Domestic ‘Baecations’ Heat Up For American Travellers This Valentine’s Day

Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, New York is for Romantics, but Mexico is Too

Richmond, VA, February 3, 2020 — Valentine’s Day travel is up 22% over last year according to Allianz Global Assistance’s latest survey, which found that New York City and Cancun continue to make hearts flutter as the most popular domestic and international destinations for romantic holiday weekend getaways.

Allianz Global Assistance, a leading travel insurance and assistance company, reviewed Americans’ travel plans* for roundtrip flights a deux for the weekend prior to Valentine’s Day (departing and returning Thursday, February 6 to Monday, February 10, 2020) and from Thursday, February 13 – Monday, February 17, 2020. The Big Apple, romanticized in popular Valentine’s Day movies like Sleepless in Seattle, once again tops the domestic top 10 list and Los Angeles (#2), Seattle (#3), San Francisco (#4), Miami (#5), Chicago (#6), Atlanta (#7), Boston (#8), Phoenix (#9) and Las Vegas (#10) also held on dearly to their rankings from 2019, suggesting that perhaps variety *isn’t* the spice of life.

For international Valentine’s Day jet-setters, Cancun takes the cake for the sixth consecutive year and overall, Mexico dominates thanks to San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico (#2) and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (#3), which jumped respectively from #3 and #8 in 2019. Sweetening the international list are Richmond, Canada (#4), Toronto, Canada (#5), Mexico City, Mexico (#6), Nassau, Bahamas (#7), Oranjestad, Aruba (#8), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (#9) and Montego Bay, Jamaica (#10).

Allianz’s data indicates Americans are strongly favoring domestic ‘baecations’ versus international getaways this year, noting international travel is down 19%. Multiple factors may be contributing to this trend, from avoiding long lines in customs to unpredictable weather patterns: perennially popular travel destinations in the Caribbean are still feeling the after-effects of earthquakes and hurricanes, including Nassau, Bahamas, which dropped to #7 from #3 last year. Interestingly, the Dominican Republic, which also has had its fair share of negative publicity surrounding travel to the island nation, made its first appearance in the top 10 international list at #9.

“Our survey shows that this Valentine’s Day, home is truly where the heart is,” said Daniel Durazo, director of marketing and communications at Allianz Global Assistance USA. “Whether travelers are embracing getaways within the U.S. or yearning for Mexican beaches, the right travel insurance may help with unexpected events which can turn a romantic getaway ice cold.”

Allianz Global Assistance helps ease travelers’ minds with their travel insurance, sold through most major U.S. airlines, leading travel agents, online travel agencies and directly to consumers. For more information on Allianz Global Assistance and the policies offered for travelers, please visit: http://www.allianztravelinsurance.com.

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*Methodology:

The data of U.S. travelers’ 2020 Valentine’s Day travel plans was gathered by analyzing the number of customers that went through the online booking process of airfare paths for partners offering Allianz Global Assistance to generate itineraries for roundtrip flights for two passengers departing and returning to U.S. airports for domestic and international destinations from 2/6/20 – 2/10/20 and 2/13/20 – 2/17/20

About Allianz Global Assistance

Allianz Global Assistance is a leading consumer specialty insurance** and assistance company with operation centers in 35 countries. In the United States, Allianz Global Assistance USA (AGA Service Company) serves over 45 million customers annually and is best known for its Allianz Travel-branded travel protection plans. In addition to travel insurance, Allianz Global Assistance USA offers tuition insurance, 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.

**Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply to all plans. Plans are available only to U.S. residents. Not all plans are available in all jurisdictions. 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. 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. 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.