AAA: Where Americans are going this summer

London, above, has moved up a notch on American travelers’ lists

Despite concerns that fears of terrorism would turn Americans away from travel to Europe this year, the AAA finds that large numbs are going, putting Europe at the top of their lists for international travel.

In May, the State Department issued an alert (not a warning) over terror concerns in Europe, and many thought that might depress travel, but it appears not to have. Instead, according to Bill Sutherland, AAA senior vice president of travel and publishing. “A strong dollar, discounted pricing and a continued sense of resilience are motivating millions of Americans to venture across the pond for their summer vacations this year.” 

The top 10 destinations, with last year’s rank in parentheses:

1. Rome, Italy (4)
2. London, England (3)
3. Cancun, Mexico (1)
4. Vancouver, Canada (8)
5. Paris, France (7)
6. Dublin, Ireland (6)
7. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (2)
8. Montego Bay, Jamaica (5)
9. Calgary, Canada
10. Amsterdam, Netherlands

On the domestic side, the big trend, now that gas prices have fallen, is the return of road trips. Here’s AAA’s top 10 domestic summer destinations:

1. Orlando, Fla. (1)
2. Seattle, Wash.
3. Los Angeles/Anaheim, Calif. (7)
4. Honolulu, Hawaii (4)
5. Las Vegas, Nev.
6. Anchorage, Alaska
7. New York, N.Y.
8. Maui, Hawaii
9. San Francisco, Calif.
10. Denver, Colo.