Ranked: the top 15 most popular destinations for Americans

Traveling abroad has never been more popular, with more Americans now proud passport holders than at any other time in the country’s history. The US State Department reported that in 2023 46% of Americans had a passport, up from 30% in 2008. But which are the hottest spots for US travelers? Research from travel news site Skift and flight analyst Amadeus Market Intelligence has revealed the top destinations for US travelers (we’ve excluded the more obvious destinations of Canada and Mexico from the ranking, as well as Tel Aviv, Israel, due to current safety concerns.)

Read on to discover some of America’s top vacation destinations…

This tiny Dutch Caribbean island, 15 miles (24km) from Venezuela, lured a whopping 946,747 US visitors in 2023 – more than three-quarters of the island’s total tourist arrivals and a 10% increase compared with the previous year. And no wonder, with its combination of classic Caribbean sun, sea and sand plus unique Dutch character and interesting history of its Indigenous Arawak peoples.

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Like much of the Caribbean, Aruba is at its best between December and March, avoiding the rainy season and all but guaranteeing good weather. Bask in the sunshine on Eagle Beach, enjoy quirky and colorful architecture in capital Oranjestad, or find out why Aruba’s desert-like environment is ideal for growing aloe vera plants. Be sure to leave time for exploring Arikok National Park (pictured), where Arawak cave drawings and historic adobe homes meet dramatic, lava-formed landscapes and endemic birdlife.

The Central American republic of El Salvador draws a huge number of visitors from the US, many from its Salvadoran American population – the third-largest Hispanic community in the country – traveling to see friends and family. But its tourist appeal is on the rise too as security improves, with more than 3 million international travelers – a record number, and the majority of them from the US – visiting in 2023, according to its Ministry of Tourism. Surfing, golf championships, and 2023’s Miss Universe contest were among the draws.

This might be Central America’s smallest country, but it’s big on reasons to visit, from ancient Maya ruins at Joya de Ceren to prime surfing spots along the coast. Tour the historic center of capital San Salvador, which is gradually being restored to its former glory, or get out into the smaller towns and villages along the Ruta de las Flores, which takes in colonial-era architecture, coffee plantations, waterfalls, and local markets. Or strap on some hiking boots to climb the Santa Ana volcano, famed for its turquoise crater lake and view of other volcanic peaks.

Americans top the rankings when it comes to traveling in India, regularly sending more visitors to the subcontinent than any other country, even its nearest neighbors. Delhi is the biggest gateway with easy access to the capital, where you can wander the bazaars of historic Old Delhi sampling street food along the way, go to the UNESCO-listed Red Fort, or visit the former home of India’s first female prime minister, Indira Gandhi.

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It would take a lifetime to see everything India has to offer, but the Golden Triangle route is a popular starting point, linking the sights of New Delhi with Agra’s Taj Mahal and the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, often with the former Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri along the way. Alternatively, head north to the cool highlands of Shimla, set in the foothills of the Himalayas; or south to the tranquil backwaters of Kerala (pictured), with its tea plantations, spectacular temples, and gently spiced curries.

South Korea’s magnificent palaces, sizzling street food, rocky mountains, and ancient culture wowed more than a million US visitors in 2023, making it the country’s biggest source market outside Asia. Buzzing capital Seoul is a must-visit, with its 24-hour party vibe, peaceful parks, and stylish boutiques. When tourists tire of partying, head to the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace, the biggest of the five grand palaces created by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty.

Seoul is a real melting pot of modern and ancient, where you can wander past restored hanok houses of traditional Bukchon Village by day and be dazzled by neon-filled nightscapes familiar to K-drama fans after dark. The journey to the DMZ (the Korean Demilitarized Zone) is a worthwhile window into 20th and 21st-century history, offering a glimpse across the barricades to the forbidden lands of North Korea. If there’s time, try south-coast city Busan for its bustling fish market, or explore the lush mountain landscapes of Jeju-do island (pictured).

With its sun-splashed isles, ancient history, and world-famous food, it’s little wonder Greece was a coveted holiday destination for a record-breaking 1.4 million US tourists in 2023. In capital Athens, the number-one attraction remains the Acropolis, which dates back to the 5th century BC – go early before the temperature gets too hot and the crowds get too big. Be sure to explore the city’s buzzing nightlife and cool street art too.

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Athens is a convenient spot to embark on an island-hopping cruise – there are ships big and small that stop off at tiny isles you can only reach by water – or you can hop onto a connecting flight from the capital to one of many beach resorts. Star-studded Santorini, with its breathtaking views over the volcanic caldera, and the white-washed streets of neighboring Mykonos are among the most popular. But for a true taste of authentic Greek life, try lesser-known spots like Paxos, Symi, or Alonissos.

Given the proximity of the Bahamas to the Florida coast, it’s no surprise this Caribbean archipelago is a big hit with US travelers, who make up by far the biggest chunk of the 8 million visitors who graced its shores in 2023. Whether it’s a quick cruise stop or a long weekend in capital Nassau – home of perfectly manicured golf courses, colorful waterfront houses, and action-packed resorts – the Bahamas is an island paradise on America’s doorstep.

