Since the 2020 travel season has largely been a bust thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, people are looking to 2021 for their travel fix. With COVID-19 tests more readily available (even in airports around the US), a potential vaccine on the way, and destinations reopening with solid safety protocols, the prospect of tourism this coming year is much more positive than it has been since the spring.
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The Top Trending Destinations for 2021, According to Internet Searches
And travel-deprived people are ready to take the plunge and go on international vacations as proven by Expedia’s 2021 Travel Trends report. The report lists the top trending destinations for 2021 based on search data. More precisely, it looked at hotel searches from January to September and found that Americans are overwhelmingly looking for a sun-, sea-, and sand-filled getaway.
Mexico dominated the list, with Cancun taking the top spot and Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum coming in close behind. Los Cabos also made an appearance at number nine. If you’re keen to hit those destinations, make sure to check out our guide to everything travelers need to know about traveling to Mexico right now.
Other sunny spots, like French Polynesia (the only places taking in tourists in Oceania), the Maldives, Maui, and Oahu rounded out the list, along with Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
Among mainland destinations, the theme was pretty clear. Las Vegas, Miami, and Orlando show Americans are focused on warm-weather vacation spots where you can also blow off some steam.
The top trending destinations for 2021, according to Expedia’s 2021 Travel Trends report:
11. The Maldives
10. French Polynesia
9. Los Cabos, Mexico
8. Miami, Florida
7. Maui, Hawaii
6. Oahu, Hawaii
5. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
4. Orlando, Florida
3. Las Vegas, Nevada
2. Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, Mexico
1. Cancun, Mexico 