Holiday Travel Increases By More Than A Third

RICHMOND, Va., Dec. 2, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Holiday travel will increase by 34 percent in 2021 compared to 2020 according to Allianz Partners USA's Top 10 Holiday Destinations survey, which found that Americans are planning trips to New York City and Cancun, Mexico as their top domestic and international locations.

After reviewing four million itineraries* for roundtrip flights departing from U.S. airports beginning Saturday, December 18 and returning by Thursday, December 30, the travel insurance and assistance company found that 87 percent of the itineraries reviewed are for domestic travel and 13 percent are for international travel.

With fewer travel restrictions and availability of the COVID-19 vaccine, Americans are putting their travel plans in motion this holiday season. New York (#1) made its return as the favored destination after slipping out of the top 10 last year, followed by Seattle (#2) which was 2020's top holiday destination. Americans are also planning trips to warm-weather destinations including Orlando (#3), Los Angeles (#4) and Phoenix (#5). The only New England contender, Boston (#6) follows, and Atlanta (#7), Las Vegas (#8), Salt Lake City (#9) and Dallas-Fort Worth round out the top 10 list for domestic holiday travels.

"Americans are eager to travel again and one trend we've seen is travelers returning to the places they love, whether that's a cosmopolitan Christmas in New York City or basking in the sun on the beautiful beaches of Mexico," said Daniel Durazo, director of marketing and communications for Allianz Partners USA. "Holiday travel can be stressful and with the added uncertainty brought on by severe weather, significant delays and unexpected cancellations, it's important to remember travel insurance. Whether you're visiting family you haven't seen in a while or are taking a much-needed vacation out of the country, travel insurance can provide coverage for pre-paid, non-refundable expenses, medical emergencies and even lost or delayed baggage."

Travelers seeking an international holiday getaway are putting three destinations in Mexico on their holiday wish lists, and checking them twice. Cancun (#1) came out on top this year, followed by San Jose Del Cabo (#2) and Puerto Vallarta (#3). With eight Caribbean destinations featured in the top 10 international ranking, it's fair to say Americans are looking for a winter escape and a warmer change of scenery this year.

Although flying long distances during the holiday season can be challenging, Allianz Partners' Senior Medical Consultant Dr. Eugene Delaune, MD offers some travel tips: "Stay hydrated, dress appropriately and move about the cabin when possible. These tips will help you stay comfortable while flying. If you're prone to motion sickness, choose a window seat near the front of the plane, avoid alcohol and caffeine as they may cause dehydration and have ginger candies or ginger tea."

Earlier this year, Allianz Partners USA announced enhancements** to many of its travel insurance products in most states through an Epidemic Coverage Endorsement. Products that include this endorsement may include covered reasons that provide coverage to customers who become ill with COVID-19 or a future epidemic, are individually ordered to quarantine, or are denied boarding due to a suspected illness. These products may also include coverage for emergency medical care or emergency medical transportation, or provide reimbursement for change fees and loyalty points deposit fees if the customer becomes ill with an epidemic disease. Availability of the Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, and specific covered reasons under that endorsement, varies by product and by state. See your plan for details.

Allianz Partners offers travel insurance*** through most major U.S. airlines, leading travel agents, online travel agencies and directly to consumers. For more information on Allianz and the policies offered for travelers, please visit: www.allianztravelinsurance.com.

*Methodology: The data of U.S. travelers' 2021 holiday plans was gathered by analyzing the number of customers that went through the online booking process of airfare and package paths for partners offering Allianz Global Assistance travel insurance, to generate itineraries for roundtrip flights departing from U.S. airports from 12/18/2021 –12/29/2021, returning 12/19/2021 - 12/30/2021. In total, just under 4 million itineraries were analyzed using this methodology.

Allianz Partners Holiday Travel Data: Where Americans Are Traveling 

Link to download Top Domestic Destinations chart:
https://finnpartners.box.com/s/go6fq3g4tppwpy5fj8llb1ke2ewfhskk

Link to download Top International Destinations chart:
https://finnpartners.box.com/s/snm5dzvnwv2g97v93aw68cvewesfjvab 

About Allianz Partners 
Allianz Partners (AGA Service Company) is a leading consumer specialty insurance and assistance company with operation centers in 35 countries. In the United States, the company offers Allianz Travel-branded travel protection plans and serves millions of customers each year. In addition to travel protection, the company offers event ticket protection, registration protection for endurance events and unique travel assistance services such as international medical assistance and concierge services. The company also serves as an outsource provider for in-bound call center services and claims administration for property and casualty insurers and credit card companies. AGA Service Company is doing business as Allianz Global Assistance Insurance Agency in California (License # 0B01400) and Massachusetts.

** While the new Epidemic Coverage Endorsement adds certain covered reasons that apply to specific epidemic-related situations, products otherwise generally do not cover claims due to known, foreseeable, or expected events, epidemics, government prohibitions, warnings, or travel advisories, or fear of travel, and coverage can vary by state.  Please see our Coverage Alert for information about other temporary accommodations that may be available.  Benefits for quarantines only apply when an eligible traveler is specifically named and individually ordered to quarantine by order or official directive of a government, public regulatory authority, or the captain of a commercial vessel on which that eligible traveler is booked to travel during the covered trip, based on that eligible traveler's exposure to COVID-19. The benefit does not cover travel restrictions (whether or not they are referred to as "quarantine") that apply generally or broadly (a) to some segment or all of a population, geographical area, building, or vessel (including without limitation shelter-in-place, stay-at-home, safer-at-home, or other similar restriction), or (b) based on to, from, or through where the person is traveling. Coverage may not cover the full cost of your quarantine and is subject to applicable benefit limits. See your plan for details.

***Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply to all plans. Plans are available only to U.S. residents. Not all plans are available in all jurisdictions. Availability of Epidemic Coverage Endorsement, including specific benefits and covered reasons described here, varies by product and by state. Products may not include all benefits or covered reasons described here. All benefits are subject to maximum limits of liability, which may in some cases be subject to sublimits and daily maximums. Benefits and limits vary by plan. For a complete description of the coverage and benefit limits offered under your specific plan, carefully review your plan's Letter of Confirmation/Declarations and Certificate of Insurance/Policy. Insurance coverage is underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: Oakbrook Terrace, IL), rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: Richmond, VA), rated "A+" (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101–C series or 101–P series, depending on state of residence. Except as otherwise specified, AGA Service Company d/b/a Allianz Global Assistance is the licensed producer and administrator of Allianz Travel-branded travel protection plans in the U.S. and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. Allianz Global Assistance, TravelSmart, and AgentSmart are marks of AGA Service Company or its affiliates. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between Allianz Global Assistance and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance and assistance services. Noninsurance benefits/products are provided and serviced by Allianz Global Assistance. SmartBenefits proactive payments and "no receipts" payments available only on certain plans. For plans that include proactive payments: when you opt in and provide flight information, Allianz Global Assistance will monitor flights and send flight status and benefit alerts, including alerts about flight delays that qualify for automated travel delay payments. Standard message/data rates apply to SMS alerts. Automated claims and payment system availability is not guaranteed and is subject to our sole discretion. All claims subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions.

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SOURCE Allianz Partners