Which countries do Americans travel to the most? It is very well known that less than 10% of Americans travel outside the United States. While Europe possesses the majority of the most visited countries in the world,many will be surprised to learn that the good ole’ USA, is the second most visited country on the planet according to World Tourism Organization.
The question is do Americans prefer the history of Europe? Or perhaps the tequila from our nearest Southern neighbor? A dab of maple syrup and “I’m sorry’s” from our Canadian friends or perhaps pristine white beaches in the Caribbean?
The report from the National and Tourism Office recently published just that,to observe what countries Americans travel to the most often.
The higher valued dollar has helped promote world travel for Americans. Record breaking numbers of US residents traveled abroad in 2014 and 2015. The winner of the most visited country by Americans for the last few years is Mexico, with a 24% increase (25.8 million).
A very distant second is Canada at 6.9 million and third most visited is the United Kingdom at 2.8 million. Rounding out the rest of the top five are Dominican Republic with 2.7 million and finally France at 2.1 million.
We witnessed an 11% increase of Americans traveling abroad in 2014 and with the surging dollar, that number only increased throughout 2015. The full list of the top countries Americans traveled to the most is listed below. They are as follows:
- Mexico
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Dominican Republic
- France
- Italy
- Germany
- Jamaica
- Spain
- People’s Republic of China (PRC)
- Bahamas
- India
- Costa Rica
- Japan
- Ireland
- Netherlands
- Philippines
- Colombia
- Israel
- Switzerland
Thailand doesn’t even make that list … no wonder I can’t hardly find any Yankees over there!
American in Thailand here. We exist.
Many of us try to blend in and as such are not immediately labeled “American”.
I saw a picture on Facebook of a small island. The caption said that Mexico used it for target practice before Ww1. I clicked to learn more. The link brought me to Wandering Traveler. But I found nothing about the island. I looked for a site SEARCH. But, I didn’t find one.
JC that was in the Galapagos Island… do you have the link for the island by any chance??
Nice post…Americans don’t even come to African countries.No wonder why i hardly see them here
Again, quite a few do, however some of them stay between the hotel and the closest bar.. so unless you happen to be in that intersection, you may not notice them. The better ones blend in so are not quickly labeled and a lot try to venture to the outskirts in order to explore the region. (what is the of going someplace if you only see the same 4 walls)
Marcello, where did you take that pic with cheetahs. More importantly since when did they become so friendly?
With a group of people called Mukuni big five 5 safaris in Zambia. Any animal because human friendly once they are trained. For the most part.
I can see why, because of distance/location, Americans travel to Mexico and China often, but I hardly know anyone who travels there. Most of the people that I know who travel a good bit head to Europe and the Caribbean islands the most. Interesting list and great information! Opened my eyes a little bit :).
Mexico because Mexicans go there, obvious. China because of business as the factories are there.
China is actually fourth world’s most visited country. It isn’t just for business but for history and culture. China has more impressive historical marvels than European countries (I have seen all of Europe except Russia and have also visited China). It is just that you are likely surrounded by ignorant types.
I would say that Americans like Mediterranean region
I don’t blame them, Europe has the nicest weather year round.
Wow I’m really surprised about how low the Bahamas are on that list. I guess I’ve always felt like it had the number one spot.
many americans are very embarrassed by the failed state, their fellow ignorant/arrogant/hustling populace, and try to blend in as much as possible when abroad. Great site Bro!
Can I ask where your sources are for the countries most visited by Americans. I found the by region provided but no supporting evidence by number of us travelers based on country
World Tourism Organization
Thanks. It’s a handy list for me to find gullible US tourists to mug, and separate them from their US dollars. “Your wallet or your life, Yankee!’ God bless USA.
My next stop is Dominican Republic or Jamaica.