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For U.S. travelers on Thanksgiving, Mexico dominates international bookings

A Thanksgiving buffet is set up at a hotel in Cancun. Photo: TripAdvisor

More U.S. travelers are headed to Mexico for Thanksgiving than ever before, according to Allianz Global Assistance’s Top 10 Thanksgiving Destination Index.

Mexico dominated the list of international destinations, said Allianz, which reported that Thanksgiving-day bookings have increased 8 percent over 2017.

Allianz reviewed Americans’ travel plans around Thanksgiving, with travel scheduled between Nov. 17 and 27, 2018. After the Big Apple, the top U.S. destinations in order of popularity include Atlanta, Los Angeles, Orlando, Boston, Dallas, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix and Minneapolis. Detroit, Phoenix and Minneapolis are new to the list this year, knocking out Chicago, San Francisco and D.C., which were featured in the 2017 rankings.

While travel to Cancun is down from last year (8.7 percent), it still tops the international destinations list, and Mexico claims four spots total: San Jose Del Cabo at No. 5, Puerto Vallarta at No. 9 and Mexico City at No. 10. The other Top 10 destinations in order of popularity are: London, Paris, San Juan, Montego Bay, Nassau and Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic.

Punta Cana and Mexico City both make their debut in the international Top 10 index this year, and San Juan reclaimed its spot after holding third place in 2015 and 2016 but falling off in 2017 following Hurricane Maria. More distant destinations like Tokyo and Rome lost their spots on the 2018 list.

The day before “American Thanksgiving,” Wednesday, Nov. 21, is the busiest departure day according to Allianz’s index, and Sunday, Nov. 25 is the busiest return date.

“Our annual index finds that Thanksgiving travel is up 8 percent from 2017,” said Daniel Durazo, director of marketing and communications at Allianz Global Assistance USA. “And despite a tough year for Mexico, Americans are still visiting the destination in droves. Whether heading to Mexico for a beach getaway or visiting family in the states, the right travel insurance policy can provide the peace of mind needed to make this busy travel period as stress-free as possible.”

Allianz Global Assistance offers travel insurance through most major U.S. airlines, travel agents, online travel agencies and directly to consumers.

{ Related: If you want your restaurant listed in Yucatan Expat Life’s next Thanksgiving Dining Guide, please email editor@yucatanexpatlife.com. }

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