Are you thinking of taking a long-haul vacation this summer? Ready to see the world, but not sure where to start?
If you’re looking for inspiration then following in the footsteps of other American travelers to the most popular long-haul destinations in the world is a great place to begin.
The European Travel Commission (ETC) has released a new travel report analyzing long-haul travel intention for non-EU citizens between May-August 2023.
A robust sample of 1,000 travelers from each nation involved in the report was surveyed.
The following six countries were found to be the most popular among U.S. travelers:
France
In addition to being the most popular long-haul destination for American travelers, France is also the most popular long-haul vacation destination for Canadian visitors.
This should come as no surprise, as France is the most visited country in the world, attracting 66.6 million visitors in 2022.
France is a beautiful country that offers something for everyone.
City lovers can explore the delights of Paris: visiting world-class museums and climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Country dwellers will enjoy the slower pace of French vineyards, majestic chateaux, and the rich cultural and natural attractions available throughout this beautiful country.
Italy
Pizza, pasta, and piazzas – there are hundreds of wonderful reasons to visit Italy. And American travelers clearly agree as this is the second most popular long-haul destination for U.S. travelers.
Italy is a country with glorious landscapes, beautiful beaches, and a rich cultural heritage.
You can spend your days exploring historic cities, or head to the beautiful and colorful coast to relax and unwind.
There is no better place to explore Renaissance art, incredible remains of Roman architecture, and of course, to eat as much hearty and delicious Italian food as possible.
UK
That the UK is the third most popular long-haul travel destination for American travelers, as well as the most popular long-haul destination for Australian travelers, should come as no surprise.
The shared language offered here means that traveling to the UK feels easy and hassle-free, making it the ideal destination for a first long-haul trip.
In addition to this, the UK has so much to offer its visitors. Its rich history and huge host of cultural attractions are the main draws, but the lush green of the English countryside is also a key attraction.
Visitors can explore castles, and medieval towns, and take in terrific views. The UK boasts a huge and wild coastline, and when you’re ready to relax and unwind, you can take a seat in a traditional British pub.
Germany
Germany may not seem like a natural choice for a long-haul vacation destination, but it is the fourth most popular long-haul travel destination for American visitors.
Unlike many of the other countries on this list, Germany has an evergreen appeal.
Whilst its beautiful lakes and the surprisingly verdant Black Forest are ripe for exploration in the summer months, its cities come to life during the winter months, when Christmas markets and twinkling lights cover the streets.
Some of the key cultural attractions of Germany include its rich history and the contrast of this with its modernity. There is no better place to visit to learn about World War II or to explore brutalist art.
Germany is also a popular destination for thrill seekers, with extreme sports and outdoor adventures widely available here.
Spain
Spain is a popular destination that appears in the top six long-haul destinations for travelers from the United States, Australia, Brazil, and Canada.
Spain has historically been popular with European visitors, but it is increasingly attracting long-haul visitors too.
Head to Barcelona or Madrid to explore art galleries, awe-inspiring architecture, and everything that bustling city life in Spain has to offer.
Alternatively, you can head to the coast to experience the slower pace of Spanish life, where siestas, sitting in the sun, and tapas are part of the way of life.
Greece
Greece was a top choice long-haul travel destination for visitors across the globe, making it into the top 6 rankings for visitors from Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Russia, and the United States.
It’s easy to see why Greece is such a popular vacation destination.
Greece is comprised of 227 inhabited islands scattered across the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Thanks to this, Greece boasts the longest coastline in Europe, perfect for lazy beach days.
Fans of history and mythology can explore ancient monuments, incredible architecture, and charming villages that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
From popular beaches to quiet lakes, rugged mountains, and verdant forests, Greece offers something for everyone.
