With travel really opening up again this summer, Americans are eager to get out and take those vacations they’ve been putting off for two years. In fact, according to Skyscanner, an online trip booking tool, we’re pretty open to going just about anywhere with the most popular “destination” searched for on the site being “Everywhere.” (Guess we’re all just desperate to leave the confines of our own living rooms.) But once folks get down to booking, there are three clear winners for most popular summer vacation destination: Jamaica, the Bahamas and Portugal.
These Are the 3 Most Popular Summer Vacation Spots of 2022
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1. Jamaica
Jamaica is one of the ultimate beach vacation destinations, and lucky for Americans, is less than 2 hours from Miami. Kingston and Montego Bay, two of the country’s biggest cities, are the most popular picks for summer 2022 and both promise stunningly bright blue waters, amazing food and lots of places to dance and party the night away. There are also multiple noteworthy museums (including the Bob Marley Museum in Montego Bay) and historical walking tours for those who like to learn a little something while on vacay.
Places to stay:
- Newly Renovated House In Harbour View (4 guests): $75/night
- House by the Sea with a Small Sandy Beach (8 guests): $345/night
- Luxury City View Rental in Kingston (5 guests): $143/night
- Villa in Montego Bay (9 guests): $87/night
2. The Bahamas
Another phenomenal beach destination, the Bahamas are one of the best places to travel to in July (although we wouldn’t say no to a trip any other time of year either). The country is made up of numerous islands, giving you plenty to explore as you bounce from place to place, but we highly suggest scheduling a solid chunk of time in Nassau, the capital city. There you can hang with wild pigs on a white sandy beach, test your driving skills with an ATV tour and chow down on delicious local cuisine. And much like Jamaica, the Bahamas are even closer to the U.S.—they’re just over an hour from Miami—making them a fantastic getaway for those on the east coast who don’t want to be stuck on a plane for hours on end.
Places to stay:
- Sunrise Beach Club-Beachfront Gem (6 guests): $268/night
- Deluxe Oceanfront Villa (8 guests): $625/night
- Tangerine Sunsets Paradise Beach Villa (4 guests): $180/night
3. Portugal
For those looking to get a bit further out of dodge, Portugal tops the list of European destinations. Lisbon, the country’s capital, is by far the most popular pick this summer, but there are tons of equally fascinating and beautiful options—Comporta, Douro Valley, Porto—for those looking to avoid the crowd. One of the great things about Portugal is that you can visit on a budget, making the most out of local food markets and staying in smaller rentals and charming little hotels, or you can go all out and splurge on luxe accommodations and Michelin star restaurants.
Places to stay:
- Flat in Baixa Pombalina (4 guests): $91/night
- Duplex in Grace (6 guests): $166/night
- Cozy Apartment Between Chiado and Bairro Alto (4 guests): $129/night