Travel Time: Illinois’ Most-Googled Summer Vacation Spots

It's a fact of life that more of us will probably have a stay-cation than a vacation during the summer season of 2025. You can decide for yourself if that's sad or not, but having taken many stay-cations over the years, I can tell you that they can be fun too, and all without losing your luggage or maxing your credit cards at a resort.

Having said that, I've spent a fair share of time on Google checking out different spots around the country and the globe for fun vacation ideas, even if I might not be able to afford them at the time.

It turns out that I'm far from being alone. Many of you do the same thing, and judging by the Google search results, you've found some really cool spots that are well worth checking out.

Depending On Your Age, Summer Vacation Time Is A Bit Different Than It Was When We Were Kids

My wife knew that summer vacation meant heading up with her family to an A-frame cabin in the middle of a forest in Wisconsin to sacrifice their bodies to mosquitoes and ticks, while I knew that when I saw a Rand-McNally road atlas and a highlighter sitting on the kitchen table, we were about to take a lengthy cross-country road trip...somewhere.

While my wife got to know the woods north of the Cheddar Curtain like the back of her hand, I saw 48 states from the backseat of a Chevy.

People Still Head Up To The Woods In Wisconsin For Summer Vacation, But It Seems Like Fewer People Are Doing Long Family Road Trips Around The Country

Another difference between my childhood and now is that more and more people are turning to Google for ideas on places to go, and more and more people are adding a certain word to their Google vacation searches:

Luxury.

Here in Illinois, we're no different from the rest of the country when it comes to wanting vacation accommodations that could be described as "luxurious," because we're on Google looking for those things, too.

Take A Second And Think Of A Couple Of Luxurious Vacation Places You'd Like To Visit, And We'll See How Well You Match Up With The Rest Of Illinois

According to a study released by High 5 Casino, the luxury travel market is booming, with demand increasing for remote destinations and luxury trips rising over 9% in the last couple of years, despite the economic conditions.

Maybe that feeling of being stuck that we experienced during the pandemic has caused people to really want to get out and get away even if it's expensive. According to the study, 39% of Americans say that their budgets for travel will be higher than their budgets were previously.

Enough of the money talk. Let's get to the 5 spots that have Illinoisans heading to Google to get more information about.

Illinois' Top 5 Most-Googled Luxury Destinations (hat-tip to High 5 Casino):

Paris. (10,090 average monthly searches): Known as the capital of love, Paris’ romantic allure and historical significance offers tourists a trip to remember; from marveling at iconic landmarks to indulging in world-renowned cuisine.

Cancun. (7,580 average monthly searches): Renowned for its all-inclusive resorts, Mayan ruins, and vibrant nightlife, Cancun caters to travelers seeking a luxurious getaway with endless activities.

Puerto Rico. (5,090 average monthly searches): From the rainforests of El Yunque to the historic city of San Juan, Puerto Rico offers a unique blend of culture, adventure, and luxurious accommodations.

Aruba. (4,090 average monthly search): With its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant casinos, Aruba offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.

Kauai. (3,680 average monthly searches): Nicknamed the "Garden Isle," Kauai boasts lush rainforests, dramatic waterfalls, and a breathtaking coastline, ideal for nature enthusiasts seeking a luxurious escape.