4 Surprising Hotspots Americans Are Heading to This Summer, Revealed in New Report

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If you thought New York City, Orlando, and Miami topped the list of summer hotspots, it’s time to go back to the drawing board.

A new report from Allianz revealed some insightful nuggets in the coming months, and they aren’t battered in frying fat.

No, this batch of buds has nothing to do with golden arches and everything to do with upcoming holiday plans.

Ranging from staples in the Pacific Northwest, an East Coast wonder, and even a global icon that we thought was losing its luster in every sense, these four cities that were booked in droves surprised the Travel Off Path team the most.

1) Seattle

Whether you’re into alien high-rises, throwing fish like it’s a sport, still headbanging when Nirvana shows up, and so glued to Starbucks that you have to try the OG, there’s only one place for this combo:

Seattle.

We’re not saying we’re surprised Seattle is on the list; we’re just surprised it’s at the top.

It’s true, the “Emerald City” is happily at number one as the most booked American city this summer.

So, what’s all the rage, like a rat in a cage?

Okay, enough grunge references…

Summer travel is up 10% from 2025. This is thanks to the mix of urban delights, Puget Sound landscapes, island-hopping excursions and the big buzz around FIFA World Cup matches coming to Seattle’s very own Lumen Field, where visitors can now be the ’12th man’ for soccer.

For now, the rainy day punchlines are disappearing as Seattle gets to show what locals have always known: Summer is hard to beat here, especially with its groundbreaking new train that lets you explore even more of Washington.

Here’s what travelers say about the level of safety in Seattle, which currently scores 81/100 on our Safety Index:

2) Las Vegas

You may be thinking to yourself, “Why is it surprising that people want to vacation in such a world-famous city?”

Well, at least 2 things come to mind…

First, “Sin City” is in decline. With sky-high prices that even the Stratosphere can’t match, tourism has declined according to numerous reports.

In fact, I happened to read about the famous Heart Attack Grill downtown yesterday to block after decades due to a lack of visitors to the area and rising costs.

Secondly, summer may be the worst time to visit Vegas, if only because of the excessive heat, but it clearly doesn’t deter everyone, and here’s why:

There are so many fun indoor events with air conditioning.

The Sphere may have mixed reviews, but it’s undoubtedly a big draw, with No Doubt currently in court and Backstreet Boys proving Backstreet’s return later this summer.

The entertainment is still of the highest level. You just don’t want to be walking The Strip in the afternoon.

Here’s what travelers say about Las Vegas’ safety level, which currently scores 76/100.

3) Boston

One of America’s most storied, European-esque cities still somehow remains under the radar.

We blame the proximity to New York. That said, it looks like travelers are getting it right this summer, not only flocking to New York, but also giving the other East Coast metropolis a fair shake.

While a piping hot bowl of clam chowdah may not seem appealing in the summer, there is a lot to do in this city.

Once the cold finally passes, the city transforms into one of America’s easiest warm-weather escapeswith scenic harbor cruises, tasty seafood restaurants, buzzing rooftop bars and of course an almost obligatory Sox game at Fenway Pahk.

Don’t be fooled by the modern skyline either; Boston is full of worthwhile sights such as Boston Common, Faneuil Hall and Beacon Hill, which are definitely worth a visit regardless of the season.

Here’s what travelers say about Las Vegas’ safety level, which currently scores 93/100.

4) Portland (Oregon)

It’s not exactly strange that people visit perhaps the weirdest city in America; it’s just surprising that more travelers haven’t realized that Portland is at its best in the summer.

I had the pleasure of ending the winter with a visit to Portland for the first time – and let me tell you – every bit of its ‘weird’ reputation remains true.

I say this as someone who lived in Austin.

Portland is both a hipster’s dream and a foodie’s playground, and everything in between. I remember passing a mural that said “Portland is what you make it” – better words have never been spoken.

As the infamously moody heavens open, more travelers appear to be doing just that this summer.

Even with household recognition, the city is still vastly underrated, especially if you explore the suburbs, home to waterfalls, evergreen walks and beautiful wine country.

Here’s what travelers say about Portland’s safety rating, which currently scores 78/100.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Senior Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego, has visited 44 countries and written more than 1,500 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.