Forget the classic image of the camera-clad American tourist in a crowded square, because a new wave of travelers is instead chasing off-the-beaten-path villages in Europe, authentic food tours in Mexico, and solo wellness retreats, all while meticulously planning their next adventure on their smartphone.
Key Takeaways
- 80% of U.S. international travelers planned to visit Europe in 2023
- 42% of American tourists are interested in "off-the-beaten-path" destinations to avoid crowds
- Mexico remains the #1 international destination for U.S. tourists with over 12 million air arrivals annually
- American international travelers spent an average of $2,400 per person per trip in 2023
- U.S. travelers spent a record $214 billion on international travel in 2023
- 64% of Americans use a credit card to pay for the majority of their travel expenses
- 75% of American tourists use smartphones to research their trips while on the go
- 48% of U.S. travelers book their entire trip via a mobile app
- 32% of American tourists have used AI chatbots to help plan their travel itinerary
- 82% of U.S. adults took at least one overnight trip in 2023
- 47% of American travelers are "Gen X" or "Baby Boomers" who prioritize comfort
- 36% of American tourists travel with children under the age of 18
- 76% of American tourists fly economy class for international trips
- 8% of U.S. travelers book Business or First Class for long-haul flights over 8 hours
- 92% of American travelers carry a valid U.S. passport when traveling abroad
American tourists favor Europe and unique destinations but prioritize Mexico and budget-friendly travel.
Booking & Tech
175% of American tourists use smartphones to research their trips while on the go
Verified248% of U.S. travelers book their entire trip via a mobile app
Verified332% of American tourists have used AI chatbots to help plan their travel itinerary
Verified460% of U.S. travel bookings are made online rather than offline
Directional525% of Americans find travel inspiration through TikTok videos
Single source690% of American travelers read online reviews before booking a hotel
Verified753% of Americans use airline-specific apps to track luggage in real-time
Verified820% of U.S. outbound travelers use eSims to avoid international roaming charges
Verified941% of Americans use Google Maps as their primary tool for navigating foreign cities
Directional1018% of American tourists have used VR (Virtual Reality) to preview a hotel or destination
Single source1168% of Americans prefer touchless check-in options at hotels
Verified1214% of U.S. travelers use "travel hacking" software to find error fares
Verified1344% of Americans sign up for travel deal newsletters to find discounts
Verified1437% of American tourists use Instagram to share photos in real-time while traveling
Directional1558% of U.S. travelers cite "fast Wi-Fi" as the most important hotel amenity
Single source1622% of Americans use ChatGPT for translating languages while abroad
Verified1740% of American travelers utilize online price comparison tools like Kayak or Skyscanner
Verified1810% of U.S. tourists use wearable technology (Smartwatches) for boarding passes
Verified1950% of American millennials prefer booking apartments (Airbnb) over traditional hotels
Directional2031% of Americans book their flights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays to find lower prices
Single source2185% of American tourists use digital maps instead of paper maps
Verified2227% of U.S. travelers use biometric facial recognition at airports to speed up transit
Verified2346% of Americans prefer to book directly through a hotel website to earn loyalty points
Verified2412% of American tourists have used AI-generated voice assistants to book car rentals
Directional2535% of U.S. travelers rely on TripAdvisor for "things to do" recommendations
Single source2663% of Americans say they are "more likely" to book a hotel if it offers a mobile key
Verified2715% of U.S. tourists use cryptocurrency at least once during their travel for payments
Verified2829% of American travelers use Pinterest to create mood boards for future trips
Verified2955% of U.S. travelers watch YouTube videos for destination guides
Directional3021% of Americans use travel-specific budgeting apps like Trail Wallet
Single sourceBooking & Tech Interpretation
For the American traveler, the smartphone has become the ultimate Swiss Army knife, seamlessly blending inspiration, booking, navigation, and complaint department into one perpetually charged device.
