I spend a lot of my time writing about the best locations for summer holidays, half term breaks and even ski trips but this is almost always from the point of view of an English Traveller. A huge chunk of our customer base is not here in the UK and this is the start of a number of posts aimed at you. Our friends abroad.

Ask any American where they are going on their summer vacation this year and I am 99.9% confident you will not hear the words Benidorm, Marbs or Albufeira. The most popular locations among American tourists are mostly, much more exotic, with a few surprise ones thrown in. Here are the top 10 that i could find, in no particular order!

Cape Cod, New England

Between Memorial Day weekend & Labor Day weekend, tourists join the locals and swarm 40 miles of picturesque beaches at Cape Cod. The temperatures throughout the day are regularly into the 70s in New England, giving the place and its residents a chance to thaw after frozen winters. In addition to relaxing on the shores, travellers can take a scenic bike ride along Rail Trail with friends and family or wander through the federal wildlife refuge on Monomoy island.

Miami, Florida

Miami is a location that has something for everyone. Take the family and explore Walt Disney World, go with friends for the summer for the beach life through the day and nightlife after dark or even take a romantic break and find some of the best restaurants in the USA. Miami is hugely popular with international travellers and Americans themselves who flock here in their millions every year.

Portland, Oregon

To be honest, not a location that has ever been near the top of my ‘list of places to visit’ but if you are looking for a different kind of vacation away from crowded beaches and theme parks then I am told Portland should be way up there. The people here make the most of their sun-filled days in the summer months. Outdoor live music, food and drink festivals, pop up beer gardens, white water rafting and forest hikes are just a few of the activities to get involved, and that is just day one.

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

If you like the beach life then this should be next on your list. Seafood, water sports, sunbathing and diving, A water lover’s paradise. And that is just by day. At night this place transforms into a cosmopolitan city with clubs, bars and restaurants full to bursting. I’m told you haven’t experienced the Cayman Islands until you have woken up on Seven Mile Beach.

Jamaica, Caribbean

Close your eyes and disconnect for a hot second. And by hot, we mean temperatures are definitely warm in the summer in Jamaica. When the weather is warm it is time for some of the best sunrises, sunsets, beach days you will ever know. When you’re not thumbing through the latest novel, explore the many shorelines, including Dr’s Cave Beach and Walter Fletcher among others. If you’re into snorkelling or scuba diving, the protected waters at Montego Bay Marine Park are a must-dive, too.

Maui, Hawaii

Maui is possibly the most amazing of the Hawaiian Islands. Visit any time of year but summertime is obviously the most popular. The majority of people enjoy traveling to Maui with their families in the summertime and Maui is a great place for a family vacation. Make sure to take in the summer events like 4th of July (Independence Day) parade or the Slack Key Guitar Festival!

Las Vegas, Nevada

From amazing stage and stadium shows and death-defying magic acts to vast casinos and huge dancing fountains, Sin City is a dazzling playground by night. By day you will find the holidaymakers, making the most of the climate at one of a hundred different pool parties at bars, hotels and casinos up and down the strip. Las Vegas is the place to go if you do not intend to sleep for long periods of time.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

On the sun-soaked Caribbean coast, Playa del Carmen or to the regulars and locals – just Playa – was made famous by back-packing travellers who arrived for the perfect beaches and coral reefs. This small fishing town has been quickly changed into a haven for party goers with an extra cluster of hotels in Playa car. However, if you really want to party then ‘Playa’ has a noisy neighbour that will suit you. A little place called Cancun!

Cancun, Mexico

If you are looking for a holiday destination in Mexico, Cancun must be top of the list. The 70’s saw this former fishing village transform into a hot spot for tourism with the development of the Hotel Zone. The 18KM long island with the Caribbean Sea on one side and Laguna Nichupté on the other. This place spoils its visitors with shopping malls, casinos, golf courses, and the best nightlife you can find in south America.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana is party central and is located on the north-eastern tip of the Dominican Republic. Bavaro is the liveliest of the resorts with a beach that has been modelled from the pages of a glossy travel mag. Between learning how to surf, scuba dive around coral reefs and investigating shipwrecks, you will find a non-stop list of things to do on dry land too. Punta Cana is home to over a dozen golf clubs but if the countryside is your scene, head to the rain forest in a buggy on a guided tour or, fly through air along the tree canopies on a zip wire excursion.