Beach cocktail? Ancient ruins? These are Idaho’s top-searched summer vacations, study says

Shaun Goodwin
·3 min read

It’s January, we’re past the early-winter festivities, and now we’re stuck with the prospect of several more months of cold with little in the way of distractions.

But in the distant future, you can almost feel it… warm sun kissing your skin, a cold drink in your hands and a sandy beach at your feet.

For many Idahoans, the location they may specifically be thinking of is Costa Rica. At least, that’s according to a new study by We Review Resorts, which analyzed Google search results to see which tropical destinations Americans are Googling most.

Costa Rica was the second-most searched-for tropical location among Americans, coming in behind Thailand, which was the most searched-for destination in 22 states.

Idaho’s top tropical vacation destinations

Here are Idaho’s top-five searched destinations, with a little bit of information about each one:

1. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is also known for its abundance of national parks and wildlife.
Costa Rica is also known for its abundance of national parks and wildlife.

Costa Rica is located in Central America, sandwiched between Nicaragua and Panama along the narrow isthmus connecting the North and South American continents. A leader in environmental conservation, Costa Rica is renowned for its low-stress lifestyle that emphasizes quality of life and balance.

The name Costa Rica translates into English as “rich coast” and can be traced back to Spanish settlers who arrived in the area in the 16th century. It receives about 6,124 Google searches per 100,000 Americans each month.

2. Belize

The view from a thatched-roof cabana at Ramon’s Village in San Pedro, Belize, with dive boats tied up to the pier in the distance. Ramon’s is one of the oldest dive companies in Belize; over 40 dive sites are within a 15 minute boat ride.
The view from a thatched-roof cabana at Ramon’s Village in San Pedro, Belize, with dive boats tied up to the pier in the distance. Ramon’s is one of the oldest dive companies in Belize; over 40 dive sites are within a 15 minute boat ride.

Belize ranked as Idaho’s second-most searched location, and a significant reason for that may be the country’s language. Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, meaning asking for directions or ordering at a restaurant shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

Belize shares a border with Mexico’s southern edge and is the ancestral home of the ancient Mayan Empire, dating back over 3,500 years. As a result, many Maya ruins can be seen and visited in Belize.

About 5,306 per 100,000 Americans search for Belize vacations monthly, making it America’s third-most searched location.

3. Thailand

FILE - In this Friday, Nov. 3, 2006, file photo, monkeys ride on the back of a pickup truck loaded with coconuts after they collecting them from a plantation in Chumphon province, southern Thailand.
FILE - In this Friday, Nov. 3, 2006, file photo, monkeys ride on the back of a pickup truck loaded with coconuts after they collecting them from a plantation in Chumphon province, southern Thailand.

On the other side of the world, in southeast Asia, Thailand is Idaho’s third choice for a tropical vacation. Thailand, also known as The Land of Smiles, receives 6,750 Google searches per 100,000 Americans, making it the most sought-after tropical destination.

Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, is home to 11.2 million people, making it the 31st-largest city in the world and more populated than any U.S. city.

4. Philippines

Dragon and lion dancers perform before a huge crowd in celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year Monday, Feb. 8, 2016 at Manila’s Chinatown district in Manila, Philippines.
Dragon and lion dancers perform before a huge crowd in celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year Monday, Feb. 8, 2016 at Manila’s Chinatown district in Manila, Philippines.

Idahoans remain looking toward eastern Asia for their fourth-most popular search, with the island nation of the Philippines ranking next. The Philippines comprises more than 7,640 islands and was searched by about 4,717 per 100,000 Americans, making it America’s fifth-highest search tropical country.

Despite being comprised of so many islands, the Philippines can be divided into three regions:

  • Luzon: The northernmost island is where the country’s capital, Manila, is located. Manila has a population of 14.9 million, making it the 18th-largest city in the world.

  • The Visayas: A collection of islands in the center of the country. Some of the region’s more notable islands include Panay, Cebu, Bohol and Leyte.

  • Mindanao: The second-largest island in the Philippines and at the country’s southern edge.

5. Brazil

Fireworks light the sky over Copacabana beach during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2016. (AP Photo/Mauro Pimentel)
Fireworks light the sky over Copacabana beach during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2016. (AP Photo/Mauro Pimentel)

Famous for being home to the largest portion of the vast Amazon Rainforest and Rio Carnival, Brazil rounds out Idaho’s top five list. More than 4,750 per 100,000 Americans per month searched for vacations in Brazil in 2023.

For those looking for a true summer vacation by the beach, Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana is the most famous beach in the world. Copacabana is a three-mile stretch of beach that runs alongside the densely-populated residential area of Rio de Janeiro, meaning there won’t be a dull moment during your stay.