New York City joins Punta Cana, Cancun, Mexico City, Las Vegas, Tampa and more as popular national and international destinations for Valentine’s Day in 2026

Published February 4, 2026

As Valentine’s Day 2026 approaches, New York City is emerging as one of the top destinations for couples, along with hotspots like Punta Cana, Cancun, Mexico City, Las Vegas, and Tampa. From strolling through Central Park to Michelin-starred dinners to Broadway shows, the city’s romantic charm makes it the perfect getaway. With its iconic skyline, rich art scene, and endless entertainment, New York offers couples an unforgettable experience. This rise in popularity reflects a broader trend toward diverse destinations, with couples seeking both tropical retreats such as Cancun and Punta Cana and vibrant urban escapes such as Mexico City and Las Vegas. Tampa’s recent rise also highlights travelers’ interest in fresh and unique destinations. Whether it’s the romantic Big Apple or the beaches of Mexico, these destinations will be among your top Valentine’s Day choices in 2026.

With Valentine’s Day falling on a Saturday in 2026, travel bookings skyrocketed, increasing by nearly 50% compared to 2025. This increase highlights that Valentine’s Day is becoming the prime time for romantic holidays. An analysis of more than 1.6 million round-trip itineraries for travel between February 14 and February 18 revealed changing preferences for both domestic and international travel. According to one travel insurance and support company, 77% of travelers are choosing domestic destinations, an increase of 5% from the previous year. Meanwhile, 23% are choosing to travel abroad, down 5% from 2025. The data also reveals a new pattern: new cities are becoming more popular among travelers.

Domestic travel: Phoenix and Florida grow in popularity

When it comes to domestic destinations, Phoenix, Arizona remains the most popular location, consistently attracting travelers with its warm climate, vibrant desert landscape, and numerous outdoor activities. However, Florida continues to dominate the domestic travel scene, with Orlando and Miami ranking high on the list of top travel spots. The state has long been known for its sunny climate, family-friendly theme parks, and vibrant nightlife, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking both adventure and relaxation.

In addition to Phoenix and Florida, other top locations in the country include New York City. New York City remains popular with couples looking to experience iconic landmarks and world-class entertainment. Las Vegas is known for its exciting nightlife and entertainment options. and Los Angeles, the city of stars with the perfect blend of beaches, culture and luxury. Salt Lake City, Fort Lauderdale and Honolulu, which are close to outdoor activities, are also seeing increased bookings, offering travelers a variety of experiences from mountains to beaches.

One interesting development in 2026 is that Tampa, Florida ranks among the top Valentine’s Day destinations. Tampa’s inclusion reflects changing travel preferences as more visitors flock to lesser-known spots that still offer a rich cultural scene and diverse activities. This marks a change from the previous year, when Tampa was not a significant player in the rankings.

International travel: Mexico takes the lead

When it comes to international travel, Mexico continues to dominate, with Cancun, San Jose del Cabo and Puerto Vallarta occupying the top three spots. These locations are especially popular among travelers seeking a tropical vacation, offering pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and a combination of relaxation and adventure. Mexico’s proximity to the United States, affordability, and vibrant culture make it an attractive option for those looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day abroad.

In addition to Mexican destinations, other international spots are also gaining attention as attractive to both leisure and urban travelers. London, England, continues to be a popular destination, offering travelers the opportunity to experience a rich history, stunning architecture, and a romantic getaway along the River Thames. Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is another popular destination for those seeking sunny beaches and luxury resorts. Also known as the “City of Love,” Paris remains a timeless choice for couples looking to experience romance in the heart of Europe.

Mexico City is a cultural center with an exciting mix of ancient and modern attractions that continues to attract tourists. Similarly, Liberia, Costa Rica is becoming increasingly popular, offering adventure experiences amidst lush jungles, wildlife, and a relaxed atmosphere. Oranjestad in the US Virgin Islands and Aruba round out the list of popular destinations around the world. Notably, the U.S. Virgin Islands, which had not been a significant destination in recent years, appears on the list for the first time, marking a shift in the island’s appeal and accessibility.

Travel insurance: the traveler’s essential companion

As Valentine’s Day travel grows in popularity, the importance of travel insurance is becoming increasingly apparent. With so many people booking trips, travel disruptions such as delays, cancellations, and lost baggage can occur more frequently. Travel insurance reduces the stress and financial loss associated with such disruptions and ensures travelers are protected from unexpected events. For many couples, purchasing travel insurance is an important step in securing their trip, giving them peace of mind while enjoying their romantic getaway.

Both domestically and internationally, 2026 looks set to be the year that travelers embrace both new and classic destinations. As more people take romantic getaways on Valentine’s Day, travel trends reflect a growing desire to explore both familiar destinations and hidden gems while ensuring the travel experience is protected.

Top domestic travel destinations in 2026:

Phoenix, Arizona Orlando, Florida Miami, Florida New York City, Florida Las Vegas, New York Los Angeles, Nevada Salt Lake City, California Fort Lauderdale, Utah Tampa, Florida Honolulu, Hawaii

Top international travel destinations for 2026:

Cancun, Mexico San Jose del Cabo, Mexico Puerto Vallarta, Mexico London, Dominican Republic Punta Canapari, France Mexico Mexico City Liberia, Costa Rica United States Virgin Islands Oranjestad, Aruba

Thanks to its iconic landmarks, romantic experiences, and vibrant culture, New York City joins other popular Valentine’s Day destinations in 2026 like Punta Cana, Cancun, Mexico City, Las Vegas, and Tampa as the perfect destination for couples.

As Valentine’s Day 2026 approaches, a surge in travel bookings and the growing popularity of a variety of destinations are highlighting a shift in the way couples celebrate. New York City’s emergence as a top choice alongside popular destinations like Cancun, Punta Cana, and Las Vegas reflects the growing demand for both romantic getaways and unique experiences. With bookings up nearly 50% this year, it’s clear that Valentine’s Day is becoming one of the most important times for travel. Whether you’re looking for the romance of the Big Apple or the tropical charm of Mexico, couples are visiting a variety of destinations, and Valentine’s Day 2026 is sure to be an unforgettable trip for many.