U.S. travelers are flocking to Europe, but where are the most popular spots this summer and what can they expect?
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Despite airfares averaging nearly 1,100 euros per ticket, the highest in six years, American travelers are flocking to Europe this summer and booking trips to bucket-list cities.
Vacations in Europe are in high demand, with most people sticking to well-known destinations rather than venturing off the beaten path, according to travel booking platform Hopper.
Airfares weren’t the only thing that hit record highs this year. Hotel prices rose by 37 percent on average, and by 61 percent in places like Rome.
The number of Americans traveling to Europe this summer will jump 55 percent, following a 600 percent increase last summer, according to a report from travel insurance company Allianz Partners.
The report also notes that 80% of Americans heading to Europe are planning a vacation of at least seven days.
Hospitality technology companies RateGain and eviivo have teamed up to determine the top summer travel trends in Europe.
Based on international inbound booking data from June to August 2023, travelers will be heading to the following locations this year:
1. Portugal will be the top European destination for summer 2023
Portugal topped the charts as Europe’s most booked country, with its capital Lisbon the number one city for leisure travel this summer.
Porto, Portugal’s second largest city, also made it into the top 10.
According to RateGain, flights from the Americas to Portugal are more economical than other European destinations.
2. Spain
In second place is Spain, with Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca and Madrid ranking among the top 10 European cities for leisure travelers.
According to reports, Spain expects to receive more than 52 million tourists from May to October.
3. Italy
Italy was ranked third, which is not surprising as the country continues to have high demand even after the pandemic.
Rome and Milan are among the top 10 cities visited by tourists.
The data also reveals that Italy is one of the favorite destinations for couples and families traveling to Europe this year.
“We are delighted that Portugal, Spain and Italy have been named among the top three most visited countries in summer 2023, because these are truly special, beautiful and inspiring destinations.” said Philippe Comunero, Regional Director of eviivo Iberia and Italy.
“Eviivo has grown significantly in these regions as more hosts, owners and hoteliers open vacation rentals, boutique hotels, Airbnbs and casinos to meet traveler demand.”
4. United Kingdom
In fourth place, the UK saw an increase in flight bookings after the pandemic. Leisure travelers are choosing London as their favorite city this summer.
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5. Greece
Finally, Greece came in at No. 5, with Athens, the “City of the Purple Crown,” the most popular destination for U.S. travelers this year.
What other countries are in the top 10 most popular?
The top 10 most booked destinations for leisure travelers from the United States also include countries such as France, Germany, Croatia, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
But with so many popular destinations on the list, what can travelers expect this summer?
Be prepared for crowds, heatwaves and strikes
Although it’s relatively early in the season, many European destinations are already seeing summer crowds, CNN said.
One businessman in Amsterdam reported: “When I look out the window, it feels like July already.”
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The Paris company told CNN that travelers looking for last-minute tickets to events or reservations at popular restaurants should have “softened expectations” this year.
“Everything leisure-related, including fine dining and luxury hotels, is being booked much earlier and far in advance than ever before.”
So-called “set jetters” also try to see the filming locations of their favorite shows, such as Netflix’s “Emily in Paris” and the second season of HBO’s “The White Lotus,” in places like Paris and Sicily. Causing a crowd.
One tourist told CNN in Sicily’s capital Palmero that in early June, tourists were “flowing into the streets like Mardi Gras.”
“You could barely walk down the street to get to another bar. People were crammed in like sardines everywhere,” they added.
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What should I watch out for in Europe this summer?
Last summer, Europe experienced extreme temperatures, and this year is expected to be even hotter.
La Niña, a colder weather pattern, has ended for the first time in three years, and El Niño has arrived.
This weather phenomenon is known to cause heat waves, droughts, wildfires, and floods. Travelers should stay hydrated and stay cool to avoid heatstroke.
Finally, the European travel industry is experiencing “mass strikes” due to high inflation and unparalleled wages.
This can cause flights and trains to be delayed or canceled.
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The Spanish Airline Pilots Union (Sepra) has announced a possible strike against European Airlines from mid-June to early July.
Meanwhile, strikes over raising the legal retirement age have affected travelers in France since January.
Learn more about upcoming strikes here.
This article was created by Media Decision and distributed by Wealth of Geeks.