Vietnam holds a key place in modern American history, drawing 717,000 visitors from the US – more than any other country outside Asia – in 2023. Memories of the conflict still loom large in Ho Chi Minh City’s top sights, which include the haunting War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels. But there are plenty of other attractions to explore, from the French colonial-era Central Post Office to the sprawling streets and food stalls of Chinatown.

With the limestone karsts and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay in the north, UNESCO-listed Hoi An in central Vietnam, and the historical highlights of Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta in the south, Vietnam offers no end of rewards to those who take the time to explore it in depth. When to go is a slightly more challenging question, with varying climates in different parts of the country. In general, November-April offers the coolest, driest weather, while the summer months balance higher humidity with fewer crowds.

Japan’s famous bullet trains make it easy to get around main island Honshu, so once you’ve ticked off top Tokyo sights – whether slurping ramen and sampling sushi at the Tsukiji Outer Market, crossing the Shibuya Scramble, or exploring eons of history at the Imperial Palace – enjoy the other highlights. Go to Kyoto to learn about geisha culture, visit Osaka Castle, or discover the harrowing story of Hiroshima; or venture further to vibrant Sapporo on Hokkaido island, Mount Sakurajima on Kyushu, or for tropical sunshine on Okinawa.

It’s the world’s most-visited country, bringing in 80 to 90 million tourists each year – and it seems Americans are making up more of them than ever with a 20% jump in the number of US visitors in summer 2023. While the rolling vineyards of Bordeaux or the laid-back chateaux of the Loire are redolent of the French way of life, Paris remains the star. Whether you’re watching the sunset from the Eiffel Tower or admiring the Mona Lisa at the Louvre, the city oozes romance and glamor.

France is packed with must-see attractions, all the way from the fairy-tale castle at Mont Saint-Michel to the sparkling seaside resorts of the French Riviera, plus a lot more in between. Learn the lessons of history on the D-Day landing beaches on the north Normandy coast, and in Alsace capital Strasbourg, which changed hands between France and Germany several times over the last two centuries. Or follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh and Cezanne through the lavender-filled landscapes of Provence, which provided fitting inspiration for their artworks.

An impressive 903,299 US travelers made their way to Manila in 2023, accounting for 17% of the country’s 5.4 million total and making the US its second-largest source of travelers, coming only after South Korea. With longstanding ties between these nations, US travelers are drawn to the Philippines’ mix of picture-postcard islands, top-notch diving, and ravishing scenery, with the capital (pictured) as a starting point.

Manila is not quite in the upper echelons of Asia’s must-see cities, but escape the hubbub and there are beauty spots, nature reserves, and cultural attractions to enjoy in this beautiful country. Boracay Island, with its powder-soft sand and fun nightlife, is a standout spot, along with the cascading Banaue rice terraces (pictured) in the mountains of Ifugao. There are numerous dive sites for those who want to explore underwater riches, including Coron Bay where several Japanese ships were sunk during an attack in 1944, making it an interesting spot for wreck diving.

Most visitors flock here for the beaches, but there’s plenty more to do than soak up sun. Puerto Rico’s calendar of events and festivals would rival countries many times its size, bringing together Spanish, African, and Indigenous Taino cultures in a heady mix of fiestas, most notably its Carnaval de Ponce and Easter celebrations. Wander San Juan’s old town too, where the Spanish-built citadels of El Morro and Castillo San Cristobal still feature original cannons, offering a clue to the tales of conquistadors in centuries past.

Jamaica’s laid-back vibe, Caribbean seas and reggae scene remain ever popular among tourists, with around 3 million US visitors welcomed on the island in 2023. From the big resorts on the north coast to the misty peaks of the Blue Mountains, it’s a nation as famous for its beaches as it is for coffee and rum, plus in mid-July, thousands of music fans descend on Montego Bay for the annual Reggae Sumfest, the country’s biggest festival.

This large Caribbean country offers plenty for both beach bums and adventure lovers, making it the destination of choice for more than 10 million people in 2023 – about one in eight of all travelers to the Caribbean – with the US accounting for 43% of the total. From luxury resorts perched on pristine sand, to rainforests, waterfalls, and mountain trails, the terrain is as diverse as it is exciting.

Thrill seekers can get their kicks white-water rafting, kite boarding or sailing, while those after a more laid-back break can enjoy luxury golf and beach resorts. Intrepid travelers are also getting wise to the array of natural highlights around the Dominican Republic, with the hilly woodlands and mangroves of Los Haitises National Park a haven for colonies of pelicans, herons, and endangered Ridgway’s hawks, as well as home to caves that feature ancient petroglyphs.

The UK may be small, but in tourism terms it’s mighty. Nearly 38 million travelers visited in 2023, with Americans leading the way as the most valuable market, accounting for £1 in every £5 of tourist cash. Most arrive via the capital, London, to explore centuries-old landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament, along with a wealth of world-class museums and galleries, many of which can be visited free of charge.

Get outside the capital to explore rolling countryside and pretty towns imbued with history. The best-known landmarks include dramatic Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, perched on its craggy rock; Stonehenge – a monument that predates the pyramids – and Bath’s magnificent Roman Baths. There’s plenty for TV and film fans too, including Highclere Castle, the real-life filming location for Downton Abbey, and the sweeping highland scenery made famous by Scottish series Outlander. 

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