More Americans go overseas

Axios -  Americans' craving for travel overseas is soaring to new heights, Axios' Avery Lotz writes.  More than 56 million U.S. residents traveled overseas last year, according to estimates from the International Trade Administration. That's up from ... around 32.7 million a decade prior.

•  Where did most people visit? The U.K., Italy or France.
• Portugal and Greece also saw the biggest growth in U.S. visits between 2015 and 2025, The Wall Street Journal reported.

• Older travelers, in the 55-64 age range and above, led the pack, followed by the youngest jet-setters, aged 18-24.

This is all happening as debt delays life milestones, affordability concerns sour sentiment and global perceptions of the U.S. slip.

• Still, people feel the need to hit the road and see the world.

Rich Harrill, the director of the University of South Carolina's International Tourism Research Institute, tells Axios: "Among my students, travel's a must-have. You're not cool unless you go somewhere."

• Explore the data ... Share this story.Axios 

 Americans' craving for travel overseas is soaring to new heights, Axios' Avery Lotz writes.

• Why it matters: Much like the resilient consumer, the American tourist keeps on riding the post-COVID travel wave.

🔢 By the numbers: More than 56 million U.S. residents traveled overseas last year, according to estimates from the International Trade Administration.

• That's up from roughly 53.7 million in 2024 and around 32.7 million a decade prior.

🌍 Nearly 24 million traveled to Europe, a record high, according to Survey of International Air Travelers (SIAT) data going back to 2012.

• 🇬🇧 Where did most people visit? The U.K., Italy or France.
• 🇵🇹 Portugal and Greece also saw the biggest growth in U.S. visits between 2015 and 2025, The Wall Street Journal reported.

🔬 Zoom in: The wealthiest income bracket is driving overseas travel — followed by those with a combined household income of $100,000 to $119,000.

• Older travelers, in the 55-64 age range and above, led the pack, followed by the youngest jet-setters, aged 18-24.

This is all happening as debt delays life milestones, affordability concerns sour sentiment and global perceptions of the U.S. slip.  Still, people feel the need to hit the road and see the world.