Does it sometimes feel like everyone you know is visiting the same few destinations? You’re not imagining it.

While global travel is making an incredible comeback, the fact is some countries are getting a greater share of visitors than others.

So where is everyone going?

These are the top 5 most visited countries in the world right now: 

5. United Kingdom

The UK is forecast to welcome 37.5 million visitors by the end of 2023. While the UK boasts some incredible cities and attractions most of those visitors will head straight to London.

London is one of the busiest cities in the world and is at the top of many U.S. travelers’ bucket lists.

London, the UK. Red bus in motion and Big Ben, the Palace of Westminster.

The UK is such a popular destination because it has something to offer everyone, from history and culture to fine food and cozy pubs.

You can explore the wild coastline, visit ancient ruins and heritage sites, or spend time in the cosmopolitan and multicultural capital.

Because the UK is such a small country it’s easy to explore more than one city, as well as immerse yourself in local rural towns and villages, in a relatively short vacation.

4. United States 

The number of overseas visitors choosing the U.S. for their vacation spot this year will hit 41.8 million making it the 4th most visited country in the world.

We know that a huge number of Americans choose to stay at home and take staycations this year too.

Given that the U.S. is the world’s third-largest country in terms of size and the fourth-largest in terms of population there is a huge diversity in the things you can see and do. This means that the country has something to offer to everyone.

Statue of Liberty and Jersey City and Manhattan cityscape in New York City

From beaches to deserts, mountain ranges to dense forests and of course incredible megacities, the U.S. is a wildly appealing destination.

Some of the most popular destinations within the United States include New York for the Statue of Liberty, skyscrapers and culture, Florida for the beaches and the theme parks, and Yosemite National Park for nature lovers.

3. Turkiye 

Turkiye has seen a monumental increase in visitor numbers, especially over the past couple of years, and 45.5 million travelers have already visited the country this year.

Turkiye has long been popular thanks to its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage.

The Aegean Coast is largely considered to be one of the best coastlines in Europe.

hot air balloons in Cappadocia, Turkey

And if you’re more interested in city exploration, then Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents. This is a city where the east meets the west. Shop in the Grand Bazaar, marvel at the Blue Mosque or drink tea with the locals.

Many people choose to return to Turkiye because of the warm welcome they receive. The local hospitality and the warm, welcoming nature of Turkish people is a huge attraction of the country.

2. Spain

Spain is historically one of the most popular destinations in the world and this year it came in a very close 2nd place having already welcomed 70 million visitors so far this year.

Most people think that Spain’s main attraction is its beaches, but it is also home to some incredibly diverse and beautiful cities.

Granada, Seville, Barcelona and Madrid are regularly listed as the best cities to visit in the country.

Gaudi mosaic bench detail and skyline of Barcelona from park Guell at sunset, Catalonia Spain at fall copy

However the main attraction of Spain has to be the diversity of its stunning landscapes.

These range from mountains and volcanoes to deserts and wetlands. It is mind-boggling that all of these landscapes can be crammed into a geographically small area.

Relax on the golden sand beaches to the south of the country in the summer months of explore the majestic Pyrenees in the north. This mountain range offers some of the best and most affordable skiing in Europe.

1. France

The country taking the number 1 spot is unlikely to be a big surprise. France continues to be the most visited country in the world.

Cozy street in quarter Montmartre in Paris, France

So far this year, 72.4 million people have visited France already.

France is a beautiful country packed full of cultural attractions, renowned food and wine, bustling cities, and serene landscapes.

The most popular tourist destination is Paris. Tourists want to pose underneath the Eiffel Tower and visit other iconic attractions such as Notre Dame, which reopens next year, the Louvre, and the Champs Elysees.

Young woman enjoying beautiful landscape view on the riverside with Eiffel tower from the boat during the sunset in Paris

But if you step outside of the capital, then there’s so much more to explore. Spend summers on the coastline of the French Riviera or exploring charming countryside chateaus. In the winter months, you can escape to the snow-capped Alps.

No wonder this is the most visited country in the world.

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