Athens Emerges as a Top Summer Destination for Americans

Athens has emerged as one of the top summer picks for American travelers, according to a recent survey by travel search engine Kayak.

To gauge interest in luxury travel, the agency analyzed searches for business and first-class flights, four- and five-star hotels, and premium car rentals during the same periods.

The Greek capital proved especially popular with travelers from the Northeast, particularly those from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, as well as visitors from Illinois, Ohio, Virginia, and beyond.

The highest spenders are travelers from Indiana, who pay an average of 1,251 dollars per flight.

London, Paris, Tokyo, and Rome top the list of international destinations for big spenders. Americans still enjoy ticking off bucket-list classics, while Cancún, San Juan, and Punta Cana remain favorites for affordable, sun-soaked escapes — no matter where travelers are flying from.

Top hotel choices

When it comes to hotels, Americans strike a balance between luxury and value. Travelers from Florida, California, and New York are most likely to splurge on 4- and 5-star stays, showing the highest search shares in these categories. In contrast, those from Iowa, South Dakota, and West Virginia tend to keep hotel spending more modest.

Overall, hotel spending preferences are fairly consistent whether traveling domestically or abroad, although many travelers spend a little more on international trips. From luxury city stays to budget-friendly beach escapes, they make every night count.