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Prediction: The 10 European Destinations With the Most American Tourists This Summer

There will be a 600% increase over last summer.

Europe is back in business. After two years of will they-won’t they, European destinations have opened their doors fully to Americans and restrictions are fast disappearing. So much so that travel insurance company Allianz Partners predicts a 600% increase in travel to Europe over last year. 

The company analyzed 40,000 itineraries between Memorial Day and Labor Day for trip lengths between five and eight days. Their Top 10 Summer European Destinations review gives an indication of where Americans are heading this summer and they also have data to suggest travel dates and length of trips. According to their analysis, 75% of travelers are flying across the pond for seven days and 11% will be in Europe for eight days. May 27, the Friday before Memorial Day, is the most popular travel day.

The methodology is explained as, “The data of U.S. travelers’ 2022 Summer travel plans was gathered by analyzing the number of travelers that went through the online booking process of airfare and package paths for partners offering Allianz Global Assistance travel to generate itineraries for roundtrip flights from U.S. airports during the Summer season (5/27/2022 to 9/6/2022) for trips between 5-8 days in length.”

1 OF 10

London

WHERE: England

London reigns again this year. According to this analysis, the city is responsible for 22% of all bookings. England is a popular destination for Americans. What might have also helped it retain its first position this year is the fact that it’s the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration will be held June 2-5, marking 70 years of service as a monarch. 

2 OF 10

Paris

WHERE: France

The French capital has gone up one spot this year (it was number three last year), moving past Dublin. After another COVID surge earlier this year, cases are declining in the country. Since February, fully vaccinated travelers from green or orange territories don’t need to take a COVID-19 test before entering France (including travelers from the U.S.), but confirm requirements before you set out.

If you’re planning a trip this summer, check out this ultimate list of things to do in Paris and make the most of your trip.

3 OF 10

Dublin

WHERE: Ireland

Medieval castles, centuries-old cathedrals, world-famous brews, and trendy restaurants pique the interest of travelers. Dublin was the second most popular European destination among Americans last year, and it is still highly sought-after. 

4 OF 10

Reykjavik

WHERE: Iceland

Reykjavik is holding steady at the number four position. Summer in the city means dramatic landscapes, 21-hours of sunlight, and art and music festivals. Since February 25, there are no restrictions when visiting Iceland, which means no testing, no quarantine, and no proof of certificate required. 

5 OF 10

Rome

WHERE: Italy

There is so much history in Rome that it feels suspended in time. It’s not. There is beautiful architecture and archeological ruins, but it’s a bustling city with Vespas powering through the lanes, and people savoring a myriad of flavors. Whether you like the modern version or its past life, it’ll bewitch you. That’s why this year, it has moved up one spot to the number five position.

Traveling to Rome this summer? Check off as many things as you can from this ultimate Rome bucket list.

6 OF 10

Edinburgh

WHERE: Scotland

Another city that calls you to explore its layered past is the Scottish capital Edinburgh. It is built on seven hills (another commonality with Rome), and the backdrop of the Edinburgh Castle is vividly featured in photographs. It’s a modern city with eclectic nightlife, dining, festivals, and culture, and there’s always something happening here. Maybe that’s why more American travelers are making their way to the city this year, lifting it from the seventh to the sixth spot on this list.

7 OF 10

Lisbon

WHERE: Portugal

Lisbon has made its comeback to this list after 2019—it was missing from 2021’s Top 10 Summer European Destinations review. Did you know that most of the city was decimated by an earthquake in 1755? Today, it’s pumping with energy and becoming a top European travel destination. If you love yourself a night out, Lisbon will not disappoint; its cobblestone streets are mushrooming with nightclubs and bars, and food is another major highlight.

8 OF 10

Athens

WHERE: Greece

Athens has dropped down on the list (fifth to eighth), but it’s hard to ignore the Greek temple city. From Greek mythology to philosophy, a lot occurred on this land and the city has reinvented itself to overcome the challenges of the 21st century. One of the oldest cities in the world is still thriving and inspiring.

9 OF 10

Barcelona

WHERE: Spain

Football fans, architecture geeks, and party-goers can all appreciate the Spanish city. It’s a multifaceted city and there’s a lot to do here, so you can keep coming back for more. It was clinging to the eighth position last year, and it’s come down one notch, but is still a crowd favorite.

10 OF 10

Amsterdam

WHERE: The Netherlands

Let’s start by saying that there are amazing tours in Amsterdam that you can book to absorb the vibe of the city. Amsterdam is laidback, fun, and interesting with its centuries-old houses along the canals, trendy restaurants and cafes, summertime events and festivals, and a host of museums.

It has a wild reputation amongst travelers. The mayor is pushing to ban tourists from cannabis cafes and coffee shops in order to control the soft drug market.