Mexico City Joins Phoenix, New York, Las Vegas, London, Cancun, and More in Shaping the Top Valentine’s Day Travel Spots for 2026, as Bookings Surge Nationwide

Mexico City has emerged as a top contender for Valentine’s Day travel in 2026, joining popular destinations like Phoenix, New York, Las Vegas, London, and Cancun as key spots for romantic getaways. This surge in bookings reflects a broader shift in travel preferences, with couples seeking diverse experiences beyond traditional favorites. Mexico City’s rich culture, world-class dining, and vibrant atmosphere make it an ideal destination for those looking to blend romance with adventure. As bookings continue to rise across the U.S. and international destinations, it’s clear that Valentine’s Day 2026 will be marked by a blend of iconic cities and emerging hotspots, reshaping the way travelers celebrate the holiday.

Valentine’s Day 2026 is shaping up to be a major travel event, with the holiday falling on a Saturday, allowing for an extended weekend that has led to a notable surge in travel bookings. Flight reservations for U.S. travelers have increased nearly 50% compared to 2025, reflecting a growing trend of couples planning getaways to celebrate the holiday.

According to a report by Allianz Partners, which analyzed over 1.6 million itineraries for roundtrip flights departing the U.S. between February 14 and February 18, 2026, a significant 77% of the bookings are for domestic travel, marking a 5% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, 23% of the itineraries are for international travel, which represents a slight decline of 5% compared to 2025.

Las Vegas – USA
2. Las Coloradas – Mexico
3. Rio de Janeiro – Brazil
4. Banff – Canada
5. Harbour Island – Bahamas
6. Miami Beach – USA
7. Tulum – Mexico
8. Maui – USA
9. Quebec City – Canada
10. San Diego – USA
11. St. Lucia – Caribbean
12. Cartagena – Colombia
13. Holetown – Barbados
14. Sedona – USA
15. Aspen – USA
16. Charleston – USA
17. Napa Valley – USA
18. Key West – USA
19. Willemstad – Curaçao
20. Mendoza – Argentina
21. Ushuaia – Argentina
22. Exumas – Bahamas
23. Grace Bay – Turks & Caicos
24. Fernando de Noronha – Brazil
25. Kauai – Hawaii, USA
26. 17-Mile Beach – Barbuda
27. Ilha Grande – Brazil
28. Isla Mujeres – Mexico
29. Ambergris Caye – Belize
30. English Harbour – Antigua
31. Bocas del Toro – Panama
32. Negril – Jamaica
33. San Juan – Puerto Rico
34. Floreana Island – Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
35. Rosario Islands – Colombia
36. São Paulo – Brazil
37. Patagonia – Chile/Argentina
38. Sacred Valley – Peru
39. Iguazú Falls – Argentina/Brazil
40. Lake Atitlán – Guatemala
41. Bariloche – Argentina
42. Arenal / Manuel Antonio – Costa Rica
43. Vancouver Island – Canada
44. Los Cabos – Mexico
45. Montreal – Canada
46. Ocho Rios – Jamaica
47. Punta Cana – Dominican Republic
48. Cozumel – Mexico
49. Niagara Falls – Canada
50. Nassau – Bahamas

Domestic Travel Destinations: Phoenix and Florida Lead the Charge

Domestic destinations are experiencing a strong uptick in popularity, with Phoenix, Arizona, emerging as the top destination for Valentine’s Day 2026. Known for its desert beauty, mild temperatures, and vibrant urban offerings, Phoenix provides an ideal getaway for couples looking for a romantic retreat.

Florida, long a popular destination for U.S. travelers, remains at the forefront of domestic travel for Valentine’s weekend. Orlando, with its famous theme parks and family-friendly activities, takes the second spot, while Miami, known for its lively nightlife and beautiful beaches, rounds out the top three. Other Florida cities, including Fort Lauderdale and Tampa, also make a mark on the rankings, as the state continues to capture a diverse range of visitors.

