107.7M
U.S. residents traveled internationally
U.S. citizen international departures reached a record 107.7 million in 2024, up 9.2% from 2023.
Source: National Travel and Tourism Office, 2024 international travel volumeReference page · last updated September 29, 2026
U.S. international travel statistics.
Eight citeable snapshots of how Americans traveled abroad in 2024, from trip volume and planning time to the experiences they sought.
Data year: 2024. Latest available official survey results at the time of this update.
The short version
International travel is a considered purchase.
These figures are designed to be useful to writers, researchers, and travelers looking for a clear, source-led picture of U.S. international travel. They also underline something experienced planners see every day: when a trip has many moving pieces, a little lead time makes room for a far more personal journey.
Each figure links to the original federal source. Please cite the underlying source for the statistic itself, and this page when referencing this curated collection.
2024 at a glance
The numbers behind the journey.
53.8M
traveled to overseas destinations
Overseas travel, excluding Canada and Mexico, rose 9.8% from 2023 and was 20% above its 2019 level.
Source: National Travel and Tourism Office, U.S. outbound traveler characteristics, 2024109 days
was the average planning lead time
Among U.S. overseas outbound air travelers, the average traveler began planning 109 days before departure.
Source: National Travel and Tourism Office, U.S. outbound traveler characteristics, 202415.3 nights
was the average overseas trip length
The average U.S. overseas outbound air traveler stayed 15.3 nights outside the United States.
Source: National Travel and Tourism Office, U.S. outbound traveler characteristics, 2024$1,907
was average spending outside the U.S.
The average U.S. overseas outbound air traveler spent $1,907 outside the United States during the trip.
Source: National Travel and Tourism Office, U.S. outbound traveler characteristics, 202461%
traveled primarily for a vacation or holiday
Vacation or holiday was the leading stated purpose among U.S. overseas outbound air travelers, ahead of visiting friends or relatives and business travel.
Source: National Travel and Tourism Office, U.S. outbound traveler characteristics, 202481.6%
included sightseeing as a leisure activity
Sightseeing was the most common leisure activity reported by U.S. overseas outbound air travelers.
Source: National Travel and Tourism Office, U.S. outbound traveler characteristics, 2024138
countries received U.S. overseas visitors
The leading overseas destinations were the United Kingdom, Italy, France, the Dominican Republic, and Spain.
Source: National Travel and Tourism Office, U.S. outbound traveler characteristics, 2024A planning note
More lead time, more room to travel your way.
The 109-day average is not a rule. It is a helpful reminder that an international itinerary often needs time to settle into shape: flights that connect comfortably, a hotel in the right neighborhood, a few reservations worth planning around, and a pace that leaves room to enjoy it all.
For travelers who would rather have those decisions feel connected than pieced together, explore Chrissy’s travel planning services.
Methodology & sources
How to read these statistics.
What is included
All figures on this page are for calendar year 2024. The departure-volume figure covers international travel by U.S. citizens, including Canada and Mexico. The planning, spending, trip-length, purpose, activity, and destination figures describe U.S. residents traveling by air to overseas destinations, which excludes Canada and Mexico.
Cite this page
Chrissy Plans Travel. “U.S. International Travel Statistics: 2024 Snapshot.” Updated September 29, 2026. https://chrissyplanstravel.com/travel-statistics