Top Summer Travel Destinations for 2014

Winter weary travelers are undoubtedly dreaming of summer and actively planning and booking their vacations. In fact, according to Best Western advance booking data for more than 2,200 hotels in North America, the data shows a 10 percent year-over-year increase in summertime stays at U.S. Best Western properties.

Furthermore, among nearly 14,000 participants in the brand’s “I Dream of Summer” Facebook application, the vast majority are dreaming of a warmer weather vacation on a beach. Participants were asked to pick their dream summer travel destination and 68 percent selected the beach as their ideal destination. The beach was followed by a trip to nature, with 20 percent desiring a back-to-nature getaway. When asked what mode of transportation they were dreaming of with regards to their summer vacations, the majority, perhaps surprisingly, would like to take a boat to their dream vacation! This was closely followed by plane and then car, demonstrating people are longing for a trip to a farther locale. This was further supported by the fact that almost a quarter said they wouldn’t be seen without passport in hand.

To help travelers plan their summer vacation Amy Graff, family travel expert, author of OnTheGoWithAmy.com and mom of three, shared her top picks for summer travel destinations.

For fun and education, Amy recommends:

• Panning for gold in California historic gold rush towns of Grass Valley and Nevada City
• Touring dueling volcanos in Washington – Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens
• Walking in the footsteps of dinosaurs at Dinosaur Ridge in Colorado
• Experiencing presidential history at Monticello in Virginia
• Observing “sea cows” in Florida

Amy also recommends the following international destinations for 2014 summer travel:

• Slovenia: This tiny country is becoming a hot spot for people seeking a less touristy Europe. Visitors appreciate the country’s rustic, romantic and rural charm. Slovenia is known for its natural beauty, snow-capped mountain tops and emerald green rivers, and is a great hiking destination.
• Colombia is gaining popularity, as conflict in the country has waned. The country has it all – from modern cities to beaches with turquoise waters. 
• Spain, Portugal and especially Greece: With ongoing economic troubles, these three countries are less expensive for tourists.
• Puerto Rico: A hotel boom means less expensive room rates in 2014 and visitors can enjoy the beauty of the country with the amenities they desire.

Most recently, Best Western is making dreams come true for travelers with its I Dream of Summer campaign. The campaign engages travelers through the hotel chain’s social channels and participants who share their summer dreams with the #IDreamofSummer hashtag on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook are eligible for prizes such as complimentary room nights or even a dream summer vacation.