AIRLINES & ALLIANCES

Delta releases annual most-searched summer destinations

Love Athens? Santa Barbara awaits. Santa Barbara has much in common with the Greek capital of Athens far beyond its sunny climate and coastal setting along the Pacific Ocean, which provides breathtaking views much like Athens’ proximity to the Aegean Sea. After the 1925 earthquake, Santa Barbara embraced an architectural style that drew from Spain’s colonial past and Mediterranean aesthetics, creating a stunning city with white stucco buildings and red-tiled roofs that mirror the classic aesthetic of Athens. And like Athens, Santa Barbara is rich in cultural landmarks from the Mission Santa Barbara, a stunning historical site that reflects European influence, to the city’s gardens, such as Lotusland and the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Both cities also embrace outdoor dining and café culture, with Santa Barbara’s charming bistros and wine bars offering a European-style experience similar to Athens’ lively tavernas. The local food scene in Santa Barbara features fresh seafood, olive oil-based dishes and Mediterranean flavors, making it easy to find Greek-inspired cuisine.  
 

For another alternate option on the East Coast of the U.S., try Tarpon Springs, Florida – located just 18 miles from the Tampa Airport. The town truly feels like a slice of Greece and is considered to have one of the strongest Greek influences in the U.S., thanks to its thriving Greek-American community, authentic Greek cuisine, sponge diving traditions, waterfront views and Mediterranean-style architecture. 

Tokyo dreams? Seattle delivers. Seattle is home to the Seattle Japanese Garden, a serene space reflecting traditional Japanese landscaping, and has a historic Japantown that celebrates Japanese heritage. Like Tokyo, Seattle thrives as a global tech hub, with industry giants like Microsoft and Amazon shaping its economy. Much like Tokyo’s culinary landscape, Seattle offers authentic ramen shops, sushi bars, fresh seafood and bustling markets. And its thriving nightlife and entertainment scene – featuring lively districts with bars, music venues, late-night eateries and gaming culture – further mirror Tokyo’s blend of izakayas, karaoke bars and neon-lit districts. Last, but certainly not least, both cities boast breathtaking waterfronts, with Seattle’s Puget Sound mirroring Tokyo Bay’s scenery.

Looking for Amsterdam magic? Find it in Portland. Like Amsterdam, Portland is known for its bike-friendly streets and cycling infrastructure, making biking a popular and convenient way to explore the city. The city’s thriving craft beer scene, with numerous breweries and beer tours like BrewCycle, mirrors Amsterdam’s love for local brews – not to mention their shared love of coffee culture. And Portland’s waterfront views, particularly along the Willamette River, resemble Amsterdam’s canals, offering scenic spots for walking, biking and dining. Throughout both cities, you’ll find a strong emphasis on creative expression, with street art, independent shops and cultural events contributing to their unique atmospheres.

Travel back in time—Savannah’s got Dublin’s soul. Much like Dublin, Savannah’s historic district is filled with well-preserved buildings, creating an atmosphere that transports visitors back in time. The city’s cobblestone streets, particularly along River Street, mirror Dublin’s traditional pathways – and its centuries-old architecture, including grand mansions and historic landmarks, reflects Dublin’s blend of Georgian and Victorian influences. Savannah’s waterfront views along the Savannah River evoke the scenic beauty of Dublin’s River Liffey, offering picturesque spots for strolling and dining. The coastal-Georgian town also features a thriving pub scene that is reminiscent of Dublin’s famous pubs, offering a welcoming atmosphere where visitors can enjoy live music and hearty food. Public squares found in the city, like Forsyth Park and Chippewa Square, also provide gathering spaces similar to Dublin’s parks and plazas, making Savannah a perfect travel alternative for Ireland’s capital.

From tapas to tides—experience San Diego’s Spanish influence. San Diego is home to stunning waterfront views, with La Jolla Cove and Mission Bay offering scenic coastal experiences similar to that of Barcelona’s beaches. Throughout the city, the Spanish influence is hard to miss. Spanish colonial architecture evokes Barcelona’s blend of historic and modern design, particularly in Old Town and Balboa Park – and Barcelona’s gastronomic culture is replicated with fresh seafood, tapas-style dining and bustling food markets. Both cities also have a thriving nightlife scene, with San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter serving as the heart of its entertainment scene, much like Barcelona’s popular Gothic Quarter.

Inspired by Lisbon? Try San Francisco. While one of the first things travelers may notice about these two cities are their steep hills and cable cars, San Francisco and Lisbon have far more in common than just that. Both cities are known for their iconic bridges, with San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge resembling Lisbon’s Ponte 25 de Abril in design and striking red color. Their coastal locations offer breathtaking views, with San Francisco’s bay mirroring Lisbon’s Tagus River. San Francisco’s European-style neighborhoods, such as North Beach, evoke Lisbon’s charm, while its thriving food scene, featuring fresh seafood and international cuisine, aligns with Lisbon’s culinary culture. With stunning waterfronts, nearby beaches and lively neighborhoods, San Francisco provides a Lisbon-like experience without crossing the Atlantic.