Trendy Holiday Escapes
Many Americans traveling internationally this Memorial Day weekend will be heading to Canada, Mexico and Western Europe, according to new data from HotelTonight, which recently looked at year-over-year percentage of growth in searches for Memorial Day weekend 2019 compared to searches for last year’s holiday weekend to determine the destinations outside of the U.S. garnering the most demand to kick off summer.
1. Amsterdam, Netherlands
In addition to a thriving foodie scene, HotelTonight credits Amsterdam’s plethora of inviting boutique hotels offering excellent rates for the city’s unrivaled allure this Memorial Day weekend.
2. Venice, Italy
This scenic city of canals is on many Americans’ bucket lists so it’s fitting it ranks second among the places experiencing the biggest surge in interest this May. Famous bridges and iconic cathedrals and palace buildings are only part of Venice’s draw.
3. The Bahamas
Many U.S. travelers are eager to get to the beach Memorial Day weekend and the Bahamas boasts some of the most beautiful stretches of shoreline in the Caribbean. Short flights and sprawling resorts like Atlantis Paradise Island make the archipelago an easy choice this time of year.
4. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is no stranger to “trending” or “hottest” lists as the Portuguese capital offers visitors plenty to explore on foot. What’s more, tourists can take advantage of warm weather and lower hotel rates in late May ahead of the busy summer season.
5. Montreal, Quebec, Canada
North of the border, Montreal offers vacationers cooler temperatures and charming neighborhoods as well as favorable hotel rates. The city’s punk festival Pouzza Fest and Museums Day also draw crowds in late May.
6. Madrid, Spain
Like most major cities in Europe, the spring is among the best times to visit as travelers can save on travel costs while still enjoying pretty decent weather. The average high temperature in Madrid in May is a balmy 72 degrees, making it easy to stroll popular spaces like Plaza Mayor and El Retiro Park.
7. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Good times await visitors to Puerto Vallarta this upcoming holiday weekend, whether lounging on the beach, participating in adrenaline-pumping water sports or staying up late to experience the resort town’s exceptional nightlife. Plus, with the winter crowds gone you can capitalize on cheaper accommodations.
8. Tulum, Mexico
Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is also an ideal vacation destination this time of year as visitors will have a chance to score a stellar deal in late spring. Tulum offers picturesque beaches, mesmerizing cenotes for snorkeling and diving as well as ancient ruins.
9. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Americans don’t even need a passport to visit San Juan, which is at its absolute best in late spring. Visitors will enjoy beautiful weather without having to battle crowds or break the bank on a hotel room.
10. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Elsewhere in the Caribbean, Punta Cana is another no-brainer for Memorial Day weekend as it falls between peak season and hurricane season. Stellar all-inclusive resorts like the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino ensure visitors maximize on their valuable time off and shoulder season means there are plenty of deals to be had.
11. Los Cabos, Mexico
Los Cabos is another Mexican destination generating plenty of interest in 2019. Comfortable weather, incredible beaches like Playa del Amor and scenic golf courses help it stand out from some other international locales.
12. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico’s capital city is oozing with fascinating history and experiences its warmest temperatures this time of year with far less rain compared to the summer months. Memorial Day weekend visitors can anticipate plenty of company though as it’s among the city’s busiest periods for tourism.
13. Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Another relatively short trip that Americans can make in a weekend, Toronto is a worthwhile Memorial Day getaway as it offers beautiful parks, sensory-satisfying markets and charming attractions like the pedestrian-only Distillery District.
14. London, UK
The period of late spring into summer is the busiest time to visit London as the weather warms and the event calendar fills up. Nonetheless, there are so many reasons to plan a last-minute trip across the pond this Memorial Day weekend.
15. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
The temperatures are beginning to heat up in Vancouver in late May and visitors will even have a chance to watch migrating whales. Visiting families will want to stick around after the holiday weekend for the Vancouver International Children’s Festival May 28 through June 2.
