Article Highlights:

  • Mexico, Italy and the Dominican Republic are the most-visited April–June international destinations for North Americans.
  • Colombia, the Philippines and Cambodia are rising fast thanks to global rankings, improved accessibility and growing demand.
  • Safety risks vary widely; travelers often ask “is Mexico safe,” “is Italy safe,” or “is Colombia safe,” requiring clear risk assessments.
  • Medical care in trending destinations is uneven, making medical evacuation coverage important for spring and early-summer travelers.
  • Global Rescue membership offers essential field rescue, medical evacuation and advisory support for all six destinations.

 

 

Spring through early summer is a sweet spot for international travel. Shoulder-season prices linger, crowds are manageable and weather conditions across many regions hit their annual peak. For North Americans, this window consistently drives millions of outbound leisure trips, with clear favorites: Mexico, Italy and the Dominican Republic. But new contenders are rising fast, including Colombia, the Philippines and Cambodia, each boosted by global rankings, improving infrastructure and renewed cultural appeal.

Below is a comprehensive look at the most-visited April–June destinations, along with emerging hotspots—and, importantly, the safety questions travelers search most: Is Mexico safe? Is Italy safe? Is the Dominican Republic safe? Is Colombia safe? Is the Philippines safe? Is Cambodia safe?

 

Mexico: The Unshakable #1 for North American Spring Travel

Mexico remains the undisputed most-visited international destination for US and Canadian travelers between April and June. Proximity, affordability, warm weather and nonstop flights from almost every major North American city keep it at the top.

Mexico’s risk rating is Moderate, primarily due to organized crime, gang-related violence and drug trafficking activity. While these issues rarely affect resort corridors, travelers may encounter roadblocks or protests in urban areas. Health risks include vector-borne diseases, water-borne illnesses and hurricanes beginning in June. Healthcare varies dramatically: excellent in Mexico City, limited or inconsistent in rural or coastal areas, making travelers ask frequently about medical evacuation coverage. Spring provides ideal weather before summer humidity and hurricane season intensify and travel demand spikes for Easter, long weekends and early summer getaways.

 

Italy: The Quintessential Spring and Early Summer Getaway

Italy ranks second among overseas destinations for US spring travel, thanks to dream-season weather, blooming landscapes and vibrant cultural festivals. In terms of safety, Italy carries a low overall risk rating. Crime is mostly petty. Pickpocketing is a risk in major cities and tourist centers.

Other risks include civil unrest, transport strikes and seismic or volcanic activity around the Apennines and Sicily. Italy’s healthcare system is high-quality and reliable, but travelers often still opt for evacuation coverage to avoid high out-of-pocket costs or language barriers when arranging medical transport. Mild temperatures, open-air dining and pre-summer crowds make this one of the best periods to visit Rome, Florence, Sicily, the Dolomites or the lakes.

 

Dominican Republic: A Consistent Top Sun Destination

The Dominican Republic is the third most-visited Q2 destination for North Americans, particularly for beach resorts, all-inclusive packages and family travel. The DR earns a moderate risk rating, with most security incidents involving non-violent theft. Crime increases near the Haiti border and civil unrest occasionally disrupts transportation.

Health risks involve vector-borne diseases, hurricanes and limited medical facilities outside the capital. This makes medical evacuation insurance essential, especially for travelers exploring areas beyond Punta Cana or Santo Domingo. Warm, sunny weather dominates the season and early summer travel deals often drive strong demand before July–August peaks.

 

Upward-Trending Destinations

Travel patterns are shifting. Alongside perennial favorites, a surge in traveler interest and global rankings is pushing Colombia, the Philippines and Cambodia into the spotlight. These destinations offer cultural depth, nature, affordability and novelty, especially appealing to experienced travelers.

Colombia: A Rising Hotspot With Soaring Traveler Interest

Colombia is emerging from reputation challenges to become one of the most talked-about destinations in 2024–2025. Bogotá earned top spots on multiple global “trending destination” lists and Colombia registered record-breaking international arrivals. Colombia’s overall risk rating is high due to security concerns including crime in major cities and political instability tied to guerrilla movements such as the ELN. The country is also susceptible to landslides, volcanic activity and earthquakes. Healthcare in major cities is adequate but limited elsewhere, making medical evacuation a key concern. Yet travelers continue to rate their experiences highly, noting improved infrastructure, growing tourism services and vibrant cultural offerings. Climate varies by region, but spring offers comfortable, shoulder-season travel with fewer storms and excellent conditions for exploring Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena and the coffee region.

Philippines: A Trending Tropical Powerhouse

Long appreciated primarily by divers and heritage travelers, the Philippines is now breaking into mainstream North American interest. Palawan ranks among the top five trending global destinations. The Philippines carries a moderate risk rating, with elevated concerns about terrorism, abduction risk in the south and petty crime in cities like Manila. Disease outbreaks, particularly vector-borne and water-borne, occur frequently. Medical care quality is inconsistent and often limited to basic services outside major hospitals. Despite risks, the country’s beaches, lagoons, coral walls and hospitality make it a strong alternative to Mexico or the Caribbean. Weather improves after the late-winter rains and the all-important dry season extends into early summer, perfect for island hopping.

Cambodia: A Cultural Destination on the Rise

Once considered an add-on to Thailand or Vietnam itineraries, Cambodia is now trending in its own right. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are attracting global attention thanks to new UNESCO designations and major infrastructure investments. Cambodia carries a moderate overall risk but with a High health risk rating. Key issues include property crime, violent crime, landmines and unexploded ordnance in rural areas. Vector-borne diseases are common and medical facilities do not meet Western standards, even in major cities. Travelers venturing beyond Phnom Penh or Siem Reap should consider emergency evacuation protection essential. Late spring straddles Cambodia’s shoulder season, before summer’s heavier rains, and benefits from the tourism push following new airport capacity and heritage-site recognition.

 

The Global Rescue Connection

Spring and early summer travel often brings adventure, long-haul flights and destinations where medical infrastructure varies widely. Whether you’re exploring beaches in Mexico, ancient streets in Italy, city life in Colombia or island chains in the Philippines, the unexpected can happen: illness, injury, civil unrest, natural disasters or simply needing an evacuation to better medical care.

A Global Rescue membership ensures you are protected with field rescue, medical evacuation, destination intelligence and 24/7 medical advisory support. As travel expands into trending destinations where risks can be higher and healthcare inconsistent, having the world’s premier travel-protection partner becomes a crucial part of trip planning.

Travel boldly, but travel prepared.