There’s nothing more exciting than hitting the road and exploring somewhere new and off path. But don’t forget to hit up the more obvious countries too.
The world’s most visited destinations are popular for a reason.
They boast the best beaches, the best cultural attractions, and excellent transport links to the U.S. that will make getting there a breeze.
Looking for inspiration for your next vacation?
The World Tourism Organization has crunched the numbers. These are the 10 most visited countries in the world right now:
5. Italy
Italy is often nicknamed Europe’s capital of culture thanks to its rich heritage and the sheer number of historical and archeological sites located across the country.
There are so many reasons to visit Italy, not least for the incredible food, weather, and heritage.
Some of the best spots to visit in Italy include the rich Roman architecture of Rome, the chance to see some of the best Renaissance art in Florence, and the canals of Venice.
Outside of its cities, the Italian Riviera boasts exceptional beaches. Some of the best of these are in Amafli where you can live the lifestyle of the rich and famous, at least for a day or two.
4. Turkey
Not only is Turkey the 4th most visited country in the world, but its main cultural hub Istanbul has also been named the world’s most visited city.
Turkey is a country that connects the East and the West, and travelers can visit 2 continents in one trip. Although its cities, such as Istanbul, are busy and bustling cultural hubs where you can visit enormous mosques and barter in lively bazaars, you should also take some time to head to the coast.
The Turkish Riviera is known as the ‘Turquoise Coast’ thanks to the incredible color of the sea here and is a great place to enjoy watersports or hop from island to island in the Aegean Sea.
What makes Turkey’s coastal resorts unique is that they also boast historically significant attractions, so you can enjoy a beach break and a cultural break at the same time.
3. United States
U.S. travelers won’t have to travel far to visit one of the world’s most visited countries!
The United States takes the number 3 spot, which is a sign that maybe your next trip should be a staycation.
The U.S. is home to a host of iconic destinations that every traveler should visit at least once.
These include New York, San Fransisco, New Orleans, Boston, and Chicago.
The most popular destination in the U.S. for foreign visitors is Florida, who are attracted not only by the theme parks but also by the Caribbean-style beaches, the weather, and the natural wonders of the Florida Keys.
Visit the 27-mile-long stretch of Panama City Beach which boasts sugar-white sands and feels like a tropical paradise.
And don’t miss the opportunity to visit the iconic Disney World parks.
2. Spain
It’s easy to see why Spain is one of the world’s most visited countries, and its popularity amongst American travelers has grown rapidly in recent years.
People often visit Spain for its beaches, and it boasts more Blue Flag beaches than any other country in the world.
But there’s also plenty to attract culture vultures and city lovers to Spain.
Explore modernist art in Barcelona, shop in the fashion hub or Milan, or explore the imposing medieval castles that are dotted throughout the country.
Spain has a huge number of galleries and museums and is a year-round destination with distinct attractions no matter what the season.
1. France
The country that is officially the most visited in the world remains France.
Most people who visit France will head to Paris where they can enjoy the obvious attractions of the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre.
But France is a beautiful country outside of its capital and not taking the time to explore the wider country would be a big mistake.
Other cities not to be missed include Toulouse, Nice, Bordeaux, and Lyon.
Enjoy the wild cliff coastlines of Normandy and Brittany which face the United Kingdom. Visit the famous and iconic Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. And the French Alps shouldn’t be missed, no matter what the time of year.
France is a country that offers everything, from culture to countryside, beaches to basilicas. Enjoy exceptional gastronomy, easy public transport links, and so much more.
The Complete Top 10 List
Where else could you visit if you want to explore the 10 most popular countries in the world right now? Here is the complete top 10 list:
1. France (77.5 million travelers)
2. Spain (71.7 million travelers)
3. United States (50.9 million travelers)
4. Turkey (50.5 million travelers)
5. Italy (49.8 million travelers)
6. Mexico (38.3 million travelers)
7. United Kingdom (29.5 million travelers)
8. Germany (28.5 million travelers)
9. Greece (27.8 million travelers)
10. Austria (26.2 million travelers)
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