It should come as no surprise that we Americans love to travel. In fact, with inflation at forty-year highs and pent-up demand from former COVID-related restrictions, Americans will spend more on vacations this year than ever before. According to Allianz Partners USA's 14th Annual Vacation Confidence Index, we‘re expected to have spent some $194 billion this summer alone. That's a whopping 229 per cent increase from 2020 and a 91 per cent increase from 2019, the year before the pandemic slowed travel to a trickle. The average American will have shelled out $2,644 for vacations this summer. That's a 25 per cent increase from 2021, a 40 per cent increase from 2020, and a 30 per cent increase from 2019 pre-pandemic levels. And a good bit will have been spent outside the country. While domestic travel still remains strong, a few places beyond America’s borders - and across “the pond” - will see an influx of US travelers this year. In a recent survey conducted by the International Medical Group (IMG), travelers were asked which countries they planed to visit as the world once again returns to global travel. Let's take a look at their answers.
Mexico
Over 6.6 million Americans visited Mexico in the first six months of this year, according to the International Trade Administration’s new travel tracker. It might be the allure of its picturesque beaches, beautiful weather or top-notch resorts that draws us but, whatever the reason, our warmer southern neighbor topped the list for where Americans plan to travel this year. When talking about travel in Mexico, it’s impossible not to mention its diversity. In a short flight within the country, you can be transported from the luscious lowlands of the Yucatan Peninsula to the desert paradise of Oaxaca State. Then there’s Mexico City – the massive and fascinating cultural capital that keeps travelers coming back for more. Along the Pacific Coast, visitors are blessed with so many options from bustling cities to low-key beach towns where they can take a step back and relax for a bit. And let’s not forget about the Baja Peninsula just a short flight away for those of us living on the West Coast. The Mexican government has a visa-free program in place for approximately 70 nationalities, including US passport holders. However, although US citizens do not need a visa for Mexico for short stays, we're required to obtain a Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) tourist card to present upon arrival at border control. However, the Cancun Airport is now part of a pilot program to remove the form and has announced plans to hire an additional 139 immigration officials in a bid to reduce wait times for arriving passengers to this popular Mexican destination.
Canada
Not surprisingly, our other “border buddy” to the north is second on the list for US travelers in 2022. As the world eases back into travel, heading to Canada provides all the adventure of international travel without having to go too far. From the major cities like Toronto and Vancouver, to the well-known tourist attractions like Niagara Falls, Banff National Park, and the Rocky Mountains, to its more remote natural wonders, and pristine lakes, Canada really does have it all. For train enthusiasts like me, the Rocky Mountaineer has been navigating the tracks through the Canadian Rockies since 1990, bringing guests on an all-inclusive voyage into the heart of the country’s awe-inspiring glaciers, valleys and jagged peaks.The most popular route travels between Vancouver and Banff on a 2-day trip, with a night spent in the picturesque town of Kamloops. If it’s polar bears you’re after, visit the remote village of Churchill located in the northern extremities of Manitoba, on the edge of the enormous Hudson Bay,. Churchill holds the distinction of being the “Polar Bear Capital of the World”. It’s not just polar bears you can spend time with up in Churchill. If you’re passionate about wildlife experiences, then set aside a day or two to take part in one of the most unique Canadian activities – kayaking with beluga whales! The mystical white whales of Canada’s Arctic live in the waters of Hudson Bay, coming close to shore to feed on trout and char. Finally, the Northern Lights Resort and Spa just outside of Whitehorse is the top place to stay in Yukon to capture the stunning Aurora Borealis, and the lodge boasts heated log cabins as well as new glass chalets, so you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your bed to witness the displays.
France
France has topped the list in the past several years as the most visited country in the world, so it makes sense that it’s a favorite for millions of American travelers (including me). From the vineyards of the Champagne Region to the beaches of Normandy and the sunny Riviera, France calls to travelers in a way that makes its neighbors jealous. Tens of thousands of Americans visited Paris this summer, bringing a widespread sense of relief to a tourism industry battered by COVID and the sanctions-induced loss of the wealthy Russians who regularly flocked to its hotspots. The US was the biggest contributor to the Parisian tourism market this summer, according to the city's government, with booking levels almost back to pre-pandemic 2019 levels. "The Americans are doing the job," said Frédéric Hocquard, Paris’ deputy mayor for tourism. "Meaning that they are coming back en masse and with a lot of money to spend.” Even outside of Paris, from north to south, tourist workers and government officials across France are chanting the same enthusiastic message -- the Americans are back! This was the front page headline of the Nice Matin, a prominent French Riviera newspaper, on July 6. "They are spending without counting after two years of restrictions," it reported. On average, American tourists, mostly visiting in groups, are each spending $402 per day in France, bringing a single budget for a 10-day visit to a stunning $4,020, way ahead of any other foreign tourists, according to a report completed by research company GfK for Visa. The Americans are especially important this year for the south of France along the Mediterranean, whose beautiful coastlines had long been a paradise harboring many wealthy Russian vacationers.
Italy
This land of gorgeous countryside, ancient architecture, Renaissance art and mesmerizing food seems to be a consistent favorite for Americans traveling abroad. According to the Pew Research Center, 63 per cent of Italians interviewed have a positive view of Americans. In general, Italians respect Americans and nearly always welcome us as friends. A standard stop on most Italian vacation itineraries is Rome. The city is a globally renowned cultural and historical powerhouse. Here, you'll find the most important relic from the Roman Empire at the Colosseum, some of Michelangelo's greatest works in the Sistine Chapel and some of the best food in Italy since Rome is home to many Michelin-starred restaurants. Of course, it’s also the center of Catholicism and the Vatican Museums are incredible. Americans’ next favorite place in Italy is Venice. There are few destinations in the world quite like Venice. Its uniqueness can largely be attributed to the canals that run through the city like roads, carrying water taxis and buses in addition to its fleet of famous gondolas. Florence is another top Italian destination for Americans. The Renaissance city is known for its art and architecture and its small size means that you can navigate most of the city on foot without ever having to hop on a bus or call a taxi. While some of the more tourist-heavy spots like Rome and Florence see more of a backlog of group tours and selfie-snapping in season, some tourists are taking the road less traveled into Northern Italy or along the Mediterranean. Reaching the cliff-side Amalfi Coast, for example, is certainly a trek, but American travelers say the journey is more than worth it. The region covers more than two dozen miles of coastline and is home to some thirteen colorful seaside towns, each with its own unique story. Positano and Amalfi are the two most popular, housing numerous hotels and restaurants. From picturesque cities, countrysides and coastlines, it's safe to say Italy's offerings are unmatched and we Americans remain anxious to see it all.
Portugal
Americans are heading to Portugal in droves — far outpacing their contemporaries from elsewhere. And US visitors are outspending other foreign visitors as well, making Americans one of the country’s top priorities when it comes to tourism promotion. Turismo Portugal believes that some of the increase is due to favorable reviews from the media, but another reason is much simpler — purely word of mouth from those who have visited and loved their stay. “We have seen American visits to Portugal more than triple over a decade — so, this tells us we have lots of happy visitors who are our ambassadors — telling friends about how great a destination Portugal is,” said Jayme Simoes, Turismo de Portugal's communications partner. “We also offer real value — especially on the high end and in terms of luxury. Portugal is one of the safest destinations in the world and it is authentic — offering unique experiences that you will not find anywhere else. We look for this trend to continue.” Portugal has seen an exponential growth in tourism from Americans in recent years with visitors flocking to the major cities of Lisbon and Porto, we well as the smaller villages and islands beyond for a mix of coastal and city escapades. With beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and citizens who welcome tourists with open arms, it's no wonder that Portugal is rapidly becoming a popular vacation destination for us. Located on the Iberian peninsula right next to Spain, Portugal is easy to access for American travelers and has a reputation for being a family-friendly destination. However, it still feels exotic and exciting, thanks to miles of sun-kissed coastline, cobblestone streets, and fairytale castles.
Choosing any one of these world-class locales for an international vacation would be difficult, but you’re not likely to be disappointed, regardless of which country you choose.
Until next time…safe travels.
You, and your friends, will always be welcome in the UK. [PS don't forget your wallet !!!]