More Americans are traveling for Thanksgiving than ever, according to Allianz Global Assistance’s Top 10 Thanksgiving Destination Index, which saw an eight percent increase in travelers from 2017. For the fourth year running, New York City and Cancun are Americans’ preferred domestic and international Thanksgiving destinations, respectively.
Allianz Global Assistance reviewed Americans’ travel plans* around Thanksgiving, with travel scheduled between November 17 and 27, 2018. After the Big Apple, the top U.S. destinations in order of popularity include Atlanta, Los Angeles, Orlando, Boston, Dallas, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix and Minneapolis. Detroit, Phoenix and Minneapolis are new to the list this year, knocking out Chicago, San Francisco and D.C. who were featured in the 2017 rankings.
While travel to Cancun is down from last year (8.7 percent), it still tops the international destinations list, and Mexico as a country claims four spots total: San Jose Del Cabo at number five, Puerto Vallarta at nine and Mexico City at ten. The other Top 10 destinations in order of popularity are: London, Paris, San Juan, Montego Bay, Nassau and Punta Cana.
Punta Cana and Mexico City both make their debut in the international Top 10 index this year, and San Juan reclaimed its spot after holding third place in 2015 and 2016 but falling off in 2017 following Hurricane Maria. More distant destinations like Tokyo, which made the top 10 the past three years, and Italian cities Rome and Nassau did not make this year’s list after inclusion in the Top 10 in 2017.
The day before Thanksgiving (Wednesday, November 21) is the busiest departure day according to Allianz’s index, and Sunday, November 25 is the busiest return date.
“Our annual index finds that Thanksgiving travel is up eight percent from 2017,” said Daniel Durazo, director of communications and marketing at Allianz Global Assistance USA. “And despite a tough year for Mexico, Americans are still visiting the destination in droves. Whether heading to Mexico for a beach getaway or visiting family in the states, the right travel insurance policy can provide the peace of mind needed to make this busy travel period as stress-free as possible.”
*Methodology: The data of U.S. travelers’ 2018 Thanksgiving plans were gathered by analyzing the number of customers that went through the online booking process of airfare and package paths for partners offering Allianz Global Assistance travel insurance to generate itineraries for roundtrip flights departing from U.S. airports from 11/17/2018 – 11/22/2018, returning 11/22/2018 – 11/27/2018.
Allianz Global Assistance USA is a leading consumer specialty insurance and assistance company with operation centers in 35 countries. In the United States, Allianz Global Assistance USA (AGA Service Company) serves 35 million customers annually and is best known for its Allianz Travel Insurance plans. In addition to travel insurance, Allianz Global Assistance USA offers tuition insurance, event ticket protection, registration protection for endurance events and unique travel assistance services such as international medical assistance and concierge services. The company also serves as an outsource provider for inbound call center services and claims administration for property and casualty insurers and credit card companies.
To learn more about Allianz Travel Insurance, please visit allianztravelinsurance.com