Other U.S. destinations showing increased interest this year include New York City, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. These cities are known for their entertainment options, world-class dining, and vibrant nightlife, making them popular choices for couples looking for excitement during the holiday. Salt Lake City, with its scenic winter landscapes, is gaining attention from those seeking a more relaxed and picturesque Valentine’s escape.

The addition of Tampa to the list signals an evolving trend as travelers are opting for destinations beyond the usual big-city favorites. Honolulu also remains a top choice for those seeking a tropical island experience during the winter months, providing the perfect combination of warmth, relaxation, and outdoor adventure.

Top Domestic Travel Destinations:

1. Phoenix, Arizona
2. Orlando, Florida
3. Miami, Florida
4. New York, New York
5. Las Vegas, Nevada
6. Los Angeles, California
7. Salt Lake City, Utah
8. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
9. Tampa, Florida
10. Honolulu, Hawaii

International Travel Destinations: Mexico Dominates, With New Entries on the Horizon

When it comes to international travel, Mexico continues to dominate, with Cancun, San José del Cabo, and Puerto Vallarta leading the charge. These well-known Mexican resort towns offer sun, sand, and luxury accommodations, making them top picks for U.S. couples looking to escape for a romantic Valentine’s weekend.

Cancun remains the most sought-after international destination, offering stunning beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. San José del Cabo offers a more relaxed atmosphere, with a focus on art galleries, gourmet dining, and serene beaches. Puerto Vallarta continues to charm travelers with its cobblestone streets, picturesque coastal views, and rich cultural heritage.

Beyond Mexico, other international destinations are gaining traction. London remains a staple for romantic getaways, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and iconic landmarks. Couples flock to Paris, the world-renowned “City of Love,” to experience the romance of the Eiffel Tower, charming streets, and exquisite dining.

Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and Liberia in Costa Rica also rank highly for travelers seeking tropical beaches and all-inclusive resorts. Mexico City is an increasingly popular option for those looking to combine cultural exploration with romance, offering world-class museums, dining, and historical landmarks.

The U.S. Virgin Islands and Oranjestad, Aruba, are new entries to the international rankings for Valentine’s Day 2026. The U.S. Virgin Islands make their first appearance on the list, offering a mix of pristine beaches and rich history, while Oranjestad remains a favorite for its laid-back atmosphere and vibrant local culture.

Top International Travel Destinations:

1. Cancun, Mexico
2. San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
3. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
4. London, England
5. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
6. Paris, France
7. Mexico City, Mexico
8. Liberia, Costa Rica
9. U.S. Virgin Islands
10. Oranjestad, Aruba

Key Trends and Insights

The surge in travel bookings for Valentine’s Day 2026 reflects broader shifts in travel preferences. Domestic travel continues to dominate, with a focus on both familiar and emerging destinations. Florida, in particular, is seeing a diverse range of travelers flocking to its cities for everything from theme park adventures to beachside relaxation. On the other hand, Mexico remains a top international choice, with its beautiful beaches, affordable luxury, and proximity to the U.S. making it a favorite for romantic getaways.

Meanwhile, new international destinations like the U.S. Virgin Islands and Oranjestad highlight a growing interest in Caribbean and Central American locations, offering travelers a more intimate and tranquil experience compared to traditional destinations.

Conclusion

With Valentine’s Day 2026 set to bring a significant increase in travel, the holiday weekend is shaping up to be a busy one for both domestic and international destinations. As travelers opt for both classic spots like Phoenix, Orlando, and Cancun, as well as newer destinations like Tampa and the U.S. Virgin Islands, it’s clear that the holiday continues to inspire couples to explore, celebrate, and enjoy romantic getaways across the world. Whether it’s a domestic city break or an exotic escape abroad, Valentine’s Day 2026 promises to be a memorable one for travelers looking to make the most of the extended weekend.

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