LONDON, United Kingdom — Fresh booking statistics show Americans are turning European trips into a near-year-round ritual, with the United Kingdom, Germany and France topping a list of 10 European destinations that welcomed the largest share of U.S. travelers in 2024. The new figures, compiled from more than 50,000 user transactions by travel-tech firm Nomad and other industry surveys, confirm London’s enduring magnetism—and reveal a few fast-rising surprises—within 40 million trans-Atlantic departures recorded last year.
United Kingdom still wears the crown
The U.K. drew 10.7 million foreign arrivals in 2024, and Americans accounted for 5.4 million of them—50.9 percent of the total. That performance cements Britain’s position as the most visited European destination for U.S. passport holders in twenty-six states. Easy nonstop flights, a common language and marquee attractions—Buckingham Palace, the West End, Stonehenge and the Highlands—keep the country firmly at the top of American bucket lists.
Germany climbs to second place
Germany posted consecutive gains to reach 5.5 million U.S. arrivals in 2024, a 24.4 percent jump over 2022. Berlin’s Cold-War relics, Munich’s beer gardens and the fairy-tale Rhine Valley combine with a famously efficient rail network to make Germany a convenient springboard for onward travel across the Continent.
France follows with timeless appeal
Paris regained the title of Europe’s most visited city last year while France welcomed 4.7 million Americans—58.76 percent of all foreign visitors counted in the data set. From the Seine-side cafés of the capital to lavender-scented Provence and the war memorials of Normandy, the country offers romance, history and a well-developed high-speed-rail system that simplifies multi-city itineraries.
Netherlands proves small can be mighty
Arrivals from the United States to Dutch airports rose 20.4 percent between 2022 and 2024, hitting 3.08 million. Compact but culturally rich Amsterdam delivers one-stop access to Golden Age art, canal-side cycling and a famously English-friendly service industry—ideal for first-time travelers who want to keep logistics light.
Italy’s “la bella vita” breaks into the top five
Italy moved up one slot to fifth place after attracting 2.3 million Americans in 2023 and eclipsing that figure in 2024—an upward trend that began with 1.7 million visitors in 2022. Direct flights to Rome, Milan and Venice plus a country-wide high-speed rail grid make it easy to pair Roman ruins with Tuscan hill towns or Amalfi beaches inside a single week.
Spain surges on Mediterranean mojo
Spain registered a 37.4 percent rise in U.S. arrivals over the past two years, climbing from 1.9 million in 2022 to 2.7 million in 2024. Barcelona’s Modernista architecture, Madrid’s art triangles and beach-lined coasts promise varied backdrops for travelers chasing tapas, flamenco and balmy evenings.
Ireland’s heritage connection remains strong
Roughly 1.9 million Americans crossed the Atlantic to the Emerald Isle in 2024, up 29.1 percent since 2022. Ancestral links, pub culture, and dramatic coastal drives along the Ring of Kerry or Causeway Coast make Ireland feel both exotic and familiar.
Turkey bridges East and West
Turkey welcomed 1.9 million Americans in 2024, a 27.5 percent leap from 2022’s 1.4 million. Istanbul’s skyline—where Byzantine mosaics meet Ottoman minarets and contemporary rooftops—anchors a country offering value for money, Mediterranean resorts and bucket-list hot-air-balloon rides over Cappadocia.
Switzerland’s alpine perfection holds ninth
About 1.4 million U.S. departures were bound for Switzerland last year. Foreign travelers numbered 665,429, representing 46.26 percent of all arrivals tracked. Pristine peaks, punctual trains and chocolate-box villages attract skiers and summer hikers who do not mind premium prices for orderly infrastructure and big-sky scenery.
Portugal sheds its “best-kept secret” label
A 46.1 percent spike in arrivals since 2022 pushed Portugal past the one-million mark, up from 617,594 Americans two years earlier. Budget-friendly Lisbon, wine-soaked Porto and surf-kissed Algarve coasts hit the sweet spot for travelers seeking Western European culture at gentler prices.
Why these European destinations resonate with Americans
- Cultural familiarity: English-speaking or historically connected nations—such as the U.K. and Ireland—give first-timers a soft landing.
- Time efficiency: Frequent nonstop flights from coastal U.S. gateways shorten transit, allowing the typical American vacation length of seven to eight days. Industry data show 80 percent of travelers plan a one-week stay, while 11 percent extend to eight days.
- Instagram appeal: Photogenic spots like Santorini domes, Bavarian castles and Amsterdam canals dominate social feeds, influencing decisions. Gen-Z “laptop luggers” who blend remote work with extended stays are particularly susceptible, Deloitte’s 2024 summer travel survey notes.
- Value for money: Portugal and Spain deliver lower daily costs than Switzerland or Norway, a calculation that matters even with the comparatively strong dollar.
Social travel on the horizon
“2025 is the year of collective travel experiences
,” Skyscanner trend watcher Laura Lindsay said at a recent CNBC Make It briefing—hinting that friend-group itineraries and multi-generational trips could drive the next wave of bookings. Destinations that pair communal accommodations with hands-on activities—think cooking classes in Tuscany or small-ship cruises around the Cyclades—stand to benefit.
Tips for Travelers
- Book shoulder seasons: Amsterdam and Barcelona struggle with overtourism in peak months; visiting in April or October reduces crowds and hotel rates.
- Bundle rail passes: Germany, France and Switzerland honor multi-country passes that trim inter-city costs if you plan at least three train segments.
- Leverage open-jaw flights: Fly into London and home from Rome to avoid retracing your route and to maximize limited vacation days.
- Mind Schengen limits: Digital nomads can spend ninety days within most of Europe; the U.K., Ireland and Turkey sit outside that zone and can extend your stay legally.
FAQ
How early should I buy airfare for Europe?
Search engines show the sweet spot for summer departures falls between one hundred and one hundred twenty days out, though holiday periods can require even earlier action.
Is Europe still affordable with inflation?
Currency fluctuations have kept the dollar relatively strong. Pairing lower-cost countries—such as Portugal or Turkey—with pricier hubs helps balance the overall bill.
Do I need travel insurance?
Many European hospitals require proof of payment upfront. Comprehensive medical and interruption coverage is wise, especially for active trips involving skiing or trekking.
The takeaway
From London’s theaters to the sun-drenched Algarve, the latest statistics underline an undeniable truth: European destinations continue to satisfy Americans’ craving for history, cuisine and scenery without demanding extreme culture shock. With work-from-anywhere lifestyles and social-media storytelling influencing trip length and location choice, the Continent’s popularity shows no sign of fading—just evolving. — as Lindsay told CNBC Make It.
