Travel is a familiar pastime for Americans; despite the country’s youth, its occupants yearn to learn more about the world by visiting other countries. Some travel to learn, others for adventure, and the rest for relaxation. No matter what type of traveling Americans are going for, some countries prove their popularity time and time again. Other destinations have recently become popular for a variety of reasons. This guide lists which countries have been at the top of Americans’ travel goals lately.
1. Japan
The beauty and culture of Japan have been at the center of American travelers’ radars lately. While Japan has always been a desired destination for many Yankees, the popularity of Japanese youth culture has spread across the pond to many countries, including America. Japanese pop music (J-Pop), Japanese fashion (J-Fashion), anime, and gaming have created a desire to visit the Land of the Rising Sun more than ever. Tokyo’s high-tech urban environment is a must-see for travelers who love the high pace of the city. Okinawa boasts a more coastal, laid-back ocean vibe for idealistic beachcombers. Mount Fuji, Japan’s active volcano, creates a scenic landscape. In spring, Japan’s cherry blossom blooms paint a picture-perfect scene.
2. Vietnam
Many people aren’t aware of how friendly and amenable the Vietnamese are to foreign tourists. As a bonus, Vietnam hosts various ecological diversity, from busy cities to peaceful rivers. Vietnamese beaches are also famous worldwide for their beauty and relaxation; Khem Beach is frequently at the top of the world’s most beautiful beaches! You can view lush waterfalls, towering mountains, and urban sanctuaries in one exciting country. If ancient Buddhist towns sound like your vibe, Vietnam offers plenty of this as well, as long as you’re respectful!
3. Indonesia
Like Vietnam, Indonesia is famous for its friendly tourist reception. This Asian country has around 17,000 islands, so there’s plenty to see and do here. Hindu-Buddhist architecture is plentiful on their islands, so architecture and history buffs will find themselves in bliss. Compared to other foreign travel, Indonesia is also surprisingly affordable, which may be why these islands have been trendy destinations as of late. Locals indicate that the best time to visit is during the warmer months between April and October, as the weather will be great for beach relaxation, snorkeling, and swimming. In addition to beaches, Indonesia has plenty of botanical gardens, museums, wildlife, temples, and more.
4. Italy
Italy isn’t recently famous; it’s one of the most popular foreign destinations for Americans, mainly because of its iconic cuisine, beautiful architecture, charming culture, and rich history. The Mediterranean coastline is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. From the scenic canals in Venice to the vineyards in Tuscany, there’s no shortage of things to do in this broad country. You can do some one-of-a-kind shopping in Italy’s fashion capital, Milan. Don’t forget to stop by Florence to see some infamous Renaissance art. No visit to Italy is complete without seeing its capital city, Rome! Here, famous landmarks dictate the town, from the Vatican to the ancient Colosseum.
5. Mexico
Mexico remains a popular tourist destination for Americans due to its beautiful tropical scenery and proximity to the U.S. mainland. It’s also considered one of the best countries to move to from the USA as it boasts a lower cost of living than its American neighbors. Cozumel and Cancun are famous for their beautiful coastal scenery, restaurants, and nightlife. Mexico City is prevalent for its cultural excursions, such as the Frida Kahlo Museum or the iconic architecture of Palacio de Bellas Artes. Culturally, Mexico is vibrant and diverse, with the beautiful Dia de los Muertos holiday and the tasty cuisine. Americanized Mexican food is a popular treat on the U.S. mainland, and many travelers will find authentic Mexican cuisine just as delicious, if not more so.
6. France
France is another key European country that Americans often flock to. It’s pretty common to romanticize the scenery and culture in France, and for good reason! Paris is well known for its rich cuisine, culture, architecture, and art, including the Eiffel Tour and the Louvre Museum. You can also visit iconic Mediterranean beaches, medieval architecture, and wine-making destinations. You’ll find quaint, charming villages in France with delicious foods and wines. Champagne was named after a wine-making region in France, and you can even sample the authentic drink itself!
7. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom typically refers to the entirety of Britain, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, though they are all distinct countries with different cultures and languages. However, most tourists can visit all these countries in one trip, as they’re pretty small and located right next to each other. In the UK, you’ll find tons of rich history in museums, architecture, art galleries, pubs, and restaurants. Britain hosts the capital city of London, one of the largest cities in Europe. You can visit lush landscapes and coasts in Ireland while trying its infamous beer selection. Wales is home to Celtic culture, with rocky coasts and beautiful mountain terrains. Scotland features iconic castles and landscapes with a rich medieval history, similar to other United Kingdom territories.