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For the third year in a row, Delta Air Lines has unveiled its annual list of most-searched destinations by Americans flying abroad this summer, and if you think Cancun’s placed at number one, you’re in for a surprise.
2025 is an exciting year for Delta, with increasing frequency on some of its most popular Transatlantic flight routes and launching brand new ones, including the first-ever flights to Sicily in Italy. However, it seems their customers still have their eyes set elsewhere.
Without further ado, let’s have a look at Delta’s top 5 most in-demand summer getaways this year, and how actually popular they are:
Athens, Greece
Rounding out the top 5, we have Athens, the historically-charged capital of Greece, home to iconic landmarks such as the Parthenon, a 2,471-year-old temple perched on a fortified hill, the 1st-century stone-made Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and the impressive, all-marble Panathenaic Stadium.
We could write at length about Athens’ ancient wonders, but contrary to popular belief, there is a lot more to Athens than just some old ruins:
Plaka is a cobbled district filled with family-owned taverns teeming with gastronomic delights. The buzzing Monastiraki Square is great for finding quirky souvenirs, and the Athenian Riviera is interspersed with quaint seaside communities and picturesque beaches.
If you’re looking for that hidden gem away from the crowds, you should check out Anafiotika, a peaceful neighborhood on the northeastern slope of the Acropolis, featuring island-style whitewashed houses, colorful shutters, and ageing papou and their cats, lazying about in the sun.
Cancun, Mexico
It seems Cancun isn’t the most popular international destination for Americans flying internationally in summer, after all, at least not with Delta, but number 4 isn’t bad.
Whether you’ve been to Cancun yourself or you know someone who has, you’re probably familiar with the concept:
Sprawling Caribbean city revolving around a glitzy, modern development strip—the self-describing Hotel Zone—straddling one of the most beautiful beaches you’ve seen.
Between the soft white sands and turquoise seas, and the string of luxurious hotels that line the coast, with their adjacent beach clubs and chef-commanded restaurants, Cancun is the perfect call for those who are simply craving a relaxing time.
After all, it’s the absolute king of the all-inclusive model. It’s not exactly cheap to spend the week here, mind you, but rest assured you’ll get your money’s worth.
Rome, Italy
We’re back to Europe for number 3, and spoiler, it’s your favorite European city for vespa rides, soft gelato, and alfresco pasta dinners serenaded by passing buskers.
Although it may be a stretch to say Rome is on the bucket list of every American traveler, it surely ranks high in Delta customers’, as it has been in the top three for the third consecutive year.
And let’s face it, it’s not like it’s leaving anytime soon.
From the historical appeal of the Colosseum and its accompanying Roman Forum, to the Bohemian streets of Trastevere, where every step seems to lead to another alley flanked by pastel-colored buildings and wine bars, and oh, the Vatican, it is What Dreams Are Made Of.
Are we really ever too old to throw it back to Lizzie McGuire?
If we may add, if you’re looking for a unique dining experience that will leave you thoroughly satisfied, and won’t put a strain on your wallet, book a table at Ivo a Trastevere, a casual Italian eatery serving large, $8 Neapolitan pizzas and spaghetti alla carbonara for like, $12.
Paris, France
Aaaahh, the City of Lights… the beautiful Eiffel Tower, grand boulevards, leafy gardens dotted with ornate fountains, a majestic (and newly-reformed) Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the rows, upon rows, upon rows of Haussmann buildings that would easily be classed as national monuments anywhere else.
But this is Paris, after all. It’s just where people live.
Love it or hate it, there’s no denying the capital of France can’t be rivaled as far as architectural value and the arts are concerned, and based on Delta’s figures, Americans are definitely still lining up to see the Mona Lisa regardless of the bad rep the French get on social media for their abrasiveness.
This year, searches have increased 16% compared to 2024, which can only mean one thing: Paris will be as crowded as ever come summer.
If you’re hoping to escape the masses, try spending an idyllic afternoon exploring the medieval Château de Vincennes and its surrounding woods, on the outskirts of eastern Paris, or explore the lesser-visited 15th arrondissement, famous for its authentic feel and incredible selection of restaurants.
London, England
And we have a winner: taking the crown this year, London is the most sought-after destination on Delta’s leading website for summer 2025.
Call it nostalgia for vintage, red telephone booths, Harry Potter, or the historical ties that run deep between America and its mother country, but a majority of U.S. travelers aren’t swapping London for other European city breaks anytime soon.
Besides Big Ben and Buckingham Palace selfies, and strolling the South Bank towards Tower Bridge—you know, the touristy stuff—make sure you head out north to Camden Town to sample the delicious street food, or (weather permitting) go swimming in the Hampstead Heath ponds.
For an even more local experience, pay the Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill a visit at the weekend: it’s the go-to spot for buying storied items, old books, and trying on vintage clothes.
Just between us, however, there’s no better place to feel London than its much-overlooked riverside borough of Kingston upon Thames:
Packed full of well-frequented riverside pubs serving reasonably-priced pints and British grub, like The Bishop, and centered around a lovely market square, bordered by Victorian-era buildings, it’s an absolute delight on a sunny day.
Additionally, it claims the oldest surviving bridge in London, Clattern Bridge, built in 1175, and Hampton Court Palace, a striking red-brick palatial complex that once belonged to Henry XVIII.
Vinicius Costa
Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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