After a slow couple of years, international travel has finally rebounded, with more Americans than ever before traveling abroad.
According to Forbes, more than 40 million Americans have traveled internationally between January and July of 2023. Nearly a third of those 40 million travelers made their way to Europe this year.
It’s been a busy summer in Europe, with tourists flocking to popular destinations around the continent. While there are many European hotspots, these three countries are at the top of the list.
Data from Forbes reveals the countries that are most popular with American travelers right now:
1. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom remains the number one destination in Europe for international travel, with more than 3 million Americans visiting so far this year.
It’s easy to hop across the pond to the UK, and the lack of a language or cultural barrier makes it a hassle-free destination for American travelers who want to go abroad.
London is by far the most popular destination in the UK and is where most American tourists go. While you definitely shouldn’t skip out on famous sights like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, or Big Ben, there are also so many wonderful off-the-beaten-path spots to discover in London.
There are also many great cities in the UK that are just a short train ride away from London. Within a couple of hours from London, you can explore smaller, quaint cities like Bath, Oxford, Cambridge, or Brighton.
2. Germany
Another one of the most popular European destinations for American travelers is Germany, with an estimated 1.6 million visitors so far this year.
However, visitors to Germany should be prepared for a few quirks. For example, unlike other countries in Europe, Germany is still a cash-heavy society, and you won’t always be able to pay by card. Customer service in restaurants is also different from what many Americans expect.
But travelers shouldn’t be put off by these little quirks. Germany is an amazing country to visit, from the funky and hip capital of Berlin to the castles and scenic small towns of Bavaria. Oktoberfest, which occurs every September in Munich, is another big draw for tourists in Germany.
3. France
Finally, France is the third most popular destination in Europe for American travelers, with more than 1.5 million visitors between January and July of this year.
Even with civil unrest occurring in Paris earlier this year, it couldn’t do much to dampen demand for the City of Light. American travelers continue to travel to Paris despite skyrocketing crowds and prices.
Rather than visit Paris during the busy summer months, you can have a much more pleasant trip during the “shoulder season” of spring or fall and enjoy lower crowds, lower prices, and milder weather. Beyond Paris, France has so much to offer, including charming underrated towns, historic castles, and great Mediterranean beaches.
Other Popular (And Unpopular) Destinations
Outside of Europe, Mexico remains the number one most popular destination for American travelers. Although tourism numbers are down slightly compared to pre-pandemic times, millions of travelers are still flocking to destinations like Cancun and Los Cabos.
New nonstop flight routes from various cities in the U.S. are making it even easier for American travelers to get to Mexico.
On the other hand, several other destinations have become less popular with American travelers.
Namely, Australia has seen a 33.7% decrease in American travelers in the past few years, while Canada and New Zealand have also seen double-digit decreases.
It’s clear that Europe has been skyrocketing in popularity with American travelers, making it the number-one international travel destination for 2023.
