Holiday Travel Increases 15 Percent This Year, While Puerto Rico Makes a Comeback

Mexico City and Nassau, Bahamas Crack Allianz Global Assistance’s Top 10 Holiday Destinations for First Time

 

 

Richmond, VA, December 10, 2018 – According to Allianz Global Assistance’s 2018 Top Holiday Destinations Report, American travel increased 15 percent this holiday season over last year. New York City and Cancun continue to reign as the most popular domestic and international destinations.

 

After reviewing American plans* to travel from December 19 to December 27, 2018, Allianz Global Assistance found that warmer-weather international getaways once again prevailed, with Cancun, Mexico; San Juan, Puerto Rico; San Jose del Cabo, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; and Montego Bay, Jamaica, claiming the top five slots.

 

As the only non-tropical destination to make the international top 10, London placed sixth, dropping from second last year, followed by Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Mexico City, Mexico; Higuey, Dominican Republic; and Aruba. This is the first time Mexico City and Nassau, Bahamas were included in Allianz’s Top Holiday Destinations Report for international travel.

 

New York City took the number one domestic spot again, followed by Los Angeles, Orlando, Boston, Seattle, Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, San Francisco, Minneapolis and Salt Lake City. Boston jumped to fourth from 10^th place, and San Francisco climbed back into the top 10 this year, knocking Denver out of the ranking.

 

“Our holiday travel survey revealed that travel is up 15 percent over last year. Mexico City, named 2018’s World Design Capital® by World Design Organization (WDO), is a first-timer to the list, while Puerto Rico jumped up to the second most popular international destination,” said Daniel Durazo, director of marketing and communications for Allianz Global Assistance USA. “Whether you’re escaping to a sunny beach or exploring a new city, the busy holiday season can bring with it unpredictable winter weather delays or illnesses. It’s a good idea to protect your holiday trip with the right travel insurance policy** for extra peace of mind to reach your destination safely.”

 

In addition to travel insurance**, Allianz Global Assistance recommends these tips and resources when traveling over the holidays and year-round:

 

• When possible, avoid traveling on the busiest travel dates (in terms of volume, most Americans have plans to travel on Friday, December 21 and return on Wednesday, December 26)
• Wash hands and carry anti-bacterial hand gel to prevent sickness
• Download Allianz’s TravelSmart™ app to quickly access assistance, file and track claims, check flight status in real-time, translate first aid/medical terms and more
• With its new customer-friendly SmartBenefits^SM, Allianz travel protection features new proactive payments and allows travelers to file other travel delay and baggage delay claims with no receipts

 

Allianz Global Assistance offers travel insurance** through most major U.S. airlines, leading travel agents, online travel agencies and directly to consumers. For more information on Allianz Global Assistance and the policies offered for travelers, please visit: http://www.allianztravelinsurance.com or like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/AllianzTravelInsuranceUS.

 

2018 Rank 2017 Rank Domestic Destination 1 1 New York 2 3 Los Angeles 3 2 Orlando 4 10 Boston 5 6 Seattle 6 4 Atlanta 7 5 Fort Lauderdale 8 n/a San Francisco 9 8 Minneapolis 10 9 Salt Lake City

2018 Rank 2017 Rank International Destination 1 1 Cancun, Mexico 2 5 San Juan, Puerto Rico 3 3 San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico 4 n/a Nassau, Bahamas 5 7 Montego Bay, Jamaica 6 2 London, United Kingdom 7 4 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 8 n/a Mexico City, Mexico 9 6 Higuey, Dominican Republic 10 10 Aruba, Aruba

 

 

Allianz Global Assistance USA

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 in-bound 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 or Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/AllianzTravelInsuranceUS.