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Americans ventured off to a laundry list of wondrous places in 2023, as the latest travel data confirms.
From January to August 2023, there is one stunning destination that has become a favorite by miles.
There were definitely some surprises for U.S. travelers’ top international getaways, such as India and the up-and-coming Central American paradise of El Salvador making the list.
One place not as surprising, obviously, is our beautiful southern neighbor — Mexico. It is so easy to reach for the vacation we all crave.
Many recognizable Mexican destinations made the list, but one holds a 17.5% share of all international flights from the U.S.!
Americans are escaping the stresses of day-to-day life to fulfill the vacation of their dreams in this Mexican paradise.
Cancun — Americans’ Favorite International Getaway
We are blessed to be able to hop on a metal tube in the sky to take us wherever we desire. For most Americans, Cancun, Mexico is the number one international spot.
It’s crazy to think how many people take to the skies to this one particular destination. As beautiful as Cancun may be, it’s easy to see the temptation.
But, to double the amount of flight traffic to the second favorite getaway, London, is mind-boggling. When comparing Cancun to London, for example, this may be apples and oranges as Cancun is a stone’s throw away in terms of flight distance, while a flight to London can take up your entire day (or night).
It’s no surprise Cancun is the favorite destination amongst Americans, but the sheer volume of flights is hard to wrap your brain around.
You can basically pick a flight any hour of the day to reach this vacation hotspot, which may add to the allure of picking Cancun as your go-to getaway.
What Makes Cancun So Appealing?
There are so many types of travelers who fall in love with Cancun. You have honeymooners, couples, families, solo travelers, and even digital nomads who love to set up shop in paradise.
Cancun checks off all the boxes for many types of travelers, but many simply want to spend days experiencing pure bliss along some of Mexico’s finest coastlines.
Cancun is just the place to do that, plus the world-class resorts are no joke. For the ultimate vacation you spent hours daydreaming about, Cancun is easy to reach from all major cities to step right into vacation mode.
Some of the top-rated all-inclusive resorts in Mexico can be found in Cancun. While Los Cabos is an amazing place for a ritzy stay, Cancun is more centrally located and tends to save you more money, as Cabo hotels average $500 per night.
Of course, there are many more amazing beach destinations in Mexico, but Cancun is a safe bet. Both figuratively and literally.
While Mexico and mainstream news haven’t always been the best of friends, Cancun has skirted by Mexico’s “dangerous” reputation as a safe space for travelers.
Cancun has invested heavily in security for tourists in many types of ways, including advanced security systems throughout tourist zones and an increase in security forces.
A Gateway To More Of Mexico’s Treasures
There are so many great beaches and small towns to visit on this side of Mexico. Flying into Cancun is an excellent way to see some of the best beaches and a variety of cultures, even if it’s a day trip away from your resort.
Of course, the trendiest destination in Mexico this winter is Tulum, about 90 minutes south of Cancun. Travelers will no longer have to fly into Cancun and then take a car to Tulum, since next month the new Tulum airport is opening, but it’s still an awesome place to visit from Cancun.
On the way to Tulum, there are other noteworthy stopping points, such as Playa del Carmen and Akumal. In the opposite direction, there are small but gorgeous beach getaways outside of Cancun proper, such as Holbox and Isla Mujeres.
Cancun can be experienced in a variety of ways, which is ultimately up to you. You can spend your days lounging in a beach chair without a care in the world, or you can go out and see some truly amazing sites.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com