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2020 has been a year we'll never forget and for many travelers one we definitely don't want to repeat.
As 2021 is now on the horizon, news of a successful vaccine and more advanced testing will help open up travel next year. Once again, we'll start exploring and take those dream vacations that so many of us have been holding off on.
Instead of ‘Can we go?' the big question will become ‘Where are we going!?' According to a new travel trends report released by Expedia, ‘Top Travel Trends For 2021', there are 20 destinations that American travelers are searching the most.
Here are the top 20 most searched destinations by Americans for 2021.
Top 20 Most Searched Destinations For 2021 According to Expedia
20. Bali
While Bali hasn't reopened for international tourism quite yet, rumors have it that the ‘island of the gods' will reopen at the beginning of 2021.
Like many countries, Bali's tourism dependent economy has been devastated by the pandemic and the locals will be grateful for every tourist they get.
19. New Orleans
New Orleans has always felt like stepping into a different country without having to leave the United States. From the culture, music and unique architecture, Americans have been looking to book more trips to ‘The Big Easy' in 2021.
Looking for a romantic stay? Travel Off Path recommends the gorgeous Windsor Court Hotel.
18. Nassau
Nassau in the Bahamas has long been a favorite playground for Americans. The bustling capital of is filled with vibrant culture and modern luxury surrounded by pristine turquoise waters.
U.S. travelers will need to check the COVID-19 entry requirements for the Bahamas before booking their trip.
17. Los Angeles
Gorgeous beaches, almost perfect year round weather and the home of the movie stars has made Los Angeles a top destination for Americans in 2021.
A quick reminder that nearby Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park are still closed due to the pandemic.
16. Key West
For Americans who want to experience the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Caribbean without leaving the U.S., Key West is the go to destination. Make sure to bring a full wallet as it's definitely not the most budget friendly destination.
See top tips for experiencing Key West on a budget.
15. New York
New York is still a top destination choice for American travelers and will continue to be through 2021.
The concrete jungle of New York has something for everyone and highlights include Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the Empire State Building.
The city also offers some of the finest dining in the country including 76 Michelin Star restaurants.
14. Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta officially reopened for tourism back in June. Gorgeous all-inclusive resorts surrounded by lush jungle and cliffs on the beautiful pacific ocean make the destination a top choice for Americans year after year.
Travel Off Path recommends Villa Premier for an intimate All-Inclusive boutique hotel and the Grand Fiesta Americana for a larger style Adults only playground.
13. Aruba
Aruba is well known for its pristine white sand beaches, turquoise ocean, colorful architecture and a vibrant art and social scene.
Now open for tourism travelers headed to Aruba will need to know the current COVID-19 entry requirements before booking their trip.
12. Montego Bay
Montego Bay is Jamaica's premier tourism destination featuring pristine golden sand beaches, turquoise blue water and luxurious all inclusive resorts.
Americans flock to the island every winter to escape the cold and enjoy the tropical warm weather. Jamaica has now reopened for tourism and travelers will need to ensure they known the COVID-19 entry requirements before planning their trip.
11. Maldives
If you have an Instagram account, you've surely seen the immaculate beauty of the Maldives. Known for its overwater bungalows, high end luxury resorts and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, the Maldives has long been a bucket list destination for American travelers.
The destination is open for tourism and asks travelers meet certain COVID-19 entry requirements before arriving.
10. French Polynesia
Another tropical paradise is French Polynesia including Tahiti and Bora Bora. Also home to overwater bungalows, the islands are truly paradise on earth with some of the most gorgeous views on the planet.
Travelers will have to meet testing requirements before traveling to French Polynesia.
9. Los Cabos
American travelers love Los Cabos making it one of the most searched destinations for 2021. The vacation paradise has reopened for tourism and is a quick direct flight from many cities in the United States.
With simple entry requirements for travelers entering Mexico, this sunny beach destination will see it fair share of tourists next year.
8. Miami
Paradise in your own backyard! Miami has gorgeous beaches, a vibrant mix of cultures in a modern American city that can cater to almost every desire.
While not the most affordable place to visit, those with the budget make it their winter getaway year after year.
7. Maui
Is anyone else seeing the trend here? 16 of the top 20 most searched destinations feature warm sunny weather and beautiful beaches. Maui is no exception to this. The beautiful island in Hawaii is known for its world-famous beaches, farm to table cuisine and whale watching during the winter months.
Hawaii recently dropped its 14 day quarantine in exchange for COVID-19 testing before arrival.
6. Oahu
Hawaii's Oahu is the state's second entry on the most search destinations list. The beach of Waikiki in Honolulu is known all over the world. Combine pristine beaches with modern luxury surrounded by gorgeous landscapes make Ohau one of the most searched destinations for 2021.
Reminder before booking your trip to Hawaii to check all of the latest COVID-19 entry requirements.
5. Punta Cana
Enter the Dominican Republic with its high end all-inclusive resorts, white sand beaches and perfect Caribbean weather.
The Dominican Republic recently lifted its COVID-19 testing requirement entry making it easier than ever for Americans to visit.
The U.S. Department of State recently dropped its level 4 travel advisory for the Dominican Republic that had been in place since August.
4. Orlando
Home of Disney World, Orlando has been a top destination for decades.
The region attracts over 60 million visitors a year prior to the pandemic. Visitors come for the warm weather, world-famous theme parks, shopping, golf courses and nightlife.
3. Las Vegas
Coming in at number 3 on the most searched destinations for 2021 is ‘Sin City'. Las Vegas in a tourism mecca in the middle of the Nevada desert with some of the greatest shows, casinos and resorts in the country.
Casinos have now reopened and tourists can expect things somewhat returning to a new normal in Vegas.
2. Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen and Tulum
The Riviera Maya including Playa Del Carmen and Tulum continue to skyrocket every year in popularity.
From long stretches of white sand beaches lined with all inclusive resorts to ancient mayan ruins, exploring the Riviera Maya is endless.
The Riviera Maya is sure to get you those perfect Instagram shots as its quickly becoming known as the ‘Bali' of the west.
1. Cancun
Cancun is king.
Coming in at the number one spot of most searched destinations for 2021 is the resort city of Cancun. The tropical destination is lined with many of the best all-inclusive resorts in the world, pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters.
The Cancun International Airport is one of the most connected in the Western Hemisphere. With non-stop flights from every major city in Canada, the United States and select cities in Europe, this tourism magnet is unstoppable.
Cancun was one of the first destinations to reopen back in June already having recovered over 70% of its tourism numbers. Over 3 million visitors have arrived in Cancun over the last couple of months making it one of the top tourist destinations in the world during the pandemic.
With simple entry requirements, high end resorts and literally non stop sanitation and health protocols, Cancun will continue to grow in popularity for 2021. Time after time the resort destination has proven it can create incredible tropical vacation experiences that travelers never forget.
Are these destinations on your bucket list for 2021?
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
Rajesh Gunesh
Monday 23rd of November 2020
LOL! And COVID-free Mauritius? 🇲🇺 I always thought Americans are limited in their knowledge of Geography. It's confirmed now.
Elizabeth
Saturday 21st of November 2020
Lovely