a big year for travel, near and far. “Demand remains strong, delivering a record-breaking spring and summer travel season, with 11 of our highest-selling days in our history this year alone,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. If you need some fun travel inspiration for Delta's hot spots for summer 2024, here are some far-flung and domestic ideas to get your wanderlust going.
Barcelona
Vistas Rooftop Garden at El Palace Barcelona Courtesy of El Palace Barcelona
Stay (or party) at El Palace Barcelona, ​​which celebrates its 105th anniversary this year; DJs lead social events in the rooftop garden. If you want to splurge, stay in an “Art Suite” inspired by the likes of Salvador DalÃ, Josephine Baker and Joan Miró, or dine at Amar Barcelona, ​​where their shrimp and turbot meunière will be talked about for months. There's plenty to see and do in the Catalan capital, but we recommend walking down La Rambla, the beautiful wide boulevard, and eating at La BoquerÃa Market, followed by Antoni Gaudi's Sagrada FamÃlia, the Art Museum of Catalonia, the Picasso Museum and the Jewish History Museum.
Dublin
The lobby of the Shelbourne Hotel, which will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2024. The Shelbourne
Toast “sláinte” to Ireland. To make the most of your time here, we recommend booking with Celtic travel experts Brendan Vacations. They'll put together a fantastic Dublin itinerary, including local foodie tours, Dublin Castle, Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse, Jameson Distillery and the chance to see the Book of Kells. Stay at The Shelbourne Dublin, which was founded in 1824 and has a spa and several fine dining restaurants.
Honolulu
Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa features Hawaii's first traditional Japanese bath. Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa
For those dreaming of island life, Hawaii is no easy choice, especially if you're staying at the highly anticipated Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa, which opened earlier this year and features amenities like a saltwater pool, kids' activities and a spa with a traditional Japanese bath and Himalayan salt sauna.
Or try the Twin Fin Hotel, just steps from Waikiki's oceanfront, which has recently opened a hands-on surfing school led by pro surfing champion Jamie O'Brien. (For families with kids or traveling in groups, the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort or Ambassador's Romar Waikiki are also great choices.) No matter where you call home second home, dine at La Bettola Waikiki, one of Oahu's most talked-about Italian restaurants, and The Lookout Food & Drink, which offers spectacular views of the Wai Kai Wave, Hawaii's first deep-ocean standing wave, and nightly live entertainment.
Denver
Visit Denver for concerts at the spectacular Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater.
Located east of the Rocky Mountains, the city's world-famous Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater are not to be missed in summer. Bike or stroll around Washington Park. Stay at Flora House, a chic B&B that opened in 202 in Denver's Wyman Historic District, or the city's newest lodgings, the Thompson Hotel or the Slate Hotel. For a great meal, try the recently reopened Casa Bonita, acquired by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and serving Mexican-inspired dishes like ceviche and Christmas enchiladas by chef Dana Rodriguez. Other newcomers include Fox & the Hen, an all-day breakfast spot run by Top Chef alum Carrie Baird, and Sap Xua, serving “non-traditional Vietnamese cuisine” in Denver's East Colfax neighborhood.
Orlando
People enjoying water activities at the Evermore Orlando Resort. Evermore Orlando Resort
You don't need us to tell you to plan a trip to Disney, but rejoice in the fact that Evermore Orlando Resort opened in town this year. The $1.5 billion luxury resort brings a coastal vibe to Orlando with 20 acres of man-made beach complete with water slides, rope swings, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and beachfront dining. Adjacent to Walt Disney World, the resort is anchored by the Conrad Orlando, with more than 400 rooms and suites (and two Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses).
