American Couples: Travel Abroad Trends

While there is no data on the percentage of American couples that travel abroad, statistics on American citizens' international travel are available. According to a 2023 survey, around 76% of Americans have visited at least one foreign country, while 23% have never travelled internationally. Another source states that 71% of US adults have travelled abroad at some point in their lives, with 27% never having done so. Furthermore, the average American has been to just three nations, and nearly one-third (29-32%) of American adults have never been abroad.

71% of US adults have travelled abroad, 27% have not

A 2021 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 71% of US adults have travelled abroad, while 27% have not. The remaining 2% did not give a response. The survey was conducted in June 2021, with 10,606 adults sampled from the Center's American Trends Panel (ATP).

The survey also revealed that the degree to which Americans have travelled internationally varies widely. For example, 19% have been to a single foreign country, while only 11% have been to 10 or more countries.

Income, education level, gender, and race all play a role in international travel frequency. Income, in particular, is a significant factor, with 48% of those earning less than $30,000 a year never having left the country, compared to 10% of those earning $80,000 or more. Americans with lower education levels are also less likely to have travelled abroad, with 37% of those with some college education or less never having left the US, compared to 7% of college graduates.

Gender is another factor, with women (32%) being more likely than men (22%) to have never travelled internationally. Race also plays a role, with Black Americans (49%) being less likely to have travelled abroad than White (75%) or Hispanic (73%) Americans.

These findings highlight the impact of various demographic factors on international travel among US adults. While a majority have travelled abroad, there are still a significant number who have not, and these differences across demographic groups are notable.

Affordability is the main reason Americans don't travel abroad

The cost of travel is a significant factor in this disparity. Travelling overseas is expensive for Americans, with flights costing thousands of dollars. For many, a trip to Europe is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. This is especially true for those living in rural areas or smaller cities, where it can be costly just to travel to a larger city with an international airport.

In addition, Americans only get around five days of vacation time from their jobs, making international travel impractical for many. The vast size of the US also contributes to the cost and time required for international travel. The distance from New York to Los Angeles is the same as from Paris to the Middle East, and it costs hundreds of dollars to travel within the US.

Income plays a significant role in who travels abroad. Almost half of those earning less than $30,000 a year have never left the US, compared to 28% of those earning between $30,000 and $79,999, and only 10% of those earning $80,000 or more. Higher-income Americans are much more likely to have visited multiple countries.

Other factors also contribute to Americans' lack of international travel. Some Americans feel that their own country has everything they need in terms of vacation destinations, from beaches to mountains to deserts. There is also a perception of the world outside the US as dangerous and unwelcoming, fuelled by media portrayals of violence and political rhetoric.

Americans are twice as likely to travel to one country than multiple

Americans are avid travellers, with around 71% to 76% of US adults having travelled abroad at some point in their lives. However, the number of countries visited varies, with 19% of Americans having been to only one foreign country, 12% to two, 15% to three or four, 14% to five to nine, and only 11% having been to 10 or more countries. This means that Americans are twice as likely to have travelled to one country than to multiple countries, with only around a quarter of Americans (26%) having visited five or more countries.

Several factors influence the likelihood of Americans travelling abroad. Firstly, income plays a significant role. Higher-income countries tend to have higher rates of international travel, and within the US, higher-income individuals are more likely to travel internationally than those with lower incomes. Specifically, almost half (48%) of Americans earning less than $30,000 a year have not left the country, compared to 28% of those earning between $30,000 and $79,999, and only 10% of those earning $80,000 or more. Additionally, higher-income individuals in the US are more likely to have visited multiple countries.

Education level is another factor that impacts travel habits. Americans with lower levels of education are less likely to have travelled internationally than those with more schooling. For example, 37% of those with some college education or less have not left the US, compared to only 7% of college graduates. College graduates are also more likely to have visited multiple countries, with a quarter having been to 10 or more.

