Americans Have Voted: Unveiling the Top Travel Destination, 2023

Stingray City, Grand Cayman

Americans have voted, not for a new President, which is to take place later this year (2024), but for their favorite travel destination, and the results are in! Swapping out their fedoras and scarves for sandals and piña coladas, U.S. travelers are setting their sights on this idyllic Caribbean getaway. Ditching the traditional allure of European and Asian vacations, they’re now craving the serene embrace of white sand beaches and the soothing tropical climate closer to home.

A recent Skyscanner analysis, which scrutinized a year’s worth of user travel searches, reveals a fascinating trend: six out of the top 10 trending destinations are island paradises, with the Cayman Islands emerging as the clear winner. This Caribbean jewel experienced an astonishing 483 percent surge in searches compared to the previous year, signaling a new favorite among American travelers.

Nestled south of Cuba, snugly between Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and Jamaica, the Cayman Islands are a trio of tropical bliss comprising Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. A mere hour’s flight from Miami, these islands are conveniently connected to major U.S. cities like Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New York City, and Denver through nonstop flights. The islands embrace English as their official language, and both U.S. dollars and the local Cayman Islands dollar are widely accepted, making travel hassle-free for American tourists.

Each island has its unique charm: Grand Cayman is famed for its opulent resorts and the legendary Seven Mile Beach. Cayman Brac attracts anglers for deep-sea fishing adventures, while Little Cayman is a diver’s paradise, offering some of the best underwater experiences in the Caribbean.

The Skyscanner report highlights a significant shift in U.S. travel preferences, emphasizing a growing appetite for island escapades. The Caribbean’s allure lies not just in its scenic beaches but also in its rich culture and cuisine. Historical tours and sampling local gastronomic delights are high on American travelers’ lists, with 45 percent choosing their destination based on culinary offerings, attractions, and weather.

Following the Cayman Islands, French Polynesia ranks second with a 227 percent increase in searches. The list continues with diverse destinations like Osaka and Tokyo in Japan, but Caribbean and nearby locales like the U.S. Virgin Islands, Bermuda, St. Maarten, and Oranjestad in Aruba also feature prominently. Bucharest, Romania, stands as the sole European destination in the top 10.

This comprehensive report, comparing searches from the U.S. between July 8, 2022, and July 8, 2023, with the previous year, reflects a significant shift in American travel trends, with an increasing preference for destinations offering relaxation, natural beauty, and culinary delights.  For a deeper dive into this trend, check out the original article by Evie Carrick in Travel + Leisure here.