Europe Tops AAA's 2016 Summer Travel Destinations List

ORLANDO, Fla., June 8, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Demand for travel to Europe remains strong, and AAA summer travel bookings show that Rome and London are at the top of many international travelers' itineraries this summer. Americans are also flocking to warm-weather destinations in the U.S., Mexico and Caribbean, and increasingly traveling to Canada to take advantage of favorable exchange rates.

The top international summer destinations, based on AAA bookings for travel June 1 through August 15, are:

1. Rome, Italy (4)
2. London, England (3)
3. Cancun, Mexico (1)
4. Vancouver, Canada (8)
5. Paris, France (7)
6. Dublin, Ireland (6)
7. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (2)
8. Montego Bay, Jamaica (5)
9. Calgary, Canada
10. Amsterdam, Netherlands

*Number in parentheses indicates summer 2015 ranking position.

"Europe remains very popular with American travelers despite recent terrorism concerns," said Bill Sutherland, AAA senior vice president of travel and publishing. "A strong dollar, discounted pricing and a continued sense of resilience are motivating millions of Americans to venture across the pond for their summer vacations this year."

On May 31, the U.S. State Department issued a travel alert for Europe, citing the risk of potential terror attacks. Travel alerts are issued for short-term events that travelers should be aware of when planning to visit a country. This differs from a travel warning in which the State Department urges travelers to consider very carefully whether to visit a country or region at all.

"AAA urges travelers to exercise vigilance when traveling and be aware of their immediate surroundings. Determining when and where to travel is very personal," continued Sutherland. "The strong interest in Europe and even Paris shows that many Americans are undeterred by recent global events."

Domestically, the great American road trip is back, with nearly 56 percent of Americans planning a drive vacation this summer, according to a recent AAA survey. The lowest summertime gas prices in 11 years are prompting Americans to drive in record numbers. More than half of U.S. adults say low gas prices are prompting them to hit the roads this year.

AAA's top domestic summer travel destinations include:

1. Orlando, Fla. (1)
2. Seattle, Wash.
3. Los Angeles/Anaheim, Calif. (7)
4. Honolulu, Hawaii (4)
5. Las Vegas, Nev.
6. Anchorage, Alaska
7. New York, N.Y.
8. Maui, Hawaii
9. San Francisco, Calif.
10. Denver, Colo.

*Number in parentheses indicates summer 2015 ranking position

"Orlando consistently holds the top spot on AAA's list of most-popular U.S. travel destinations, while southern California has climbed in the rankings," said Sutherland. "Several newcomers to the list indicate that Americans are looking forward to venturing out this summer and exploring diverse destinations from coast to coast."

Before setting out on a summer vacation, download the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Travelers can use the app to map a route, find the lowest gas prices, access exclusive member discounts, find more than 58,000 AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants, request AAA roadside assistance and more. For in-person travel planning, seek the expert advice of a trusted travel advisor, who can provide personalized service and first-hand destination knowledge to create a memorable vacation. For more information and to begin planning a trip, visit AAA.com/Travel.  

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 56 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Motorists can map a route, identify gas prices, find discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

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SOURCE AAA

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