COVID-19 restrictions. Flight cancellations. Rising costs. As of late, American travelers have been dealt a tricky hand when it comes to realizing their bucket-list trip dreams. Indeed, planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip nowadays takes patience, persistence—and sometimes, a pretty penny.
And yet, nearly half (41%) of American travelers said they’re planning a bucket-list trip in the year ahead, according to a recent survey of more than 1,800 U.S.-based TripIt users. That’s up 15% from survey data we released in March 2021, when 26% of American travelers told us they were planning a bucket-list trip.
Of those planning bucket-list trips, more than half (57%) of travelers have international destinations in mind. The top destination? Europe, of course. Nearly a third (30%) are planning trips there.
As for the cost of bucket-list trips? The majority (62%) said they will be more expensive than a normal trip—for most (47%) in the range of $1,000 to $5,000 more.
Read more: American Travelers Budget Thousands More to Afford Rising Costs of Trips
Top European destinations for Americans’ bucket-list trips
With nearly one in three bucket-list trippers heading to Europe, almost every country in the region can expect American travelers in the year ahead. However, there are 10 countries that will rise above the rest.
- Italy
Travelers told us that destinations like the Amalfi Coast, the island of Sicily, as well as the cities of Florence, Milan, Rome, and Venice are all on their bucket-list itineraries to Italy.
- France
Cities like Avignon, Paris, and Strasbourg all make the (bucket) list for Americans headed to France.
- United Kingdom
While some travelers told us they’re focused on just one destination—e.g., St. Andrews, Scotland—others plan to experience the diversity of the U.K. and explore England, Scotland, and Wales in one go.
- Spain
Travelers headed to Spain for bucket-list trips have cities like Granada and Madrid on their itineraries.
DYK? Granada, Spain ranked #2 in our top 10 safest cities for LGBTQ+ travelers. Find out more >
- Greece
Whether for destination weddings or soaking in the shoulder-season sun, Americans plan to head to Greece for bucket-list adventures.
- Germany
Germany is a year-round destination for many Americans: travelers told us they plan to head there this summer, fall, and winter—as well as for business and solo trips.
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