• Presidential debates spur increased searches for international destinations
  • Hotels.com shares top destinations for Americans hoping to feel at home abroad and an exclusive coupon you can use to get away post-election.

DALLAS -- Many Americans on both sides of the political divide grumble about leaving the country if their presidential candidate loses, and the travel experts at Hotels.com® can help you decide where to go. Whatever your choice of alternative destination may be, Hotels.com has made the decision easier by pairing four American cities with counterparts around the world where you'll feel most at home.

For some, the threat of leaving America is all talk, but Hotels.com data reveals that many Americans have begun taking action by searching for respite abroad. Following the debate on October 19th, searches for foreign destinations increased, with significant interest in cities within Mexico, Canada, and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). EMEA, in particular, has become an even more desirable location for American travelers due to Brexit and the impact this decision has had on exchange rates. Whether you're hoping to cross the border or an ocean, these cities are the perfect alternatives for Americans seeking an escape abroad.

Manhattanites live it up in Montréal:Hotels.com determined that interest in travel to Canada increased significantly in the days following the last presidential debate. With a 40% rise in searches* on Hotels.com as compared to the same time period in 2015, Americans may not need to go too far to escape the states, and Montréal may be the perfect solution for Manhattanites.

What they have in common: Central Park and Mount Royal Park were designed by the same landscape designer, New York and Montréal are number one and two for most restaurants per capita in the world, and Montréal has the sort of flair, culture and joie de vivre that New Yorkers immediately identify with.

What's different: New York is a polyglot city, but English rules. Multicultural Montréal speaks its share of languages, but French is the most common - it's not a subway, it's the Métro.

Hotel Recommendations:

Hawaiians ride the waves in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: Following the most recent Presidential debate, it became apparent that Americans are perhaps most interested in moving south of the border, with searches for Mexico up 107% on Hotels.com as compared to the same day in 2015. In contrast, the days prior to the debate showed year over year growth in Mexico searches ranging from 57-65%. For Hawaiians looking for beach alternatives, Puerto Vallarta Mexico may be the best fit.

What they have in common: Both cities are prime for beach lovers, excellent for sea food connoisseurs, and have a similar tropical climate (70-90 degrees all year round).

What's different: Tequila may be used in Hawaiian cocktails, but in Puerto Vallarta, tequila is embraced as Mexican heritage. Visitors can enjoy tequila tastings and become an expert on the Mexican spirit.

Hotel Recommendations:

Seattle umbrellas work just as well in Amsterdam:Cities in EMEA are also seeing spikes in searches from American travelers likely due in part to the presidential debates, the falling Sterling, and the June 2016 Brexit decision. In fact, Americans showed a more than 50% year over year increase in searches for EMEA destinations on October 19th. Perhaps influenced by these three factors, searches for EMEA on Hotels.com have increased by over 45% since June 2016. This perfect storm of rising interest may make Amsterdam the perfect fit for Seattle residents.

What they have in common: Both cities are filled with bikers and have a similar population. And with rain falling on both of these cities 150-180 days a year, Seattle travelers will be sure to make good use of their umbrellas and rain boots.

What's different: Trade in your beverage preference for this trip — while Seattle is known for its coffee, i.e. Starbucks, Amsterdam is known for its beer, i.e. Heineken.

Hotel Recommendations:

Bostonians embrace the history of London:Brexit has driven notable interest for Americans looking to travel to the U.K., with searches to Great Britain up 44% following the Brexit decision. Searches on Hotels.com have increased by 62% year over year and now, with Americans looking to head out of town, the U.K. has become even more desirable, with searches increasing by 11% in the 24-hour period following the debate. For history buffs based in Boston, London may be the perfect place to venture abroad.

What they have in common: While Boston was a main player in the American Revolution, the city held on to many British traditions. Bostonians will feel right at home walking through London, which is complete with city squares and historic cobble stone streets.

What's different: Boston is much smaller in size and activity, and its weather is slightly warmer than London, so Bostonians should be sure to double check the weather and pack a map to help navigate the new city.

Hotel Recommendations:

"As the election draws nears and Americans look abroad for some political relief, Hotels.com wants to make it easier to choose international destinations that can provide a sense of comfort," says Josh Belkin, Vice President & General Manger for Hotels.com North America. "Whether you've said in jest that you're leaving the country or simply need a getaway, Hotels.com has travel deals all over the map."

From November 7th - 8th US travelers can use coupon code ESCAPENOV8 for an 8% discount on accommodations outside the US. Travel by March 31, 2017. Coupon terms and conditions are here: https://www.hotels.com/page/election-escape

Search data is based on searches made during the five days following the October 19th presidential debate on Hotels.com US POS for Canada destinations.

*Site searches were from the US Hotels.com point of sale for the dates noted.

**Prices quoted include taxes and fees and are subject to availability at the time of booking. All prices quoted are 'from' prices and are accurate as of October 21, 2016.

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Emily Zazado
Hotels.com
(214) 207-1231
Hotels.com