A new study has revealed the countries Americans most want to visit for their next vacation, with Mexico ranking first.
The research, conducted by student travel company Rustic Pathways, analysed average monthly Google searches for travel-related terms across more than 200 destinations, including phrases such as “flights to Japan” and “Italy vacation,” to identify where Americans are most eager to go.
Mexico leads the list with 296,937 average monthly searches, followed by Japan with 251,497 and Italy with 183,926.
Top 10 most searched destinations
The 10 most searched international destinations among Americans are
- Mexico, 296,937 monthly searches
- Japan, 251,497
- Italy, 183,926
- Greece, 123,936
- Canada, 118,525
- UK, 115,653
- Costa Rica, 115,258
- Thailand, 104,816
- France, 103,463
- Spain, 103,098
5 of the top 10 destinations are in Europe, reflecting strong interest in the region despite longer travel distances.
Popular cities drive search interest
Within each country, major cities dominate search activity.
Cancun is the most searched destination in Mexico with 106,794 monthly queries. Tokyo leads in Japan with 70,770 searches, while Rome records 59,719 in Italy. Other top cities include Athens with 26,167 searches, Toronto with 38,703, London with 82,488, San José with 9,000, Bangkok with 25,678, Paris with 72,014, and Barcelona with 34,297.
Accessibility and culture shape travel choices
Mexico’s top ranking is attributed to its proximity to the US and relatively low costs. Canada also benefits from accessibility, while long-haul destinations such as Japan remain highly popular.
Italy is the most sought-after European destination overall, while Greece, France, Spain, and the UK further highlight Americans’ interest in European culture and history.
Shayne Fitz-Coy, CEO of Rustic Pathways, said: “There is a huge range of countries in the ranking but there is a clear theme of European destinations in the list, despite how far they are from the US, highlighting how interested Americans are in European culture. At the same time, more accessible destinations like Mexico and Canada are high up in the rankings, which is most likely because of their shorter travel times and more affordable costs.
“The data shows that the most searched spots within these countries tend to be their capital cities, such as Tokyo and Rome. It’s likely that these are so popular because they generally have more landmarks and accommodation options to offer, making them a good starting point for travelers planning a trip.
“All of these countries are great places to visit, but it is important to plan carefully when booking your vacation. Taking precautions like ensuring you have travel insurance and checking official government travel advisories for any areas you plan to visit can help make sure your trip is safe and enjoyable.”
The findings highlight a mix of demand for nearby, affordable trips and long-haul destinations rich in culture and history. European countries account for half of the top 10 despite higher costs and travel time, underscoring their strong appeal.
Rustic Pathways noted that Google search volumes are a useful indicator of travel intent, often preceding actual bookings. The study examined nationwide data across the US to identify broad trends rather than regional differences.
Experts also emphasise the importance of preparation, including reviewing official government travel advisories and securing travel insurance to avoid disruptions.