Google sites remained in the top spot for online properties in July, reaching 141.6 million Americans during the month, while Yahoo sites trailed with 140.3 million and Microsoft sites took the third position with 120.2 million visitors according to comScore Media Metrix.

A number of travel categories saw gains in July as Americans went on summer vacations. The travel category increased 10 percent to 12.7 million visitors, making it the top-gaining category for the month. The travel information category grew 7 percent to 47.6 million visitors.

Despite a sluggish retail economy in the U.S., several retail categories saw traffic increases in July, due to consumers shopping online instead of using expensive gas to drive to stores. Retail consumer good sites increased 8 percent to 22.5 million visitors.

With the release of a number of summer blockbusters, retail ticket sites grew 5 percent to more than 44 million visitors as movie fans purchased tickets online to avoid long lines and sell outs at theaters.

“The summer months tend to draw Americans to more leisure pursuits and that was certainly the case in July,” said Jack Flanagan, executive vice president of comScore Media Metrix.

“Ground travel and cruise sites gained once again, as many Americans sought more budget-friendly ways to enjoy their summer vacations amid economic and fuel price concerns. Summer blockbusters and big celebrity news also provided a boost to the entertainment categories.”

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