Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – As the holiday season approaches, American travelers are once again packing their bags for sunny international escapes, and Puerto Vallarta continues to hold a prized spot on their holiday wish lists. According to Allianz Partners’ 2026 Top Thanksgiving Destinations report, the beloved Mexican Pacific coast resort ranks eighth among foreign hotspots favored by U.S. tourists this November, with Cancun taking the top spot.
Puerto Vallarta’s place on the leaderboard is hardly a surprise. The destination has established itself as a staple for holiday getaways, consistently earning top-three honors in Allianz’s rankings across 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025. Sun-seekers are regularly drawn to the city’s coastal scenery, mild autumn climate, and rich local culture, which together create a balanced mix of relaxation and outdoor adventures.
The annual rankings stem from an extensive review of more than 145,000 insured travel itineraries. To compile the data, Allianz analyzed round-trip flights departing U.S. airports between November 21 and November 26, returning between November 27 and December 1.
Mexico dominates the international rankings, claiming four of the top ten spots with Cancun, San Jose del Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, and Mexico City. The remaining top global destinations featured on this year’s list include Punta Cana, London, Paris, Nassau, Montego Bay, and Oranjestad, Aruba. On the home front, New York City leads domestic Thanksgiving travel, followed by Orlando, Seattle, Dallas, and Phoenix.
Beyond highlighting favorite locations, the 2026 study offers a window into how Americans are reshaping their holiday traditions. Nearly 62 percent of policyholders surveyed said that staying close to loved ones was their primary consideration when selecting a destination.
In fact, two-thirds of respondents indicated they are traveling specifically to visit friends or family, and one in five plan to lengthen their stay. Those opting for extended getaways expect to travel for a median of eight days, compared to six days for standard holiday travelers.
With busy airport terminals on the horizon, travel experts recommend preparing for potential hiccups during peak travel windows. Richmond, Virginia-based Allianz Partners – which offers protection plans through airlines, travel advisors, cruise lines, and online booking sites – notes that holiday travel demand has returned at full force. The company’s General Manager, Emily Hartman, advises travelers to book early and secure comprehensive protection against unexpected flight delays, cancellations, lost baggage, or sudden medical needs during their trips.
As airports prepare for heavy holiday volume, Puerto Vallarta’s enduring appeal ensures it will welcome a steady wave of visitors seeking warmth, rich local experiences, and memorable time with family this Thanksgiving.
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