As summer travel season kicks into high gear, Forbes Advisor has identified the best and worst cities for a summer vacation. An estimated 200 million Americans are expected to travel, with many favoring beaches and national parks.
Forbes evaluated 43 metropolitan areas based on crime rates, costs, ease of travel, and extreme weather conditions. Jacksonville, Florida, topped the list of least desirable destinations, earning the dubious honor due to poor walkability, limited public transportation, high crime rates, and uncomfortable summer temperatures. Historical data from NOAA indicates that Jacksonville’s summer heat index frequently exceeds 100 degrees, despite air temperatures typically ranging from the low to mid-90s.
The study did not specify whether nearby beaches, often frequented by those seeking relief from the heat, were considered.
Other cities that ranked poorly include Colorado Springs, Colorado; Fresno, California; Memphis, Tennessee; and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Common issues in these cities include high crime rates, a lack of highly rated restaurants, and inadequate transportation options.
Conversely, Minneapolis was deemed the best city for a summer vacation, followed by Long Beach, California; Washington, D.C.; Seattle, Washington; and Omaha, Nebraska. These top cities feature high walkability scores and milder weather compared to their southern counterparts.
The survey focused solely on domestic destinations. However, international travel remains popular, with Tripadvisor highlighting Cancun, Mexico; London, England; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Paris, France; and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico as the top choices for 2024. Paris, in particular, is seeing increased interest due to the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games from late July to September. An estimated 15 million visitors from 206 nations are expected to attend the games, which will feature a unique open-air opening ceremony along the River Seine with the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop.