Where Americans are Wanting to Travel

While 2020 seemed to only be the big drop of a roller coaster, 2021 provided more of the typical roller coaster ride. There were certainly some drops, but we sure saw some promising climbs too. As we embark upon 2022, I happened across an interesting article by Kenneth Kiesnoski titled Here’s where Americans want to travel abroad – and where they’re losing interest.

This article looks at data from Google searches to determine where Americans are searching to travel. It’s interesting to find that Puerto Rico is the top destination. Maybe this makes sense as it is technically a U.S. territory and wouldn’t require a passport, given the long delays many are seeing with getting their passport renewed or even a new one. The next four destinations are the Maldives, Costa Rica, Aruba and Mexico. The Maldives is definitely on my dream bucket list! And I did spend a day in Aruba as a port in a cruise and I would absolutely love to get back there so I can understand that one too. Mexico is always a wonderful experience so I would completely agree with this top five list.

On the flip side, the article also discusses the countries that are falling in interest starting with the drastic drops in China. This is not surprising at all with COVID and border restrictions, etc. The two following destinations were Italy and Hong Kong. Italy is still a high priority on my bucket list however I’m not sure how soon. We had an AFS son stay with us from Italy and I would like to meet his parents, explore where he grew up and hopefully be reunited someday soon.

There are more great insights in this article that I invite you to explore. I’m curious what all of you are experiencing with your clients and if it matches this list or not. Let us know in the comments.

About the Author

Beth Kitzman is the business development manager for Trisept Solutions' Agency Channel for VAX VacationAccess. Beth focuses on nurturing business relationships and finding exciting, unique ways for VAX to support travel agencies. With over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, beginning with Walt Disney World then working for airlines and now focusing on travel technology, Beth loves using her education degree to find ways to educate and empower travel agents to grow their leisure travel business.