Demographics & Behavior
182% of U.S. adults took at least one overnight trip in 2023
Verified247% of American travelers are "Gen X" or "Baby Boomers" who prioritize comfort
Verified336% of American tourists travel with children under the age of 18
Verified4Single women make up 59% of the solo American traveler market
Directional524% of American travelers identify as "Digital Nomads" working while on vacation
Single source670% of U.S. tourists take their pets on domestic road trips
Verified7The average American traveler takes 2.1 international trips per year
Verified858% of American tourists are married or in a domestic partnership
Verified934% of U.S. travelers have a household income exceeding $100,000
Directional10College-educated Americans are 3x more likely to travel internationally than those with a high school diploma
Single source1115% of American tourists are "Bleisure" travelers, combining business with leisure
Verified1242% of U.S. travelers belong to at least one airline frequent flyer program
Verified1365% of Americans prefer to travel with a partner rather than in a large group
Verified1420% of American tourists are "foodies" who travel specifically for culinary tours
Directional15The average duration of an American international vacation is 10 days
Single source1652% of U.S. travelers are more likely to travel to a destination if they speak the language
Verified1711% of American tourists are "multi-generational," traveling with grandparents and kids
Verified1840% of American travelers claim they are "exhausted" after a vacation and need a "vacation from the vacation"
Verified1928% of U.S. tourists travel to see a live sporting event
Directional2045% of Americans take a road trip of at least 250 miles once a year
Single source2118% of American travelers choose 4-star hotels as their standard level of luxury
Verified2233% of U.S. travelers stay in a hotel for 3-4 nights on an average domestic trip
Verified237% of American tourists identify as LGBTQ+ and seek inclusive destinations
Verified2461% of Americans say they "disconnect" from work email entirely during vacation
Directional2523% of American tourists are motivated by "nostalgia" (visiting childhood spots)
Single source2650% of U.S. travelers prefer mid-size SUVs for their car rentals
Verified2739% of Americans use a passport for the first time after age 25
Verified2814% of U.S. tourists go on a cruise specifically for the onboard entertainment
Verified2929% of American tourists pack snacks from home to save money while traveling
Directional3067% of Americans feel more productive at work after taking a week-long trip
Single sourceDemographics & Behavior Interpretation
Americ travel is a sprawling, often paradoxical beast, where the majority packs the kids, the dog, and a spouse for a comforting SUV road trip, yet a significant minority also flees solo, works remotely, and desperately craves a culinary adventure that will, inevitably, leave them needing another vacation to recover.
Destinations & Preferences
180% of U.S. international travelers planned to visit Europe in 2023
Verified242% of American tourists are interested in "off-the-beaten-path" destinations to avoid crowds
Verified3Mexico remains the #1 international destination for U.S. tourists with over 12 million air arrivals annually
Verified431% of Americans report that they choose destinations based primarily on the local food scene
Directional5The Caribbean accounts for 14% of all U.S. outbound international travel
Single source61 in 4 Americans plan to take a solo trip in the next 12 months
Verified7Italy is the most searched European destination for U.S. travelers
Verified838% of American travelers prefer beach vacations over any other type of landscape
Verified922% of U.S. travelers plan to visit a National Park in the upcoming year
Directional10Canada is the second most visited international country by Americans, accounting for roughly 13% of departures
Single source1127% of American tourists look for destinations with specific adventure sports like hiking or skiing
Verified1215% of U.S. travelers are planning "set-jetting" trips to visit filming locations of movies or shows
Verified13Japan has seen a 170% increase in American tourist interest since 2022
Verified1454% of Americans prefer domestic travel over international travel due to convenience
Directional15London is the top city destination for Americans traveling to the United Kingdom
Single source1619% of U.S. tourists prioritize visiting ancestral homelands when choosing a destination
Verified1745% of American travelers are interested in sustainable travel options in 2024
Verified18Florida is the most visited U.S. state by domestic American tourists
Verified1912% of American outbound travelers choose Africa for safari-related tourism
Directional2033% of Gen Z American travelers prioritize "Instagrammability" when picking a destination
Single source2161% of Americans traveled to a city they had never been to before in 2023
Verified22Cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean represent 60% of all American cruise bookings
Verified2328% of American travelers are looking for "wellness retreats" as their primary vacation goal
Verified24New York City remains the most visited domestic urban destination for U.S. travelers
Directional259% of Americans travel internationally specifically for medical or dental procedures
Single source2656% of American tourists prefer "slow travel" staying longer in one location rather than hopping cities
Verified2740% of Americans travel to visit friends or relatives (VFR) as their primary trip purpose
Verified28Iceland has become a top-10 European destination for Americans due to increased flight connectivity
Verified2918% of American tourists participate in "dark tourism" visiting sites like historical battlefields
Directional3050% of American families choose Orlando, FL as their top domestic vacation spot
Single sourceDestinations & Preferences Interpretation
American travelers are on a quest to find themselves, whether that’s in a quiet Icelandic landscape, through their ancestral roots, or ironically, amid the very crowds they claim to avoid in Orlando.
Spending & Economics
1American international travelers spent an average of $2,400 per person per trip in 2023
Verified2U.S. travelers spent a record $214 billion on international travel in 2023
Verified364% of Americans use a credit card to pay for the majority of their travel expenses
Verified4The average daily spend for an American tourist in Europe is $185
Directional544% of Americans increased their travel budget in 2024 compared to 2023
Single source6Americans spend approximately 25% of their travel budget on dining and food
Verified752% of U.S. travelers state that inflation has caused them to seek more budget-friendly accommodations
Verified8Luxury travel spending by Americans grew by 12% year-over-year in 2023
Verified935% of American tourists use "Buy Now, Pay Later" services for vacation bookings
Directional10Total U.S. travel and tourism output accounts for 2.9% of the national GDP
Single source1172% of American travelers prioritize spending money on experiences over souvenirs
Verified12The average American family of four spends $4,500 on a week-long domestic vacation
Verified1321% of American travelers report spending more than $10,000 annually on travel
Verified14Airfare costs for U.S. outbound travelers rose by an average of 9% in early 2024
Directional1515% of American travelers use travel agents to maximize the value of their spending
Single source16American tourists in Paris spend more on luxury retail than any other nationality
Verified1748% of Americans save specifically for travel for at least 6 months before a trip
Verified18Lodging accounts for the largest share of American travel spending at 31%
Verified1930% of Americans use loyalty points to fund at least half of one trip per year
Directional20The U.S. travel industry supports nearly 15 million jobs domestically
Single source2155% of American tourists are willing to pay extra for eco-friendly travel options
Verified221 in 3 Americans spent less on holiday gifts in 2023 to save for 2024 travel
Verified23Business travel spending by Americans is projected to reach $329 billion by the end of 2024
Verified24American tourists spend an average of $450 per night for high-end hotel stays abroad
Directional2512% of American travelers report taking out a loan to fund a "bucket list" trip
Single source26The average cost of travel insurance for a U.S. citizen is 5-6% of the trip cost
Verified2739% of Americans say they look for "all-inclusive" deals to better manage spending
Verified28Shopping is the #3 activity for American tourists traveling abroad
Verified2966% of Americans book their flights at least 3 months in advance to save money
Directional30U.S. travelers generated $3.4 billion in tax revenue for the state of Hawaii in 2023
Single sourceSpending & Economics Interpretation
The American traveler is a master of contradiction, simultaneously chasing luxury experiences with record-breaking spending while meticulously hunting for discounts and payment plans to afford it all.
Transportation & Safety
176% of American tourists fly economy class for international trips
Verified28% of U.S. travelers book Business or First Class for long-haul flights over 8 hours
Verified392% of American travelers carry a valid U.S. passport when traveling abroad
Verified435.5 million Americans are members of AAA (American Automobile Association) for travel safety
Directional522% of American tourists have experienced a flight cancellation in the last 12 months
Single source641% of U.S. travelers use "TSA PreCheck" to expedite security
Verified715% of American tourists use "Global Entry" for international arrival efficiency
Verified854% of American travelers feel safer traveling in groups of 3 or more
Verified960% of U.S. outbound travelers purchase travel insurance before their trip
Directional1012% of American tourists have lost their luggage during a commercial flight
Single source1148% of Americans prefer to drive their own car for trips under 500 miles
Verified124% of U.S. tourists use Amtrak as their primary mode of vacation transportation
Verified1330% of American tourists register with the STEP program (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program)
Verified1425% of American travelers carry a backup battery for their phone as a safety essential
Directional1519% of U.S. tourists report being "very concerned" about health risks while traveling
Single source1666% of Americans read the safety instructions on an aircraft every time
Verified1733% of U.S. travelers use ride-sharing apps like Uber/Lyft to get to the airport
Verified1810% of American tourists have rented an electric vehicle (EV) while on vacation
Verified1951% of Americans avoid travel to countries with a Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" advisory
Directional2017% of U.S. travelers have used a "pension" or hostel during European travel
Single source2143% of American tourists keep a digital copy of their passport on a cloud drive
Verified2228% of U.S. travelers use a money belt or hidden pouch to prevent theft
Verified237% of American travelers have needed emergency medical assistance abroad
Verified2456% of U.S. tourists check the weather at their destination daily before leaving
Directional2514% of American tourists use private airport lounges to avoid crowds
Single source2638% of Americans choose "non-stop" flights even if they are 20% more expensive
Verified2721% of U.S. travelers tip at least 20% even in countries where tipping is not standard
Verified2845% of American tourists prefer "window" seats over "aisle" seats on airplanes
Verified2911% of U.S. travelers fly with "carry-on only" to avoid baggage fees and loss
Directional3062% of American tourists feel "anxious" about flight delays affecting their plans
Single sourceTransportation & Safety Interpretation
The American tourist is an anxious creature of habit, flying economy with a well-stamped passport, a deep faith in TSA PreCheck, and a statistically grounded fear that their luggage and their plans are both likely to be lost in transit.
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