Americans Traveling to Europe, China and Chile This Summer

Americans are getting their passports - and using them.

In the last three years, there have been a dramatic increase in Americans applying for passports. In 2017 and 2018, over 21 million passports were issued to Americans - and the number is expected to rise this year. According to two studies - our fellow countrymen, long mocked for only traveling domestic, are using their documents and expanding their horizons internationally.

Luxury travelers - those who spend over $3,000 a trip - are setting their sights for summer travel on emerging destinations all over the world, according to a new study from global luxury travel network Virtuoso®.

The study was based on $49.5 billion in bookings and show European countries continue to be most popular, while the fastest-growing locales point to a desire for culturally immersive experiences. The scenery and diversity of national parks appeal to families and adventurers alike when the temperatures warm up. History, culture, cuisine and abundant luxury offerings make Europe a preferred option for upscale travelers. Notably, Spain moves up three places from last summer, as it offers better value compared to other spots in Western Europe.

The Virtuoso Top 10:

The most popular destinations for the summer of 2019 according to bookings.

1. United States
2. Italy
3. United Kingdom
4. France
5. Greece
6. South Africa
7. Spain
8. Germany
9. Ireland
10. Netherlands

Meanwhile, the study notes, "following a trend first spotted in spring 2019, Chile continues its upswing in popularity by offering a variety of terrain from the Atacama Desert to the Lake District to the Andes Mountains to wine valleys. India and the Philippines are among the more exotic destinations luring visitors with their ability to deliver on the authenticity so desired by luxe travelers. Kenya offers outstanding safari opportunities as well as the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and beaches. Travelers looking for sun and sand are escaping to Caribbean destinations such as Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Pop culture tourism is fueling interest in Singapore, the setting for the hit film 'Crazy Rich Asians.'"

The countries experienceing the largest year-over-year percentage increases in summer bookings are:

1. Chile (+410%)
2. India (+173%)
3. Puerto Rico (+149%)
4. Philippines (+129%)
5. Belgium (+111%)
6. Kenya (+89%)
7. Egypt (+76%)
8. Singapore (+73%)
9. Costa Rica (+67%)
10. Dominican Republic (+58%)

On the economic end of the scale, an Airbnb survey also suggests Americans want to experience life on foreign shores:

The top trending destinations Airbnb guests are heading to this summer - based on percentage growth in bookings during the same time last year*:- are

1. Valenciennes, France (704%)
2. Changsha, China (695%)
3. Matsudo, Japan (476%)
4. Marigot, St. Martin (467%)
5. Wuhan, China (454%)
6. Dorado, Puerto Rico (449%)
7. Vieques, Puerto Rico (425%)
8. Río Grande, Puerto Rico (416%)
9. Yeosu, South Korea (408%)
10. Bragg Creek, Canada (382%)

So, fellow Americans - go forth and travel!