Between 2019 and 2020, U.S. international travel experienced a drastic decline of approximately 75% due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The market began to recover in 2021 and 2022, showing modest gains. The year 2023 marked a significant milestone as U.S. international travel surpassed pre-pandemic levels for the first time, with an approximate 10% increase compared to 2019.
Building on this momentum, 2024 is poised to set new records, with Americans traveling abroad in unprecedented numbers: in the first half of 2024, international travel saw a 10% increase over 2023 levels. This consistent growth underscores the strong rebound in international travel as travelers regain confidence.
Methodology:
Using the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Survey of International Air Travelers Program, researchers calculated outbound air travel conducted by U.S. residents to overseas destinations (not including Mexico or Canada), then ranked states accordingly.
Results:
In 2023, U.S. travelers showed a strong preference for destinations across Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia. The United Kingdom emerged as the top-visited destination, attracting over 5.1 million American tourists.
In the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica were the leading destinations, drawing 3.5 million and 2.0 million American tourists, respectively. These destinations are particularly popular among residents from Florida, New York, and the Southeastern U.S.
Nationally, there were 146 overseas trips per 1,000 Americans in 2023, translating to an average of one international trip every six to seven years for each American. However, residents of certain locations travel abroad far more frequently.
Florida:
- Residents of Florida took a total of 5,141,000 overseas trips in 2023.
- Compared to pre-pandemic levels, this represents an increase of 15.9%.
- Per 1,000 residents, Florida recorded 231.1 overseas trips last year—the 3rd most of any U.S. state.
