According to data shared by Delta Air Lines with Travel + Leisure, travelers have been actively searching for summer getaways to London more than any other international destination this year.
To meet the rising demand, Delta will be operating 20 percent more flights to London compared to the summer of 2019.
Top International Summer Getaways: Beyond London
Apart from London, other popular international travel destinations for the summer include Cancun, which secured the second spot in terms of search popularity.
Paris, Rome, and Tokyo (with the resumption of service from Los Angeles) also made it to the list.
Travelers also showed interest in Amsterdam, Montego Bay in Jamaica, Athens, Los Cabos, and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
Busy Summer Travel Season: High Demand and Increased Prices
Based on searches conducted on Delta.com between November 2022 and March 2023 for travel between June and August this year, it is evident that the summer season is shaping up to be a busy one for travel.
Delta has reported that 75 percent of its international flights are already booked for the summer.
Additionally, international airfare is expected to reach a five-year high due to a combination of limited supply, high fuel costs, and high demand.
Smart Planning for Affordable International Trips
Despite the increased prices, travelers are still eager to plan getaways, as revealed by a recent survey conducted by Tripadvisor.
In fact, 82 percent of the surveyed individuals expressed their intention to travel within the next three months.
Among them, 60 percent mentioned that they are willing to spend more on their summer trips compared to the previous year.
To make international travel more budget-friendly, travelers are advised to plan strategically.
For instance, hotel prices in Paris are lowest during the week of June 19 to June 25, while London offers more affordable options from August 28 through September 3.
Alice Jong, a research and insights senior analyst at Tripadvisor, shared this information with Travel + Leisure.