Houstonians can enjoy the whole world without leaving the city. But that doesn’t stop them from actually seeing the world, whether that means enjoying a vacation, shuttling back and forth for business, or visiting family in other countries—trips often made easier thanks to air travel. With data from the Houston Airport System, we’ve compiled the most popular international nonstop flights from George Bush and Hobby, along with some fun facts about each destination. So pack your bags, because you’re going on a trip with us to Houstonians’ most-traveled-to destinations around the globe.

Cancún, Mexico

It may not come as a surprise that Cancún was the international city Houstonians traveled to the most from November 2022 to October 2023. The coastal Mexican destination is a big draw for college students during spring break, but the most famous Cancún traveler is without a doubt Sen. Ted Cruz. We reached out to his office in the hopes of receiving some of his restaurant and hotel recommendations, but his team did not respond to requests for comment.

Yet scandalous escapes from the 2021 Texas freeze should not overshadow Cancún, which offers miles of beaches dotted with a highly developed infrastructure of hotels, resorts, restaurants, and clubs. Those looking for something more cultural should check out the Mayan Museum of Cancún, a collection of artifacts from the many archeological sites in the surrounding region, which you can also visit.

San Salvador, El Salvador

If surfing, whale watching, hiking a volcano, and exploring historic cities are your thing, El Salvador should be in your 2024 travel plans. This list’s no. 2 spot has strong connections to Houston: According to the US Census Bureau, El Salvador is the birthplace of the second-largest group from Central America (about 119,000 people) among Houston’s foreign-born residents. Avianca Airlines reports that 85 percent of its Houston–San Salvador travelers go there to visit relatives.

Mexico City, Mexico

A powerhouse of culture, history, and culinary delights, this capital city attracts a big chunk of the almost 5 million air passengers shuttling from Houston to Mexico every year. Mexico City offers taquerias on practically every street corner, upscale dining experiences, and everything in between. The city is also unparalleled in Latin America for its cultural offerings, including museums like the Museo Frida Kahlo and architectural wonders such as the Palacio de Bellas Artes.

San José del Cabo, Mexico

Known simply as “Cabo” to some, the southern tip of Baja California Sur, home to San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, is famous for hosting many celebrities. These private-jet trips are not logged here, of course, but enough ordinary folk visit to make it the no. 4 nonstop international destination from Houston. Travelers can take in beautiful beaches, gigantic rock formations in the ocean, luxury resorts, and strolls in picturesque villages.

London, United Kingdom

This past winter, British Airways alone flew about 12 flights a week between Houston and London-Heathrow. Plenty of Houstonians visit the UK for leisure, but strong business ties between the two cities also make this a high-
volume route for work travel. In fact, almost 120,000 Texas jobs are supported by UK companies, according to government data. Naturally, British energy companies such as BP and Octopus Energy have US headquarters in Houston.

Monterrey, Mexico

You have Monterrey to thank for tacos de trompo (a close relation to Mexico City–style tacos al pastor), found at many Houston taquerias due to the city’s large Monterreyan population. A visit to the capital city of Nueva León will bring you straight to the source. The bustling metropolis is also home to art museums, parks, and one of the largest public squares in the world, the 4-million-square-foot Macroplaza.

San Pedro Sula, Honduras

More than 90,000 Honduras-born people live in Houston, according to the US Census Bureau, and Avianca Airlines reports that 85 percent of its Houston–San Pedro Sula travelers go there to see family. San Pedro Sula, in the northern part of the country, is also a gateway to its many idyllic islands. Roatán is the largest and most tourist-friendly, home to coral reefs that will delight scuba divers.

Toronto, Canada

We were surprised to learn that Ontario’s provincial capital is North America’s fourth-largest city. As fellow fourths, it’s only natural Houstonians are attracted to Canada’s biggest cultural hub. Destination Toronto reports that a favorable exchange rate is a bonus for visiting Americans. Eat your way through neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Tibet, and Greektown, and take in the city’s many cultural festivals, such as the Toronto Caribbean Carnival or the Art Toronto fair.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

This destination offers a more laid-back vibe than the ritzy, resort-rich Cancún or Cabo. According to Visit Puerto Vallarta, most Americans are traveling to this city on Mexico’s west coast for leisure. Come here for beautiful beaches and hiking in the Sierra Madre Mountains. If city life is more your speed, stroll along the Malecon boardwalk for arts and shopping, or head to the Romantic Zone, a favorite among LGBTQ+ travelers (and Real Housewives) for its gay bars and beaches.

Guatemala City, Guatemala

Breathtaking mountains and volcanoes make Guatemala a great getaway for adventure travelers, and the country also boasts Indigenous and Mayan history, explorable through ruins. This destination’s strength also lies with its familial ties: Avianca Airlines reports that 85 percent of its Houston–Guatemala City travelers go there to visit relatives (nearly 40,000 Guatemala-born people live in Houston, according to the US Census Bureau).