For many Americans , observe Independence Day in the US is all about firing up the BBQ in their backyard , cracking up a cold beverage , and marveling at some jaw - droppingfireworksabove your head . Others , though , are more into the idea oftravelingfor the occasion .

According to a recent survey by NerdWallet , the personal finance website , 31 % of Americans design to travel for the vacation , which this year falls on a Thursday , stimulate farseeing five - day weekend a plausible realism for many . Some of these travelers will even baffle the country ’s edge and willtravel internationally .

But they ’re not looking to go just anywhere . According to Booking.com ’s new finding on Fourth of July - have-to doe with travel , one international urban center takes the cake for being the most worthy one for Americans this year — and it look like instead of BBQ and beer , American traveler are eyeball paella and sangria this Fourth of July . Barcelonais reportedly on everyone ’s regard inclination for the occasion , boasting a whopping 70 % year - over - year gain in search book . That ’s the outrageous year - over - year search increase even when compared to domesticated destination , where the top trending one is Panama City Beach , Florida , with a 32 % year - over - year increase in search .

barcelona, spain

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For the long weekend — from July 3 through July 7 , in Booking.com ’s field of study — Americans in search of international destinations are also appear to travel longer distances than Europe . The 2d top cut international goal for the holiday is , in fact , Tokyo , which is find a 32 % class - over - year hunting increase .

The top three also include France ’s gorgeous Paris , with a 27 % year - over - twelvemonth increase in searches ; Rome , with a 23 % class - over - twelvemonth lookup increase ; and Amsterdam , with a 17 % year - over - year search addition .

Barcelona ’s uptick in interest might also be relate to its geographic amenities . The data shows that the international finish check another box traveler desire in 2024 . According to the same Booking.com study , 78 % of Americans say that being close to H2O directly makes them feel more relaxed , and 34 % tell they are interested in water supply - centric holiday in 2024 . In this view , Barcelona is the place to be — you get the bustling urban center look while also being gradation away from some gorgeous and fun beaches , too .