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Race car, radar, tacocat, and kayak all have one thing in common: they are palindromes, meaning they are spelled the same forward and backward.
You might think “tacocat” is the cutest of the bunch, but for us travel nerds, it’s kayak — or more accurately, KAYAK, the travel search engine known for unearthing insightful information about the latest travel trends.
For the upcoming summer season, there were some real doozies in the latest version report who lifted the veil 4 surprising cities that are becoming increasingly popular for some reason.
Some go to the Midwest, some go to the mountains, and some go to the coast – both east and west.
Without further ado, these 4 beautiful American cities are on the rise as summer is just around the corner.
Valparaiso, Florida (Destin)
No, it’s not Miami or Orlando that are seeing the biggest waves, nor is it the cluster of cities in Southwest Florida that are constantly vying for the title of “America’s Best Beach.”
It is little known Valparaiso.
But let’s be honest: Travelers really go to Destin, as Valparaiso is the base for a small airport when travelers want to whiz through the air instead of an all-American road trip.
Destin has long been one of Florida’s most renowned getaways.
I’ve been there, and it stands out as one of my favorite childhood vacations and has only become more popular because I now have white hair in my beard.
My, how time flies, but Destin hasn’t changed a bit, except he’s become a bigger name – it shines with white sand and has some of Florida’s best vacation rentals for oceanfront stays.
KAYAK reports a 27% increase in travel searches and just $357 for the average airfare to this pristine Panhandle beach paradise with some of the clearest, swimmable waters I’ve seen in all my travels.
Kansas City, MO
Leave the magicians to Vegas, but Kansas City has become an impostor in its own right.
KAYAK is one of the few major cities to split two states and reports a 25% increase in searches compared to 2025, but we have some inside information that makes KC even more intriguing.
While anyone craving the city’s famous barbecue, checking out a fascinating museum or even taking part in a sporting event will all head to the Missouri side.
But the Kansas side is about to take off, and it all starts with the newly opened Margaritaville hotel that gives way to waves and frozen concoctions for an unsuspecting slice of paradise in the Midwest.
We don’t have a crystal ball and we’ve lost Miss Cleo’s number, but we’re here to tell you this is just the beginning for Kansas CityKansas’s path to stardom, especially as their beloved Chiefs change addresses from MO to KS in the coming years.
But as for this summer, watch the World Cup madness across state lines in Missouri while sipping on the salt on the Kansas side.
Travelers currently give Kansas City a safety score of 70/100 on our safety index:
Asheville, North Carolina
There hasn’t been this much fuss about North Carolina since Petey Pablo took off his shirt and waved it around like a helicopter.
But if there’s one city that has stepped out of Charlotte’s shadow as a full-fledged vacation destination, it’s Asheville. a beloved mountain escape which has been through the wringer in recent years due to unexpected natural disasters.
Equal parts beer town, Blue Ridge beauty and artsy outpost, Asheville has worn many titles over the years, but one title you can’t take away is “comeback kid.”
KAYAK reports a 24% spike in trip planning and just $338 in the average airfare, making a visit even more attractive.
There are tons of festivals planned this summer, but Travel Off Path is loving them Shindig on the Greena free Appalachian music and dance event held on select Saturdays in July and August.
Travelers currently give Asheville a safety score of 80/100 on our safety index:
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is another comeback story worth mentioning. There was a time in recent years when San Fran made more headlines for car burglaries and zombie movie street scenes than for its iconic sights, vibrant culture and unparalleled scenery.
But the page has been turned where travelers now feel safer exploring one of America’s most famous cities, whether it’s strolling through the maze of Chinatown, posing in front of the Full house house, enjoy a bread bowl of clam chowder at Fisherman’s Wharf, or board one of the many boat tours.
KAYAK reports a 23% increase in searches, making San Francisco the trendiest destination on the West Coast this summer – and for good reason.
It’s a remarkable city, as long as you pack your best walking boots and budget, with so many luxury hotels to choose from, including one of my favorites, Taj Campton Place.
Travelers currently give San Francisco a safety score of 78/100 on our safety index:
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