Here are the top 5 European destinations for Americans heading abroad this summer, but rising costs are putting travel on hold for many
Nearly 49 million Americans headed abroad last year with the U.K. being the most visited destination.
More Americans are traveling overseas than ever in recorded history. Nearly 49 million Americans visited a foreign country last year, with yearly travelers increasing by 10 million since 2022 and surpassing pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.
That’s good news, considering heightened international travel restrictions sent the number of United States citizens traveling abroad plummeting from 44.81 million in 2019 to 9.84 million in 2020. The rebound is real.
Where Do Americans Go Abroad?
According to a yearly survey by the National Travel and Tourism Office, Mexico was the top destination for Americans traveling abroad. The country attracted 33.5 million U.S. visitors in 2022, increasing by 9.58% in 2023.
Americans crossing the pond preferred traveling to the United Kingdom. The U.K. welcomed 3.7 million U.S. tourists in 2022. France took the runner-up spot, followed by the tropical Dominican Republic.
Three European countries round out Americans’ top five destinations; Italy boasted 2.6 million visitors, while Germany and Spain shared fifth place with 2 million visitors each.
Pew Research Center says nearly three-quarters of all Americans have visited at least one other country. Half the U.S. population are “casual travelers,” having seen fewer than five countries. Twenty-six percent of “globe trotters” have visited five or more. Only 23% of Americans have never left the United States, but most said they would like to, given the opportunity.
Americans lag behind their transatlantic neighbors. Most of Sweden’s population (88%) has traveled to more than five countries, making Swedes the most well-traveled on the continent. The Netherlands came in second place at 83%, while Germany completed the top three at 70%.
However, European citizens have a slight advantage here. In addition to their close geographical proximity, the Schengen Area allows for free movement without customs or border checks between 29 European countries.
Which Americans Are More Likely To Travel Internationally?
Considering skyrocketing travel costs, personal finances plays a decisive role in who flies overseas. Ninety-six percent of those in the highest income bracket have traveled abroad, and 67% have visited multiple countries. Conversely, 9% of the lowest income bracket have traveled similarly. Nearly half of those earning less than $30,000 have never left the country.
Airfare alone puts the price tag on international travel out of reach for many. Hayley Berg, lead economist on travel app Hopper, told CNBC that a round-trip flight ticket to any Asian country averages $1,600. A trendy TikTok-able European summer sets the average American back $1,000, 20% more than it would cost pre-pandemic.
Americans’ likelihood of traveling abroad increases alongside their education level. Thirty-seven percent of those who attended some college or none have never left the U.S., while only 7% of college graduates report the same.
Master’s degrees and doctorates are the most well-traveled diplomas; 59% of American postgraduate holders are globe-trotters.
Age also influences travel behaviors, giving older Americans an advantage. Those 65 and older are twice as likely to be globe-trotters than travelers under 30.
Moreover, there is a generational divide in how people travel. Gen Zers and millennials who work remotely often combine careers and long-term travel, according to a 2024 Deloitte summer travel survey. Known as “laptop luggers,” these young travelers make the most of their lengthy stays abroad, traveling farther and enjoying more.
Travelers’ gender and racial disparities are similar. Thirty-two percent of women have never traveled outside the U.S., compared to 22% of men. While the number of women and men who have traveled to one country is relatively similar, men are much more likely to be globe-trotters. Three-quarters of white and Hispanic Americans have left the U.S., compared to 49% of Black Americans.
Some states’ residents travel more than others. An NTTO survey says Californians lead in overseas travel, with 5.4 million Golden State residents going abroad. New Yorkers were next, with 5.1 million travelers.
Florida, Texas, and New Jersey rounded out the top five home states for U.S. overseas travelers in 2022.
Overseas Travelers Are More Knowledgeable About the World
Traveling abroad offers more than new sights and experiences. Pew Research Center reports international travel can broaden one’s understanding of the world and increase one’s knowledge of global affairs.
Researchers tested Americans by devising a short quiz that measures their familiarity with international news. Results showed that frequent travelers follow global news closely and show a strong interest in foreign affairs; globe-trotters aced the quiz with an average score of 8.2 out of 12.
Those who have visited between one and four countries averaged 6.4 correct answers, while Americans who have never left the country averaged 4.2.
In an election year where foreign policy and international cooperation are on the ballot, the American public’s views on international engagement matter. Fifty-seven percent of globe-trotters believe the U.S. should play an active role in global politics. In contrast, most casual travelers and nontravelers feel that the U.S. should prioritize solving domestic issues first.
The consensus? More than half of all survey respondents agree that U.S. foreign policy needs to consider other countries’ interests and remain open to compromise.
Traveling also builds a sense of connection with people worldwide, providing first-hand experience with other cultures and ways of life. Forty-two percent of globe-trotters feel close to people in different countries, compared to merely a third of casual travelers and nontravelers.
