June 1, 2020
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after
Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after
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Are you feeling an overwhelming urge to skip town? To hit the road? To fly the coop?
You’re not the only one. After the COVID-19 pandemic canceled travel plans last year, Americans are regaining confidence and scheduling vacations. Top 2021 summer destinations include Florida, Hawaii and the Caribbean, a new survey by Allianz Global Assistance shows.
Travelers are also taking longer vacations. Nearly 60% of travelers are taking seven-night trips, and 37% are choosing to spend six nights away. In 2019, Allianz research found that four nights was Americans’ most popular choice for vacation length, giving rise to the ‘micro-cation’ trend.
If you’re planning to travel this summer, travel insurance is a must. Allianz Global Assistance recently made changes to some of our most popular travel insurance plans to include epidemic-related covered reasons (benefits vary by plan and are not available in all jurisdictions).
The new Epidemic Coverage Endorsement adds covered reasons to select benefits for certain losses related to COVID-19 and any future epidemic. To see if your plan includes this endorsement, please look for “Epidemic Coverage Endorsement” on your Declarations of Coverage or Letter of Confirmation. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply.
Even if your specific travel protection plan does not include the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, certain limited-time COVID-19 claim accommodations may still be available. Read our COVID-19 coverage alert for details.
Our survey of air itineraries shows that Orlando remains the top choice for summer vacation 2021, just as it has for the last two years. All major theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and LEGOLAND, are open. Learn more about each park’s current operations and restrictions here. Brand-new attractions include the Jurassic World-themed VelociCoaster at Universal Orlando and the cartoon-inspired Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney. As of May 2021, Orange County requires the use of face masks in public places, with some exceptions, and says that fully vaccinated people should follow CDC guidelines for masks.1
Hawaii has captured travelers’ imaginations. For the first time ever, four of the top 10 domestic destinations in our survey are in Hawaii: Maui (#2), Honolulu/Oahu (#3), Kauai (#7) and the Big Island (#8). Which is the best summer destination for you in 2021? That depends on what you’re looking for. Maui is home to upscale resorts and sublime beaches. Oahu offers urban excitement and a fabulous food scene. Kauai, the “Garden Island,” is known for wild rainforests and hiking. On the Big Island, you can see the Kilauea volcano and explore incredibly varied landscapes.
Before planning your 2021 vacation to Hawaii, please check the latest COVID-19 travel requirements. Hawaii continues to require pre-travel registration and testing, even for fully vaccinated passengers. Travelers must have their negative test results prior to departing, or they will have to undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine.2
Americans are flocking to Mexico for summer vacation 2021. The top two destinations for flights outside the 50 states are Cancún and San José del Cabo. Cancún, on the Caribbean coast, is a vacation destination that has something for everyone: ancient ruins and museums for history buffs, inviting beaches for sun lovers, frenetic clubs for night owls, and parks and aquariums for families. On the west coast, the upscale resorts in Cabo San Lucas offer a serene getaway. In the town of San José del Cabo, tourists enjoy colonial charm and memorable restaurants.
Mexico has no COVID-19 travel restrictions (as of May 2021). However, Americans should check the State Department’s current travel advisories for Mexico before planning their trip.
Third on the list of top 2021 travel destinations: Aruba. This Caribbean island is a favorite for white-sand beaches, reliably perfect weather (Aruba sees less rainfall than other islands), wreck diving and the candy-colored capital of Oranjestad. As for other destinations, check the State Department’s travel advisory before making travel plans.
Two U.S. destinations — San Juan, Puerto Rico and Charlotte Amalie, USVI — have risen in popularity as summer vacation destinations. San Juan offers an alluring mix of history, fun and nightlife: you can tour Spanish forts, browse shops in Old San Juan, and relax on the Isla Verde beaches. Just be sure to follow local regulations, as many Puerto Ricans have become frustrated with tourists refusing to wear masks and breaking curfews.3
Charlotte Amalie is the capital of St. Thomas. While some travelers use it as a jumping-off point to visit the wilder islands of St. John or St. Croix, St. Thomas has a lot to recommend it: diving and fishing charters, scenic Magens Bay, duty-free shopping and snorkeling at Coki Beach.
No passport is required for American citizens visiting Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, visitors to USVI must use the COVID-19 screening portal and submit proof of a negative test before arrival. People traveling to Puerto Rico must fill out a Travel Declaration Form and upload a negative PCR molecular COVID-19 test to the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal.
Completing our top-10 list of summer flight destinations for 2021 are these places:
Remember that, as of May 2021, the CDC requires all air passengers entering the United States to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within three calendar days of departure, or proof that a traveler has recovered from the virus within the last 90 days.
You’ve probably heard about the great rental car shortage of 2021. Because car-rental companies sold off inventory when the COVID-19 pandemic hurt business, they don’t have enough vehicles to meet the summer vacation demand.4
So, where’s everyone renting a car for their 2021 summer vacation? Research from Allianz Global Assistance shows a lot of overlap with the top 10 domestic flight destinations:
If you’re renting a car this summer, experts advise booking as soon as possible. Can’t find a car at all? Try searching for a longer rental than you need. “When a customer wants to rent for just a few days and there is no availability, extending the rental from a few hours to a few days or even a week can sometimes magically reveal inventory that was hidden before,” says Autoslash.5
One more expert tip: To save money, buy rental car insurance in advance! The Rental Car Damage Protector from Allianz Global Assistance includes up to $75,000 in theft and physical damage coverage for just $11 per calendar day. You get primary coverage, and there’s no deductible.
View all of our travel insurance products
Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.
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