Top 15 Countries Americans Can Travel To

Some incredible destinations are ready for Americans again.

Top 15 Countries Americans Can Travel To

Americans are ready to travel, and some incredible destinations are ready to have them. But choosing where to go isn't always easy.

There are great places on land or sea. Some are perfect cities for families. Others are quiet villages for couples. A few places offer gorgeous beaches with year-round warmth and sunshine.

These are the top 15 countries Americans can travel to now.

15. Belize

Note: All the countries on this list are countries that have lifted COVID-19 restrictions for travelers with a U.S. passport. Some of them require proof of vaccination or a negative test, but none require quarantine.

Continent: North America

Capital: Belmopan

Population: 390,353

Best for: Couples, friend groups

Why People Are Itching to Visit Belize

This small Central American country is nestled in the Atlantic coast between Mexico and Guatemala. It’s often overlooked by its larger, more famous neighbors. But it's still worth visiting.

Although Belize doesn’t boast their incredible cuisine, it does have the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world. There are also several Mayan ruins sites, like Caracol and Altun Ha.

They are great for sightseeing and don't attract a massive amount of tourists like Tikal or Chichen Itza.

14. Aruba

Continent: South America

Capital: Oranjestad

Population: 106,314

Best for: Couples, families, friend groups

Why People Are Itching to Visit Aruba

Aruba is part of the Dutch Caribbean and not technically a sovereign state on its own, but it still has its own cultural identity and is becoming quite popular with American tourists.

The main draw is its expansive coastline, which is dotted with miles and miles of soft white sand and colorful houses.

Aruba is also considered one of the best spots in the Caribbean for shipwreck diving, and it has an island where you can see pink flamingos wading in the ocean.

13. Egypt

Continent: Africa and Asia

Capital: Cairo

Population: 100.4 million

Best for: Families, friend groups

Why People Are Itching to Visit Egypt

As the center of one of the earliest Western empires, Egypt has a rich and interesting history. The country’s most famous landmarks are the pyramids that you’ll find right in the center of Cairo, its capital.

Once you have explored them, you can take a Nile cruise down to Luxor, the valley of the kings, where you will find the tombs of notorious pharaohs like King Tut and Hatshepsut.

12. Dominican Republic

Continent: North America

Capital: Santo Domingo

Population: 10.74 million

Best for: Couples, families, friend groups

Why People Are Itching to Visit the Dominican Republic

When you have a reputation for having some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, you really have something special to offer.

Dominican Republic’s beaches will make it hard to tear yourself away from the sand. But the country also has a lush rainforest that hides the Caribbean’s tallest mountain, Pico Duarte. A hike to the peak will reward you with amazing views.

There are also several colonial landmarks, which are pleasing to the eye but which also offer a look into the country’s painful history of colonization. As the cherry on top, the country has delicious food.

11. France

Abbeye de Senanque lavender field, France

Continent: Europe

Capital: Paris

Population: 67.06 million

Best for: Solo travelers, couples, families, friend groups

Why People Are Itching to Visit France

As the most visited country in the world, France is popular not just with Americans, but with citizens of virtually every nation.

The Western European nation packs a lot in a relatively small area, with world-famous cities like Paris and Nice as well as breathtaking nature found in the Alps and the Pyrenees or in places like Calanques national park.

France also has numerous chateaus, a charming countryside and numerous wine routes for those who want to go on a road trip. The country doesn’t place higher, simply because its natural attributes have made it a little too popular and crowded.

10. Costa Rica

Continent: North America

Capital: San Jose

Population: 5.048 million

Best for: Couples, families, friend groups

Why People Are Itching to Visit Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known as a premier eco and adventure tourism destination. Its main attractions all have to do with its diverse ecosystem.

The crown jewel of the country is the Arenal Volcano, which is 56 miles northwest of San Jose and provides hikes, unique landscapes and natural hot springs to enjoy after arduous treks.

Although its beaches are not as nice as those of other countries in the region, Costa Rica makes up for it with tropical jungles, numerous sanctuaries where rescued animals are helped, and sea nesting beaches.

9. Kenya

Continent: Africa

Capital: Nairobi

Population: 52.57 million

Best for: Couples, families, friend groups

Why People Are Itching to Visit Kenya

One of Africa’s premier destinations, Kenya is famous for its national parks, particularly the Maasai Mara Reserve, where you can witness the Great Wildebeest Migration.

Outside of the savannah, you can visit marine national parks like Watamu, which offers great snorkeling experiences.

Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, also has great nightlife and large markets where you can buy artesanies and try local food.

8. Croatia

Continent: Europe

Capital: Zagreb

Population: 4.076 million

Best for: Solo travelers, couples, friend groups

Why People Are Itching to Visit Croatia

Croatia enjoyed some popularity before "Game of Thrones," but the show propelled it to international fame. After seeing Dubrovnik stand in for King’s Landing, it’s difficult to find someone who isn’t dreaming about visiting the Eastern European country.

