Where Americans Travel Most in 2026: The Data Behind the Trends

93 million Americans traveled internationally in 2025 — a record. The destinations they chose reveal shifting preferences: less Europe, more Latin America and Caribbean.

Top 10 International Destinations for Americans (2025-2026)

1. Mexico — 40+ million visits. Cancún dominates but CDMX is growing fastest
2. Canada — 15+ million. Proximity and no passport card needed for land crossings
3. Dominican Republic — 3+ million. Fastest-growing Caribbean destination
4. UK — 4+ million. London remains the top European pick
5. Colombia — 1.5+ million. Medellín and Cartagena driving growth
6. France — 3+ million. Paris, always Paris
7. Jamaica — 2+ million. All-inclusive dominance
8. Japan — 2+ million. Post-pandemic boom
9. Italy — 3+ million. Rome, Florence, Amalfi
10. Costa Rica — 1.5+ million. Eco-tourism leader

The Shifts

Latin America is surging. Colombia, the DR, and Mexico (beyond Cancún) are growing 15-25% annually. Americans are discovering that $1,000 gets you a week in Medellín vs 3 days in Paris.

Middle East is declining. Dubai and Qatar bookings dropped 40%+ in early 2026 due to regional instability.

Solo travel is mainstreaming. 35% of international trips by Americans in 2025 were solo — up from 22% in 2019.

"Local experience" is the #1 priority. Booking.com data shows 72% of American travelers prioritize "authentic local experiences" over sightseeing landmarks.

What This Means

American travelers are younger, more adventurous, more budget-conscious, and more interested in authenticity than ever. The era of bus-tour-and-landmark travel is ending. The era of local-friend-and-hidden-gem travel is beginning.

Browse Local Friends in the destinations Americans love most on Roavi.