As the ground finally starts to thaw, travelers are starting to plan their long-awaited spring getaways, and a good chunk of them are thinking about making the long, overseas trip to Europe, where the allure of attraction-filled cities remains as strong as ever.
At least that’s what the newest European Travel Commission Long-Haul Travel Barometer revealed.
The aim of the report was not only to discover how people are currently feeling about overseas travel but also to shed some light on the most popular international destinations of spring 2024.
According to ETC’s meticulously curated polls, these 10 European countries stood out as the most popular hotspots among American travelers.
1. France
It seems like the most visited country on Earth still has travelers in a chokehold, drawing in millions of people through its famous cultural scene and even better-known attractions.
Chances are that if you’ve been dreaming about traveling the world for some time now, France has already made its way onto your bucket list – and millions of lucky Americans are crossing it off of theirs this spring.
Of the U.S. citizens planning to go to Europe these upcoming months, a whopping 35% have chosen France as their destination, which is nothing short of remarkable.
So, take this as a sign that you, too, can fulfill your dreams of seeing Paris from the Eiffel Tower, lounging on the soft-sanded beaches of Nice, or enjoying a glass of wine in the vineyards Bordeaux.
2. Italy
The gorgeous Mediterranean country fell just one percentage point short of beating France to the no. 1 spot, which goes to show just how popular Italy has gotten this last year – and for good reason.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a destination as gorgeous, charming, and stunningly diverse, not only in Europe but the entire world.
Think about it – where else can you find something that compares to the historic ruins of Rome, the artsy streets of Florence, the rolling hills of Tuscany, the fairytale-like beaches of Capri, or the breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast?
3. UK
While miles away from your typical Mediterranean hotspot, what the UK lacks in beachy charm, it more than makes up for in culture, history, and lively city scene.
Those who thrive on exploring new restaurants, museums, and events (in short, city trippers) will fall in love with London, where you’ll get to enjoy your very own movie-like experience while doing even the most mundane of things, be it riding a double-decker bus or having a pint of beer in one of the local pubs.
4. Germany & Spain
In a surprising turn of events, the fourth and fifth spot in today’s ranking will be shared among four different countries.
I know this might seem a bit weird, but considering how much Americans are traveling to Europe and how many destinations they’re eager to explore, the fact that there’s stiff competition between these hubs should come as no surprise.
This time, at least, those who know what they’re looking for in their next vacation have their choice already made for them.
If you’re looking to go somewhere warm, fun, and beachy, you can’t go wrong with one of the many dreamy hotspots that dot the Spanish coastline, whereas those who can’t stand the heat and would prefer somewhere cooler where they can take long sightseeing excursions will definitely enjoy Germany a bit more.
5. Austria & Greece
The fifth place is shared between Austria and Greece, two wildly different but equally fascinating countries.
A lot’s been said about Greece, its record-breaking year, and paradisic beaches these past few months, so chances are you already know what to expect from the iconic Mediterranean country.
However, for those of you seeking the ultimate Alpine experience, complete with historical wonders and outdoor activities, Austria might just be the better choice, not to mention that Vienna, the capital, is one of those cities that needs to be experienced at least once in a lifetime.
Rounding Up The Top 10
Since there were four countries occupying the fourth and fifth spots, there are only three destinations left to complete the top 10 ranking of the most popular European destinations this spring.
Ireland is the proud holder of the no. 6 spot, with over 10% of surveyed travelers planning to explore the Emerald Isle, followed by Portugal and Belgium, which enjoy a visitor share of 9% and 8%, respectively.
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