Up and Coming International Travel Destinations By Continent

The top motivating factors to traveling among Americans are connecting with the local people, discovering new culinary experiences, and individual holistic wellness. Recent reports indicated a great increase in international bookings. The propriety study of 2018 found that most American’s travel goal is to tour new destinations they wish to explore. According to the 2018 Travel Trends Survey, the top up and coming destinations by American Tourists are:

15. Iceland - Europe

The northern island nation of Europe is the hottest tourist destination for Americans. There are more Americans touring Iceland than the number of people living in Iceland. In fact, in 2017, the tourist population was over one million with the majority being travelers from the US. The number of Americans visiting Iceland has increased by over 65% in the last five years. The flight from the east coast of the United States to Iceland takes only 5 to 6 hours.

14. Croatia - Europe

Croatia’s stunning beauty, which ranges from ancient Roman ruins to the sparkling coast of Dalmatia, attract Americans in numbers. Zagreb's streets and medieval history is another major attraction. Croatia boasts of a colorful history and culture, reflecting the nation’s role as a crossroad between the east and the west. July to August is the peak tourist season. The major tourist attraction site in the country is Dubrovnik, which is located on the Adriatic Sea. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage, Dubrovnik offers a packed itinerary for tourists wanting peaceful and tranquil region. Tourists also have a chance to visit Plitvice Lakes.

13. Portugal - Europe

One major motivation to visit Portugal is the Schengen Agreement. The Agreement states that a US citizen may enter Portugal and stay for up to 90 days without any restriction. Thereafter, the passport is valid for at least three months. The beautiful sunny City of Lisbon, Porto, and the cliff beaches of Algarve are some of the most frequented places by the tourists who visit the country.

12. New Zealand - Pacific

The number of tourists to New Zealand has increased tremendously in the last few years. The increase has been attributed to increased air capacity as well as the introduction of more direct airline routes from America to New Zealand. New Zealand has also introduced offshore training and engaged in networking with travel agents to market the nation as a desirable tourist destination. The nation offers diverse sceneries, outdoor adventure and sightseeing in the hot springs, fjords, and rolling grass fields in summer.

11. Tahiti - Pacific

Tahiti, an island on the Pacific, is ranked as the best beach honeymoon destination. Scores of American tourists have been flocking Tahiti to view and enjoy miles of shoreline, numerous resorts, and the magnificent three waterfalls of Les Trois Cascades. Top of the list of destinations included the La Plage de Maui with its white sand beach and overwater bungalows. Other most visited places are the Huahine Aquarium in the shallow waters of the lagoon and the museums.

10. Bora Bora - Pacific

Many American tourists are visiting Bora Bora, the most celebrated island with alluring beaches and iconic Mount Otemanu. As the jewel of the South Seas, Bora Bora has turquoise lagoon swhere one can engage in excursions like cruising, kite surfing, snorkeling, and paddle boarding. The influx of tourists has been boosted by the requirement of a US passport valid for 6 months beyond the period of the visit.

9. Thailand - Asia

Thailand has of late attracted numerous American tourists. The southeastern Asian country has beautiful tropical beaches and ancient ruins. Ornate temples with Buddha’s images are a sight to behold. Bangkok has an ancient architectural outlook which attracts many tourists. Other major attractions are the Phi Phi Deluxe Island, Ayutthaya temples, and the grand palace of Bangkok with its historical craftsmanship. The Khao Yai National Park offers a variety of wildlife including elephants.

8. Vietnam - Asia

Vietnam is famous for beautiful beaches, Buddhist pagodas, and bustling cities. The capital city, Hanoi, has iconic marble arch structures. Plain rice paddies towards the north offer a taste of natural beauty within the country.

7. Maldives - Asia

The Maldives, a nation in the Indian Ocean, has seen an influx of American tourists. The major attraction is the 26 ring-shaped atolls made up of numerous coral Islands. Blue lagoons and breathtaking extensive reefs are a sight to behold. The Capital City known as Male has the historical 17th-century mosque known as Hukuru Miskiy which was made of carved white coral. The Maldives has retained luxurious aura that gives tourist solace and tranquility.

6. Peru - Central/South America

Peru has recorded an increase in the number of American tourists. American nationals receive a visa on arrival. Peru is home to a section of the Amazon rainforests and the ancient Incan town located in the Andes Mountains. Archeological sites for educational tourism include the sacred valley and the colonial city called Cusco. Lima, the capital city located on the Pacific Coast is a highly preserved colonial center with artifacts of the pre-Columbian era.

5. Panama - Central/South America

Panama links South and Central America. With the Panama Canal cutting through, it links the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean and offers a shipping route. American tourists are also attracted by numerous casinos and nightclubs.

4. Galapagos Islands - Central/South America

Many American tourists have been attracted by the active volcanos on Isabela Island in the Galapagos Islands. Aquatic lovers will enjoy snorkeling and diving activities in the tropical waters. Wildlife is in plenty in Santa Cruz Island where there is the giant tortoise. San Cristóbal Island also offers a scenic view of sea lions.

3. Kenya - Africa

Tourists from the US have tremendously increased in Kenya, overtaking those from the UK. The increase is attributed to the lifting of the travel ban to Kenya. The Kenyan tourism ministry has also embarked on vigorous marketing campaigns through adverts and use of American travel agents. American tourists are also attracted to Kenya by the wonderful national parks. Others come to watch the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The lions and elephants of the Amboseli National Park are also a great attraction. Kenya has a magnificent warm coastline on the Indian Ocean.

2. Morocco - Africa

Morocco is a North African country with coastlines along the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The country has positioned itself with attractive rates to lure travelers. Security has also been beefed up in the Muslim dominant country. The 12th century city offers ancient artwork and structures. Tourists are often entertained by the many cultural activities throughout the year.

1. Tanzania - Africa

Tanzania, with its long coastal line on the Indian Ocean, has attracted high number of American tourists since the former president, Barack Obama, visited, the country in July 2013. With the the vast Serengeti and Kilimanjaro National Parks where the elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, and rhinos loom freely, Tanzania has seen tremendous growth in both American tourists and tourists from other countries like the UK.