Every year, TripAdvisor sits down with its massive search data and asks a simple question: where are Americans going this summer? The 2026 answer is in, and it tells a story about what we want from vacation right now.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is running away with the domestic crown. This isn't some quiet beach town keeping a low profile. It's a sprawling coastal hub packed with family attractions, championship golf courses, and enough outdoor activities to keep you busy for weeks. The beach itself stretches for 60 miles, so there's always somewhere quieter to find if you need a break from the crowds.
But here's where it gets interesting. New York City grabbed second place, which means Americans haven't ditched city breaks for sun and sand. We want both. The rest of the top ten domestic destinations mix coastal towns (Ocean City, Key West, Panama City Beach, Clearwater) with proper cities like Chicago, Las Vegas, Seattle, and Nashville. Las Vegas in particular shows no signs of cooling off. Vegas is lighting up the sky all summer for America's 250th, which probably doesn't hurt its appeal.
The International Picture
Cross the border, and beaches still dominate, but Europe shows up in force. Cancun leads the international pack, offering that sweet spot between relaxation and adventure. Then come Paris, London, and Rome, proving that the grand European tour remains a major draw for American travelers. The fact that Southern Europe's summer boom is real suggests that Spain and Italy aren't losing their magic anytime soon.
TripAdvisor's data came from searches made between early February and April 2026 for trips booked between June and August. The company analyzed search volume to determine popularity, giving us a clear window into what people are actually interested in before they book.
The Hidden Gems Starting to Trend
Beyond the obvious heavy hitters, some places are showing explosive growth. Domestically, Florida is stealing the show with Orlando, Longboat Key, and Pensacola Beach all climbing fast. Orlando makes sense given the theme parks, but Longboat Key is a different story, a barrier island off Sarasota that offers a quieter take on Gulf Coast living.
Internationally, the trending list reveals something bolder. Green Island in Jamaica, The Bight Settlement in Turks and Caicos, Kyushu in Japan, Bilbao in Spain, and Tropea in Italy are all seeing searches spike. These aren't the postcard destinations everyone's heard of. Kyushu, Japan's southernmost main island, appeals to travelers looking past Tokyo and Kyoto. Tropea, a small Calabrese fishing village with dramatically carved cliffs, offers Mediterranean beauty without the cruise ship crowds.
Why This Matters Right Now
The shift toward domestic travel over international trips likely reflects real travel economics. Rising airfare costs and global uncertainty push Americans toward roads they know, beaches they've heard about from friends, and cities they can reach without major hassle. That said, Europeans are following a similar playbook. Europe's new border system could trap you in 6-hour airport queues this summer, which may be encouraging travelers to stay local or plan more strategically.
The data also signals where the travel industry is heading. The fact that lesser-known destinations like Bilbao and Tropea are gaining traction suggests adventurous travelers are moving beyond the usual suspects. These places have the culture, food, and atmosphere that appeal to people who've already done the classic tour.
If you're still booking, Myrtle Beach's dominance tells you the beach-plus-activities formula works. Cancun's international lead suggests the Mexico advantage (proximity, affordability, established infrastructure) remains strong. And those trending destinations? They're where the smart travelers are already looking.
