Though international travel has experienced a slight plateau this holiday season, longer-term trends speak loud and clear — Americans are traveling abroad more than ever.
However, when the whole world is part of your travel bucket list, choosing one destination to dedicate your carefully allocated time and money to can feel more like a chore than the fun, exciting process it is.
So, what countries are most Americans favoring for their travels abroad?
Recently released data by Statista shows that this past year saw five clear frontrunners in terms of the most popular international destinations among U.S. travelers.
5. Italy
Italy, a country steeped in history, art, architectural marvels, and world-class food, provides visitors with the quintessential European city break.
What’s arguably the greatest thing about the Mediterranean country is that its allure doesn’t just lie in one or two of its cities, giving U.S. travelers plenty to do and see during their time abroad.
If you’re making the cross-continental trip, chances are you’re planning to spend at least a week, if not a month or more exploring your destination of choice, and there’s no better place to fill a long-ish itinerary than Italy.
Between the likes of Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, Naples, Bologna, and Verona, your days will be spent exploring attraction-filled cities that never leave you bored (or short of stunning views).
Iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Grand Canal, are not to be missed, though the same can be said of at least a dozen other attractions scattered across the country, so do your due diligence and prioritize the sights you want to experience the most.
After all, Italy’s natural beauty is so vivid, vast, and diverse that it would take a lifetime to take it all in.
4. France
There’s a reason why France is the most visited destination on Earth – between its rich cultural heritage, jaw-dropping architecture, and romantic allure, the country has become the epitome of a traveler’s paradise.
Though there’s no shortage of stunning hotspots scattered all across France either, here, we have an obvious tourism magnet that has led the country on its way to obtaining the prestigious title it holds today – Paris.
The City of Lights continues to draw in record numbers of travelers through its seemingly endless attractions, among which the Eiffel Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame Cathedral emerge as must-sees.
If you want to experience France beyond the capital, though, the French Riviera’s glamorous beaches, the vineyards of Bordeaux, and the charming villages of Provence might just offer what you’re looking for.
3. United Kingdom
What the UK lacks in Mediterranean charm (and climate!), it more than makes up for in history and cultural allure, which seems to be right on par with what American travelers are looking for this time of year since they’re visiting their European neighbor in never-seen-before numbers.
London, in particular, is the ultimate tourist hub, boasting the type of one-of-a-kind museums and imposing theaters most U.S. travelers go to Europe for.
However, there’s more to the UK than just its bustling capital.
The countryside, dotted with castles, rolling hills, and picturesque villages provides a tranquil contrast to the chaos of London, and Stonehenge, the Scottish Highlands, and the literary landscapes of the Lake District, in particular, are not to be missed.
2. Canada
If you’re looking to skip the transatlantic flight, you can always head up north and experience Canada in its full glory, at least that’s why 12% of American travelers did last year.
Between the allure of the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park, the urban sophistication of Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal, and the overall convenience of a shared language and geographical proximity, Canada is the most natural choice for American travelers looking to spend some time abroad.
1. Mexico
If you’ve been keeping up to date with recent travel news, the fact that Mexico made it to the top of yet another “Top Destination For American Travelers” list should come as no surprise.
Attracting a whopping 36% of U.S. tourists, the coastal country has secured a remarkable lead, which, if current trends are anything to go by, is only bound to strengthen as time goes on.
The list of reasons why so many Americans flock to Mexico can go on for days, though it mostly boils down to a rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes.
Whether you want to bask on the sun-soaked beaches of Cancun, dance the night away at a club in Tulum, or take in the region’s storied past through landmarks like Chichen Itza, you’ll find that Mexico can cater to your every whim.
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