International trips by US residents

International trips by US residents are projected to rise by 15.1% in 2025, reaching an estimated 289.2 million. This growth is driven by favorable global economic conditions, stable consumer spending, and an accommodative monetary environment, with interest rate cuts in many countries boosting demand. Global economic stability, despite geopolitical conflicts, contributes to robust outbound travel growth. Expanding disposable income continues to support leisure travel, while advancements in aircraft technology keep air travel affordable and accessible.

From 2020 to 2025, the market for international travel by US residents showed significant volatility due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, outbound trips contracted by 73.6%, reaching decade-low levels due to strict restrictions and health concerns. Partial recovery began in 2021, though activity remained below pre-pandemic levels due to hesitancy and emerging variants like Delta. Rapid rebound in 2022 was driven by pent-up demand and lifting restrictions, with a 97.3% increase in trips, though still only 63.0% of 2019 levels. Continued growth in 2023 and 2024 offset inflationary and recessionary concerns with persistent consumer demand and a stable domestic economy. Improved fuel efficiency in airliners kept ticket prices affordable, encouraging travel. Trends such as global connectivity and travel technology innovations reduced costs and friction in international trips. Fluctuations in the US dollar value influenced purchasing power abroad and travel volumes.

From 2020 to 2025, international travel by US residents rebounded from the pandemic shock, driven by consumer appetite for global travel, aviation advancements, and stable US economic conditions. Despite challenges from geopolitical instability and travel restrictions, structural drivers like income growth and efficient, cost-effective air travel propelled a 35.3% increase in trips, establishing a new baseline for future expansion.