Demographic factors, such as gender and race, also play a role in international travel patterns. Women (32%) are more likely than men (22%) to have never travelled outside the US, but men are more likely to have visited five or more countries (30% for men vs. 22% for women). Black Americans are much less likely to have travelled abroad (49%) compared to White (75%) or Hispanic (73%) Americans. White adults are also more likely to have visited five or more countries (30%) than Black (13%) or Hispanic (15%) adults.

International travel was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, as the pandemic unfolded, approximately 4 million US citizens travelled abroad, which was lower than the roughly 8 million who did so in March 2019. In March 2021, around 3 million Americans travelled outside the country, representing a gradual return to international travel.

48% earning under $30,000 haven't left the US, compared to 10% of those earning $80,000+

Income is a significant factor in determining the percentage of American couples that travel abroad. While international travel among Americans is gradually returning to pre-pandemic levels, there are notable disparities across different income groups.

According to a Pew Research Center survey, 48% of Americans earning less than $30,000 annually have never left the country, compared to 28% of those earning between $30,000 and $79,999, and only 10% of those earning $80,000 or more. This indicates a strong correlation between income and international travel, with higher earners being more likely to have ventured outside the United States.

The cost of travel and leisure is often cited as a significant barrier for many Americans, with 63% of those who have never left the country stating that an international trip is out of their price range. This is reflected in the survey results, which show that higher-income individuals are more likely to have the financial means to engage in international travel.

Additionally, the survey found that individuals with lower levels of education are also less likely to have traveled abroad. Only 7% of college graduates have not left the country, compared to 37% of those with some college education or less. This suggests that both income and educational attainment play a role in determining an individual's likelihood of engaging in international travel.

The impact of income on international travel is further evident when comparing the number of countries visited. Higher-income individuals earning $80,000 or more are significantly more likely to have visited multiple countries. This group also tends to have a stronger interest in foreign affairs and international news, potentially influencing their desire to explore other nations.

In conclusion, income is a critical factor influencing American couples' decisions to travel abroad. Higher-income couples have greater financial resources to fund their travels, making them more likely to venture outside the United States and visit multiple countries. Conversely, lower-income couples often face financial constraints that limit their ability to engage in international travel.

37% with some college education or less haven't travelled internationally

While 71% of US adults have travelled internationally, a large variation exists across different demographic groups. A notable 37% of Americans with some college education or less have never left the country. This is a stark contrast to the 7% of college graduates who have not travelled abroad.

The disparity in international travel between Americans with varying levels of education can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, income plays a significant role in an individual's ability to travel overseas. Those with lower incomes tend to have less disposable income available for discretionary spending, such as international travel. This is reflected in the data, as almost half (48%) of those earning less than $30,000 annually have not travelled abroad, compared to only 10% of those earning $80,000 or more.

Secondly, Americans with higher levels of education often have more flexible work arrangements that allow for extended travel. They may also have more opportunities to travel for work or educational purposes, such as study abroad programmes or international conferences. This enables them to gain exposure to different countries and cultures and increases their likelihood of travelling internationally in the future.

Additionally, individuals with higher education levels may have more established social networks that include international connections. This can provide them with a greater incentive to travel abroad, whether to visit friends or explore familiar destinations from their studies.

The impact of education on international travel is further highlighted when examining the number of countries visited. College graduates are not only more likely to have travelled abroad but are also more likely to have visited multiple countries. A quarter of college-educated individuals have been to 10 or more countries, showcasing a significant difference in travel frequency compared to those with less education.

It is also worth noting that the interest in international travel varies across educational levels. Americans with higher levels of education tend to be more interested in foreign affairs and have a stronger desire to explore other countries. This intrinsic motivation can influence their decision-making and priorities when it comes to allocating resources for travel.

The relationship between education and international travel is complex and influenced by various factors, including income, work flexibility, social networks, and intrinsic interests. Addressing these factors through policy interventions or educational initiatives could help reduce the disparity in travel experiences between Americans with different levels of education.

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