The official start of summer is less than a month away, which means people are already gearing up for their first trip of the season. And as many international destinations have begun opening up for the first time in two years, the thought of a sun-filled vacation abroad feels more exciting than ever.
But where exactly are people jetting off go? Airbnb recently released its list of trending summer destinations based on where users were booking stays between June 1 and August 31 this year; and while guests have already planned stays in more than 72,000 towns around the world, there are a few cities that people seem particularly keen to visit.
On the domestic front, travelers are seeking out coastal listings in popular beach destinations—in fact, 6 of the top 10 trending U.S. destinations are somewhere in Florida. For international travel, users are a little more willing to venture inland and to book offbeat listings (think treehouses, barns, and tiny homes).
Below, we’ve listed the exact international spots U.S. travelers are looking to visit this summer, along with great rentals to consider booking in each locale. All of our recommended properties are run by Superhosts, who each have a rating of 4.8 or above, a record of zero cancellations, and at least a 90 percent response rate, ensuring a quick response time when you are ready to book.
Whether you’re looking to sunbathe on a Mexican beach or go wine tasting in Tuscany, this list will definitely inspire your first summer vacation of 2022.
10. Mérida, Mexico
Mérida may not be directly on the coast, but what it lacks in beaches it more than makes up for in creativity and affordability. You’ll find historic architecture, cantinas slinging mezcal at all hours, and more riffs on pork belly than you can imagine—and if you still crave beach action after all that, you can find some sandy spots about 45 minutes away.
9. La Paz, Mexico
The capital of Baja California Sur offers perfect weather, turquoise seascapes, and some seriously awesome seafood restaurants (plus a much more relaxed vibe than neighboring Cabo San Lucas). To get your casual seafood fix, hit Mariscos El Empanada for chocolate clams, Taco Fish La Paz for deep-fried tacos, and Mc-Fisher for bacon-wrapped shrimp with cilantro dressing.
8. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is one of the most action-packed and geographically diverse countries in the Caribbean, but travelers are narrowing their focus to the capital city of Santo Domingo. Even this single city has a bit of something for everyone, with a UNESCO-protected city center, a gorgeous botanical garden, and white-sand beaches just a quick drive or stroll away.
7. Florence, Italy
With its varied selection of museums, restaurants, and boutiques, it should come as little surprise that Florence is drawing tourists back in droves this summer. When you aren’t busy visiting the storied sites within the city limits, make sure to schedule a couple wine tours in the surrounding Tuscan countryside.
6. Quepos, Costa Rica
Costa Rica has no shortage of travel-worthy beach towns, but Quepos is a great option for those who want to venture off the sand every once in a while. The town is known as a gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, a tropical wonderland teeming with wildlife ranging from three-toed sloths and howler monkeys to iguanas and hundreds of bird species.
5. Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Tamarindo offers the best of both worlds: incredible surfing and swimming by day, and buzzy restaurants and clubs by night. The city (located on Costa Rica's Pacific coast) is known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, so soak up hours of sunshine, dance the night away, and then crash at one of these enviable Airbnbs.
4. Puerto Escondido, Mexico
If you’re craving a decidedly low-key, ultra-relaxing Mexican vacation, then Puerto Escondido is the place for you. Located on the Pacific Coast (about 18 miles from Oaxaca), this laidback town offers incredible surfing and scuba diving, plus some cheap mezcal and after-hours beach parties for those who want a little taste of spring break in the middle of summer.
3. Capri, Italy
By reputation, Capri is by far Italy’s most glamorous—and most dramatic—island. From the iconic Faraglioni rocks settled in the azure Mediterranean to the scent of the island’s many flowers, it's almost sensory overload. And while some of the world’s best hotels are nearby, there are plenty of Airbnbs that are just as beautiful (and much more affordable).
2. Nassau, Bahamas
For the past several years, there’s been one thing pulling us to Nassau more than anything else: Baha Mar, the billion-dollar, three-resort complex that has made long weekend getaways to the Bahamas a downright necessity. But there are draws to this capital city beyond adults-only pools and massive spas. There’s also excellent seafood, catamaran sailboat tours, and a surprisingly great art scene.
1. Venice, Italy
Venice got a much-needed reprieve during the pandemic, when city-wide shutdowns gave the local government a chance to work on its overtourism problems. It looks like we’ll find out pretty quickly just how well those cruise ship bans and tourism caps will work, as Venice is officially the most searched-for international destination of the summer. Here’s hoping we can go back to enjoying the city’s world-class museums and gelato shops without bumping too many elbows.
