Richmond, Virginia, April 20, 2022 – More Americans are forgoing the traditional summer road trip and instead packing their bags and passports for a European holiday this year. According to Allianz Partners' Top 10 Summer European Destinations review, travel to Europe will soar a staggering 600% over last year as countries re-open for visitation from the U.S.
The travel insurance and assistance company analyzed more than 40,000 flight itineraries* for trips of five to eight days in length between Memorial Day and Labor Day to determine that London retains the lion’s share of all planned trips with 22% of bookings, likely spurred by the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee festivities marking the British monarch’s 70 years of service. Paris (#2) and Dublin (#3) also remain atop Europe’s most sought-after vacation spots for 2022 summer travel.
Other top destinations include Reykjavik holding steady at #4, while Lisbon jumps into the #7 position, returning to the list for the first time since 2019. Rome and Edinburgh moved up to #5 and #6 respectively after Athens fell three spots from 2021 to #8 this year. Barcelona (#9) and Amsterdam (#10) round out the roster, each slipping one position from last year’s rankings.
“The pandemic made people realize you can't take travel for granted and many Americans are eager to visit Europe this summer,” said Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA. “European destinations have made a significant effort to welcome Americans back and our data shows tremendous pent up demand for travel to the continent. International travelers should always consider travel insurance plans that provide reimbursement for covered trip cancellations and medical emergencies that may occur while traveling.”
The survey also reviewed planned travel dates and trip length for those headed across the Atlantic this summer season. While countries remained on lockdown, Americans accrued a sizable stash of vacation days, and the survey indicates that of those headed abroad, 75% will spend seven days on vacation this summer and 11% are planning for eight days away from home. The travel insurance and assistance company’s review also found that Friday, May 27th is projected to be the most popular travel day, kicking off the Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start to summer.
In March 2021, Allianz Partners announced enhancements** to many of its travel insurance products in most states through an Epidemic Coverage Endorsement. Products that include this endorsement may provide coverage to customers who become ill with COVID-19 or a future epidemic, are individually ordered to quarantine, or are denied boarding due to a suspected illness. These products may also cover emergency medical care and transportation or provide reimbursement for change fees and loyalty points deposit fees if the customer becomes ill with an epidemic disease. Availability of the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, and specific covered reasons under that endorsement, varies by product and by state. See your plan for details.
Allianz Partners offers travel insurance through most major U.S. airlines, leading travel agents, online travel agencies, hotel companies, cruise lines and directly to consumers. For more information on Allianz and available travel policies, please visit http://www.allianztravelinsurance.com.