One of the country’s most popular attractions is its long Dalmatian Coast, where you’ll find popular towns like Split and Hvar.

The country also has some of the most astonishing national parks in Europe, including Plitvice Lakes National Park.

7. Spain

Continent: Europe

Capital: Madrid

Population: 46.94 million

Best for: Solo travelers, couples, families, friend groups

Why People Are Itching to Visit Spain

Spain has a little bit of everything. The food is some of the best in the world, the wine is high quality and cheap, and the sites are beautiful.

You’ll find Moorish architecture throughout the country, with the intricate Alhambra palace being the best example of it. As you wander through the streets, you’re also likely to witness the melodic beauty of flamenco.

The Iberic country also has impressive mountainous landscapes in the northern Pyrenees. Its main cities, Madrid and Barcelona are full of interesting museums, great restaurants and historic landmarks.

6. The Maldives

Continent: Asia

Capital: Malé

Population: 530,953

Best for: Couples, friend groups

Why People Are Itching to Visit the Maldives

The Maldives is a country comprising numerous islands. It’s mostly known for its luxury resorts, many of which have overwater bungalows where people literally have the ocean at their doorstep.

If you have the means to, definitely take advantage of the natural beauty of the Indian Ocean and spend some time enjoying water sports like scuba diving and snorkeling.

Just make sure you also try the country’s delicious but underrated food and learn about the local culture.

5. South Africa

Continent: Africa

Capital: Cape Town, Pretoria, Bloemfontein

Population: 58.56 million

Best for: Families, friend groups

Why People Are Itching to Visit South Africa

Is there even a question why Americans want to visit South Africa? First of all, it’s one of the best English-speaking countries in the world, which means that tourists who want the comfort of understanding the language prefer it.

South Africa is also blessed with numerous national parks, the most famous of which is Kruger National Park, where you can see big game animals.

You also can find vineyards, rocky mountains, beaches and cities famous for their nightlife.

4. Mexico

Continent: North America

Capital: Mexico City

Population: 127.6 million

Best for: Couples, friend groups

Why People Are Itching to Visit Mexico

Proximity is one of the reasons that Mexico is so popular with American travelers. But even if it weren’t so close, the land of the Aztecs is simply one of the most interesting and beautiful places on Earth.

The country’s large size and history make it culturally diverse. Its food is world-famous and will not disappoint, especially in Oaxaca, a region known as the culinary capital of Mexico. You’ll find warm, soft beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula and ragged cliffside beaches in the Gulf of California.

Mexico City is also an incredible place to visit, boasting nightlife, Aztec ruins in the middle of the city and one of the best anthropological museums in the world.

3. Tanzania

Continent: Africa

Capital: Dodoma

Population: 58.01 million

Best for: Couples, families, friend groups

Why People Are Itching to Visit Tanzania

Tanzania is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in the African continent. This alone brings in numerous visitors, who want to challenge themselves to reach the peak. It is also a favored safari destination, with Serengeti National Park also witnessing the wonder of the Great Wildebeest Migration.

Another reason Tanzania places so high on the list is beautiful Zanzibar, an idyllic island with strong Arabic influences. You’ll be able to see coral reefs teeming with life and, if you’re lucky, catch whales in migration.

2. French Polynesia

Continent: Oceania (not part of a continent)

Capital: Papeete

Population: 279,287

Best for: Couples, friend groups

Why People Are Itching to Visit French Polynesia

The collection of islands that make up the territory of French Polynesia are quite remote. So much so that, despite their undeniable beauty, the number of yearly visitors is relatively small. This is for the best, since you probably won’t want to share this perfect beach destination with many other people.

As with the Maldives, French Polynesia is known for its water activities. Scuba diving is particularly popular, but you’ll be quite content to simply lie on the beach and take it all in. What makes the islands special is their volcanic nature, which provides a deep green contrast to the blue that surrounds them.

Polynesian culture has managed to survive French colonization and continues to be strongly present no matter which island you're on.

1. Greece

Continent: Europe

Capital: Athens

Population: 10.72 million

Best for: Solo travelers, couples, families, friend groups

Why People Are Itching to Visit Greece

You can’t get more classical than Greece. A popular tourist destination for thousands of years (no exaggeration), Greece enjoys a privileged position in the Mediterranean. Its capital, Athens, holds treasures like the Athenian Acropolis and several ancient Greek temples. Of course, similar treasures can be found throughout the entire country.

Outside the mainland, Greek is known for its beautiful islands. There are more than 200 of them. Though you probably won’t ever see every one, this means that there is great diversity in food, architecture and landscapes.

So you can go back to Greece over and over again, and it will always surprise you.