Cancun Is the Most-Booked International Destination for Travelers in 14 Different US States, According to United Airlines 

By: - January 1st, 2026
united airlines cancun
A map from United Airlines showing its most popular international destinations.

If you’ve been following the wider Caribbean region in recent years, you’ve seen the almost never-ending stream of new flight launches from US cities to Cancun. 

The Mexican Caribbean hotspot has been adding new flights from all over the country, on carriers big and small, with travelers drawn to its blend of white-sand beaches and all-inclusives. 

And now a report from United Airlines is showing just how popular the place is. 

According to a map of United Airlines showing the most-booked international destination in every US state, Cancun has a very strong showing, from Oregon to Idaho to Montana to Mississippi.

In fact, in 14 different US states, Cancun is the most popular international destination. 

That’s not a complete surprise in states like Kansas and South Dakota that aren’t exactly abundant in international airlift. 

But it’s true even in states like Texas, which boast broad networks of international flights. 

The message from United is clear: Cancun’s popularity is white-hot, and it’s not unexpected to see just how many new routes are launching to the Yucatan’s tourism epicenter, particularly from the Midwest. 

You can see the full graph at the top of this article. 

About the author

Alexander Britell is the founder and editor-in-chief of Caribbean Journal and one of the top experts on Caribbean travel worldwide, with decades of on-the-ground travel to the region and comprehensive knowledge of the entire Caribbean Basin.
Flights

Flight Watcher: You Can Get From Toronto to Turks and Caicos on Air Canada for $380

turks and caicos air canada

Each week, we scour Google Flights data to find the best airfare to the Caribbean. Our latest edition of Flight Watcher identified an Air Canada nonstop flight to the perfect white-sand beaches in Turks and Caicos.   We found flights on Air Canada nonstop from Toronto Pearson to Providenciales, according to Google Flights, for the […]

News

Barbados Leads the Caribbean in Cruise Passenger Growth

cruise barbados

Barbados has emerged as the fastest-growing cruise destination in the Caribbean so far this year, posting the strongest passenger growth of any destination in the region through the first three quarters. According to data from the Caribbean Tourism Organization, Barbados welcomed 496,256 cruise passengers through three quarters, representing year-over-year growth of 31.5 percent. The increase […]

News

Americans Are Flocking to a Caribbean Island Known For Its Rainforests, Sailing — and a Trending New All-Inclusive Resort 

caribbean island americans

It was a place that was largely off the radar of American travelers even a few years ago, an island with an imposing volcano, lush rainforests and a new international airport with few flights.  Fast forward a few years and St Vincent and the Grenadines is suddenly having a moment, with the fastest growing tourism […]


Two More Cruise Ships Make First-Ever Calls to St Maarten

St. Maarten is opening 2026 with a notable moment for its cruise sector, welcoming two inaugural ship calls on the same day — a rare double arrival that places the destination firmly on the industry’s early-year calendar. On New Year’s Day, Port St. Maarten is hosting the maiden St. Maarten calls of Sun Princess, the newest and […]

Puerto Rico Hotels Are Reporting Exceptionally High Occupancy for Year-End Holidays

Hotels and short-term accommodations across Puerto Rico are closing out the year with exceptionally strong occupancy levels, underscoring what tourism officials are calling a banner year for the island’s visitor economy and a positive outlook for early 2026. It’s part of what seems to be a very good festive season for the Caribbean so far. […]

Grand Bahama Makes Push to Court Travel Advisors

St. Maarten is opening 2026 with a notable moment for its cruise sector, welcoming two inaugural ship calls on the same day — a rare double arrival that places the destination firmly on the industry’s early-year calendar. On New Year’s Day, Port St. Maarten is hosting the maiden St. Maarten calls of Sun Princess, the newest and […]

The Westin Puerto Vallarta Is Reopening as an All-Inclusive — And Now It Has an Opening Date

A new all-inclusive resort is set to debut in Puerto Vallarta next spring, marking a significant repositioning for one of the destination’s established beachfront properties. Westin Playa Vallarta will officially reopen as an all-inclusive resort on May 1, 2026, introducing a redesigned hospitality concept focused on wellness, dining variety, and upgraded accommodations, Caribbean Journal has learned. […]