Alright, let’s talk about where Americans are really heading this year. Forget the fleeting trends; your trusted insiders at Travel Off Path have been digging into the numbers, and the verdict is in: certain international destinations aren’t just popular, they’re absolutely shattering all previous tourism records for U.S. visitors. And the best part? You can fly nonstop to every single one of them from the States. Get ready to discover where everyone is flocking, and why!
This isn’t just about a slight uptick in visitors. We’re talking about unprecedented booms, fueled by a combination of incredible experiences, increased accessibility, and a savvy American traveler base eager to explore. These countries have truly dialed in what it takes to attract and delight, setting new benchmarks for tourism success.
1. Mexico ☀️ (Cancun Leading the Way & Los Cabos Setting Records)


Mexico remains an undeniable powerhouse for American travelers, and 2025 is proving to be another monumental year. The country as a whole welcomed an astonishing 39.4 million international visitors between January and May 2025, marking a huge 14.2% jump from last year. And guess what? A massive 63% of those arrivals were from the U.S.!
While all corners of Mexico are seeing action, Los Cabos is truly leading the charge. This desert-meets-ocean paradise at the tip of Baja California Sur is absolutely crushing it. From January to May 2025, Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) shattered all previous visitor records, welcoming over 3.5 million passengers. This isn’t just a win; it’s a new all-time high, driven by an aggressive expansion of nonstop flights from dozens of U.S. cities. Simply put, it’s never been easier to get your toes in the sand in Cabo.
2. Dominican Republic🏖️ (Punta Cana Leading the Way)


If you’re looking for a Caribbean escape that consistently delivers, the Dominican Republic is your answer. This island nation is on an historic tourism hot streak, and 2025 is no exception. In the first half of the year, the D.R. welcomed over 6.1 million visitors, setting a brand-new all-time record for that period.
Leading this charge is the ever-popular Punta Cana. Its international airport (PUJ) is the undisputed king of air arrivals, accounting for a whopping 64% of the country’s total. Americans consistently make up the largest chunk of these visitors, drawn by Punta Cana’s incredible value, stunning beaches, and the sheer abundance of nonstop flights connecting it directly to the U.S. It’s a no-brainer for a seamless beach getaway.
3. Jamaica 🌊(Montego Bay Leading the Way)


Feel the rhythm? Jamaica is grooving its way through one of its best tourism years ever, with American travelers playing a starring role. By early July 2025, the island had already welcomed approximately 2.3 million visitors since the start of the year, raking in an impressive US$2.4 billion in earnings.
The heartbeat of this growth is often felt most strongly in Montego Bay. Its Sangster International Airport (MBJ) handled over 510,600 passengers in July 2025 alone, marking a solid 15.2% increase from the previous year. This surge in arrivals, combined with a record-breaking 286,548 stopover visitors island-wide in July (the highest ever for that month!), confirms Jamaica is absolutely on fire. Strong airline capacity from North America is making it easier than ever to experience that unique Jamaican vibe.
4. Colombia🏞️ (Medellin Leading the Way)


For those looking to explore vibrant culture and stunning landscapes beyond the beach, Colombia is exploding onto the scene, breaking its own tourism records. Between January and May 2025, Colombia welcomed 1.9 million international visitors, a robust 6.6% increase over the same period in 2024. This follows a monumental 2024 where the country surpassed 6.2 million tourists in total.
Leading this exciting charge are dynamic cities like Medellin (and Bogotá). Medellin alone welcomed over 1 million visitors in 2024, proving its magnetic appeal. Improved security, a thriving cultural scene, and increasingly direct air connectivity from the U.S. are fueling this impressive growth, making Colombia a must-visit for the adventurous American traveler.
5. Aruba 🏝️(Oranjestad Leading the Way)


One Happy Island is making travelers even happier with its consistent, record-breaking performance. Aruba is reporting strong tourism growth, with American travelers making up the vast majority of its visitors. In the first half of 2025, Aruba Airport recorded strong passenger growth, with the North American market accounting for a dominant 76% of total passenger traffic.
Looking at the year-to-date figures through February 2025, Aruba saw a remarkable 16.4% growth in stayover guests compared to the same period in 2024. This consistent upward trend underscores Aruba’s enduring appeal and its ability to attract visitors seeking a reliable, sunny escape with easy nonstop access from the U.S. It’s a testament to why it remains a perennial favorite.
Bonus Fun For Savvy Travelers
Which Record-Breaking Destination Matches Your Vibe?
Thinking about your next winter escape? Take this quick quiz to find out which of these booming destinations is your perfect match. Get ready to discover your ideal paradise! ✨
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