As a tourist, planning your vacation ahead is essential to make sure you use your time off efficiently, especially if you are planning to travel outside the borders of your Country. One step is to gather information about the most visited countries around the world. Another is to be sure that those countries are equipped with places that meet your desired goal of entertainment.

You might ask yourself, “What would make a country worth the visit?” Most importantly, ask yourself, “What are the most important facilities to look for before booking your trip?”

Below, we will answer those questions, and since we are coming close to the end of the last quarter of 2023, let’s explore the most visited countries by Americans this year to help you in your upcoming planning.

First things first:

What Would Urge You as a Tourist to Visit a Specific Country?

Travellers choose a specific country for multiple reasons, depending on their interests. Below, we will list some of these reasons:

• To enjoy inimitable natural beauty.
• To explore different historical areas.
• To interact with welcoming locals.
• To experience medical tourism.
• To relish in unique luxurious settings.

What Are the Most Important Things to Look for as a Tourist Before Making the Decision?

There are various things to know about the country you are visiting, depending on the nature of your visit. All things considered, there are some standard precautions to make sure of, including the following travel tips:

1. Find reasonable accommodation facilities.
2. Make sure the accommodation is in a safe neighbourhood.
3. Read about the culture and customs of the locals.
4. Know more about the transportation network, especially if you are not planning on renting a car.
5. Learn about the local currency and the exchange rate.
6. Find out the most convenient medical facilities to consult for any emergencies.
7. Make sure to pack up your necessary medications, if any.
8. Check the languages the locals can speak.
9. Know the weather season in the country around the time of your visit.
10. Have an idea about the acceptable dress code in the country.

The Most Visited Countries by Americans in 2023

The number of Americans visiting different countries around the world reached over 40 million Visitors this year. So, what are the most visited countries by Americans? And what are the main attractions and things to do in each?

Keep reading to get an idea about the most visited countries worldwide, especially by American visitors.

Mexico

Mexico is one of the most amazing countries in Latin America. It is a cosmopolitan country that serves every taste and desire, from the natural beauty of mountains and forests and incredible beaches to historical sites. Adding to that, the local food is known for its signature taste.

Here is a list of the places to visit:

1. National Reef Park of Puerto Morelos
2. Museo Nacional de Antropologia
3. Tulum Archaeological Site
4. Playa Delfines
5. Acapulco Cliff Divers

The number of American Tourists visiting Mexico reach 39 million visitors yearly! The numbers only decreased in 2020 during the pandemic.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a perfect choice for a getaway for travellers who are looking for tranquillity and exceptional natural scenery. It is located in the Caribbean region on the island of Hispaniola. It has strong relations with the United States government, given the fact that it is one of the largest economies in the Caribbean. It is only befitting to be one of the most favoured destinations by American tourists. The country welcomes more than 8 million visitors annually, among them over 3 million American visitors.

A list of suggested places to visit includes:

1. Hoyo Azul Lagoon
2. Bavaro Beach (Playa Bavaro)
3. Damajagua Falls (27 Charcos)
4. Los Haitises National Park
5. Alcázar de Colón (Columbus Palace)

On behalf of the United States, I congratulate the people of the Dominican Republic on the occasion of your Independence Day. Our countries are deeply connected with one another, as more than two million people of Dominican descent call the United States their home, and more than three million Americans visit the Dominican Republic every year. 

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary Of State. Press Statement February 27, 2023

Canada

Canada is located to the North of the United States, sharing the world’s longest international border with the States. Besides having solid political relations and various partnerships with the U.S., Canada is at the top of the list of international tourism for American tourists. The number of Americans crossing the borders to Canada each year reaches almost 15 million visitors. The country is known for its famous historical landmarks, natural landscapes, and exceptional cuisine.

Some of the places to visit while in Canada include:

1. Niagara Falls
2. Whistler
3. Old Montreal
4. Polar Bears of Churchill, Manitoba
5. Bay of Fundy

United Kingdom

When considering visiting Europe, the United Kingdom will be on top of the list. It is one of the oldest countries in history and offers an astonishing experience for tourists looking for exceptional historical landmarks and enjoy taking a journey back in time. In addition, it was the birthplace of famous artists, writers, politicians, and influencers who shaped the history of art, culture, and civilisation in the whole world. The UK is often described as a real place that has provided a chance for creativity and exceptional masterpieces.

Given the fact that it has one of the oldest partnerships with the United States, it is not surprising to find that it is at the top of the destinations visited by American tourists. In 2023, number of American visitors crossing the borders of the UK reached over 3 million.

Choosing places to visit in a country with a wide variety of attractions like the UK might not be easy. But we have got you covered with the top 5 places to put on your list:

1. The British Museum
2. Edinburgh Castle
3. Arthur’s Seat
4. Cadbury World

Spain

Spain is the perfect destination for people in love with cosmopolitan cultures. It is one of the world’s oldest civilisations and was controlled by various empires throughout history. You can find traces of the Roman Empire, the Vikings, the Muslims, and more. It is a country of art and culture. Bearing in mind that both Spain and the United States are strong allies, it is a favoured destination by American tourists. The number of Spain visitors reached over 3 million American visitors.

There are many unique attractions to visit in Spain. Below are the top 5 must-see places to prioritise:

1. The Alhambra and Generalife Gardens, Granada
2. The Great Mosque of Córdoba (La Mezquita)
3. Beaches of Gran Canaria
4. El Teide, Tenerife
5. Ibiza

Italy

Italian cities have long been held up as ideals, not least by New Yorkers and Londoners enthralled by the ways their architecture gives beauty and meaning to everyday acts.

Rebecca Solnit, Wanderlust: A History of Walking

The land of open museums where you can literally enjoy historical landmarks just by sightseeing; the land of love and art and music; the land of famous cuisine and unique tastes—Italy stands out with its culture, history, natural landscapes, hospitality, and diversity. 

It isn’t easy to choose which places to favour in Italy, but here are our top 5 suggestions:

1. Colosseum
2. Canal Grande
3. Vatican Museums
4. Piazzale Michelangelo
5. Pompeii Archaeological Park

Italy is visited by more than 15 million travellers annually. American tourists visiting Italy have reached over 6 million in 2023.

France

If you are looking for a luxurious experience, a fairy tale world, romantic scenery, breathtaking landscapes, or historical landmarks, France will offer you combined experiences in one country. From fancy dinners by the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the beautiful shores of Côte d’Azur, you will have the trip of your lifetime.

A place with a diverse experience like France takes a lot of work to plan a visit. Below are the top 5 sites you would not want to miss in France:

1. The Louvre Museum
2. The Eiffel Tower
3. Notre Damme Cathedral
4. Provence
5. Côte d’Azur

France receives visitors from all over the world each year. The number of international visitors in 2023 is almost 90 million visitors. It is unsurprising to find out that there are over 5 million American tourists among those visitors.

Visiting different places in the world would be an exciting and unforgettable experience. As seen from the mentioned destinations, American tourists’ top chosen countries are found in Europe and North America. They are countries of exceptional cultures and diverse attractions. For detailed suggestions about more places to visit in Europe, check our article “Explore 12 Best European City Breaks in February“. To know more about North America, read our article “Interesting North America Facts: 11 Things You Didn’t Know”.