Looking for summer travel inspiration? We followed the trends to see where U.S. travelers are flocking to this summer. Based on data compiled from internet search activity, Google Flights has just released its list of the most popular vacation spots for 2024. The list takes into account the most frequently searched for destinations among U.S. residents for travel between June 1 and August 31. So, if you’re thinking about visiting one of these trending summer vacation hot spots, make sure to book your ticket ASAP — and discover the best things to do when you get there below.
5. New York, New York
The Big Apple is a popular vacation spot any time of year, and this summer is no exception, as it ranks fifth on the list of most popular vacation spots this summer. No matter if it’s your first or tenth visit, there are plenty of iconic landmarks worth checking out during your time in NYC, from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building, Central Park, and Broadway. But the city is always evolving, and you’ll find surprises around every corner — including a few secret spots most tourists don’t know about.
Plus, New York’s summer event calendar is stacked. The Governor’s Ball music festival, which returns to Queens from June 7 to 9, showcases over 60 artists from a variety of popular genres, with headliners including Post Malone and the Killers. In July, New York City’s Independence Day celebrations include the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show along the East River. Show up early to get yourself a spot and witness one of the more spectacular fireworks performances anywhere in the world. In August, book a reservation at one of the city’s top eateries during Restaurant Week, which offers decadent prix fixe menus at affordable prices.
4. Rome, Italy
The “Eternal City” is magical any time of year, particularly if you know where to get off the beaten path. But for a particularly memorable dose of culture and history, consider visiting Rome in early June to participate in the Festa della Repubblica. This annual June 2 celebration commemorates when Italians voted upon a new government in the wake of World War II, establishing the Italian Republic. The event features an impressive military parade through the city streets, plus a flyover from the Frecce Tricolori — an acrobatic team of nine military aircraft which will leave a stream of red, white, and green smoke (for the colors of the Italian flag) across the skies above.
June is packed with other major events in Rome, such as the 30th anniversary of Roma Pride on June 15. There’s also the Caracalla Festival, which runs from June 3 to August 10, and features a variety of concerts and performances staged in front of 2,000-year-old ancient Roman walls. From July 26 to 28, check out the Rally di Roma Capitale — a stock car race that winds through the city streets past monuments such as the Coliseum.
Then, on August 5, it’s the Madonna of the Snow event at Basilica di Santa Maria delle Never. This unique event pays tribute to a local legend of snowfall covering the city back in the summer of 358 CE. Since 1983, organizers have manufactured snowfall that’s released into the air at midnight, covering the area around the basilica in a majestic sheet of pristine white snow.
3. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is normally one of the most expensive cities on the planet, but as of 2024, the value of the Japanese yen against the U.S. dollar continues to be historically weak, making this summer a great time for U.S. travelers to visit. And if you’re a foodie, that also means great deals at the city’s 200 Michelin-starred restaurants — the most of any city in the world.
If it’s your first time in Tokyo, make sure to stop by the observation decks of the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views from nearly 1,500 feet high or explore the city’s many vibrant neighborhoods, such as Harajuku, and serene parks filled with historic temples. .
But those are things you can do year-round, so what about summer-specific events? Consider a day trip to Fussa, a suburb west of Tokyo, to witness the Fussa Firefly Festival. This stunning light show occurs in mid-June, as organizers release 500 fireflies into the air to light up their skies with their natural beauty. Summertime also features two important religious festivals in the Shinto tradition — the Sanno Festival from June 7 to 17 and the Fukagawa Festival in mid-August, where people parade through Tokyo’s streets wearing traditional dress accompanied by music, floats, and performances.
2. Paris, France
It’s no wonder that Paris makes this list, given that the city is hosting perhaps the biggest event of the summer, the 2024 Olympics. The Parisian games mark the first time in exactly a century that Paris will play host to the Olympics, which are set to begin on July 26 and run through August 11. Many of the planned arenas are being built in the shadow of some of the city’s most notable landmarks, including a volleyball court located at the base of the Eiffel Tower. The legendary clay courts of Roland-Garros will not only play host to Olympic tennis, but also the French Open tournament, which is set to culminate on June 9.
Paris is expected to be packed with visitors during the Olympics, so perhaps you’d rather plan your trip during a less crowded time in the summer. Luckily, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path landmarks to check out — from the striking abstract Louis Vuitton Foundation museum to the city’s quirky “Street Art Alley.” Paris’ iconic museums are also touting new exhibitions this summer. The Louvre takes a look at the works of Renaissance master Jan van Eyck (until June 17), and there’s a planned exhibit featuring antiquities from the ancient Olympics that runs for the duration of the summer.
1. London, England
Like Paris, sporting events take center stage in London, England, this summer. The season starts off in a major way across the pond with the UEFA Champions League final — one of the most prestigious events in professional football — at Wembley Stadium on June 1. A few days later, Major League Baseball makes its way to England for the 2024 London Series, marking the third year in a row that MLB games will be played at London Stadium. This year, the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies will compete on June 8 and 9 for international glory. There’s also the Wimbledon Tennis championship, which is set to take place on those iconic grass courts from July 1 to July 14.
But if sports aren’t your cup of tea, you’ll find plenty of other fascinating events and landmarks to explore — from iconic ones like Big Ben and the London Eye to many lesser-known gems. On June 8 and 9, the London Open Gardens festival celebrates its 25th year, opening up over 100 private green spaces throughout the city that are usually closed to the public. On July 15, Buckingham Palace will officially open for the summer, allowing guests to walk its hallowed halls and tour the palatial structure. Then, from August 25 to 26, the Notting Hill Carnival celebrates London’s rich Caribbean culture. The popular event often sees 50,000 performers take to the streets for dancing, steel drum music, and more memorable revelry.
Top Destination for Couples and Families – Turks and Caicos
Google also analyzed search data to determine the top vacation spots for couples, families, and solo travelers. The site determined that one destination was especially popular among couples and families alike: the Caribbean archipelago of Turks and Caicos. This tropical British territory is known for its crystalline waters and sandy beaches, making it ideal for everything from romantic excursions to family vacations.
One of the most popular local activities involves taking a snorkeling cruise out to some of the colorful reefs located along the shore. If you’re lucky, you may also encounter a famous local resident named JoJo, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin who loves to interact with humans. To learn more about the territory’s history, visit the Turks and Caicos National Museum, which is home to artifacts from the oldest European shipwreck anywhere in the Western Hemisphere, dating to the 1500s.
Top Destination for Solo Travelers – Bali, Indonesia
Backpackers have long traveled to this Indonesian island, and summer 2024 looks to continue that trend. If you visit, be sure to take a trip to the waterside village of Canggu, known for its epic surf culture off the coast of Echo Beach. Then venture over to nearby Ubud, where you can get up close and personal with 1,200 long-tailed macaques at the famed Monkey Forest, which acts as a sanctuary for these incredible creatures.
It’s also worth visiting Munduk for its series of stunning waterfalls that you can bathe under. Munduk is home to a Hindu water temple located in the middle of Tamblingan Lake, where water levels rise and fall depending on rainfall. This temple is known as Ulun Danu Bratan, and is one of the most sacred and picturesque structures on the island.
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