In 2018, a record 93 million Americans traveled outside the United States. In recent years, travel regulations stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted international travel figures significantly. That said, trends have started to normalize, with more than 50 million Americans traveling abroad in the summer of 2022. As such, people with little international travel experience but are also interested in expanding their world views should consider exploring some of the world's most visited countries.
American travelers interested in world travel will need to bypass one of the most popular travel destinations on earth, as the United States ranks third overall, with approximately 79.3 million visitors per year. A few of the country's most attended tourist attractions include the Walt Disney Magic Kingdom theme park in Orlando, Golden Gate Park in Francisco, and New York City's Time Square, the most visited location in the US, with 50 million visitors annually. Altogether, the nation's tourism economy sits at approximately 1.6 trillion.
Meanwhile, France has welcomed more international travelers than any other country for over three decades, at about 90 million annually. Some of the country's most well-known attractions include the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre art museum, to say nothing of the countless world-class restaurants and architecturally impressive cathedrals. Beyond France's storied cities, visitors can experience the green countryside, rolling mountains, and a bustling vineyard economy. Beachgoers should consider a trip to the scenic Côte d'Azur.
With an estimated 83.7 million international visitors annually, Spain ranks as the world's second most popular travel destination. Like France, Spain has a long, rich history, allowing for countless cathedrals, public works, and museums, including the Guggenheim. While Americans likely associate Spain with the beautiful beaches of Gran Canaria and cities like Barcelona and Madrid, the country is also home to L'Oceanogràfic, the largest aquarium in Europe.
Following the United States, China ranks as the world's fourth most-visited country, with an annual tourist population of roughly 65.7 million. International travelers visiting China often settle in Beijing, though Shanghai, Suzhou, and Chengdu are also popular. Beijing is home to the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, one of the most visited sites on earth. Other attractions include the 6,000 life-size terracotta warriors in Xi'an and Chengdu's giant pandas.
Italy narrowly trails China with 64.5 million international travelers yearly. Travelers in Italy have no shortage of historic, culturally rich communities to choose from, with popular cities including Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan. Individuals interested in Europe's ancient history can visit the Colosseum or Pantheon, while the Canal Grande in Venice provides a unique, romantic way of exploring the city.
Finally, Turkey welcomes 51.2 million travelers from around the world every year. The Mediterranean nation is popular among international travelers for several reasons, ranging from man-made structures like the towering Hagia Sophia mosque to natural wonders such as Mount Nemrut and the beaches of Ölüdeniz and Patara.
Other popular tourist countries include Mexico, with 45 million annual visitors, and Thailand, Germany, and the United Kingdom, with just over 39 million.
