Canada, Italy, the UK and the Dominican Republic round out the top five destinations for U.S. travel spending
American travelers spent a reported $25.7 billion in Mexico in 2025, making it the leading international destination for U.S. travel spending, according to a study released by financial services company MobiusPay in October 2026.
The study ranked more than 70 international destinations by reported spending from U.S. residents, including expenditures associated with personal travel, business trips, education and health-related visits. Canada ranked second, followed by Italy and the United Kingdom, while the Dominican Republic rounded out the top five.
According to the study, U.S. residents spent $12.8 billion in Canada, $12.6 billion in Italy and $12.4 billion in the United Kingdom during 2025. The Dominican Republic attracted a reported $8.5 billion.
The findings illustrate the scale of U.S. outbound travel spending across neighboring countries, European destinations and the Caribbean. However, the reported totals encompass more than conventional vacation spending and should not be interpreted as tourism revenue alone.
Mexico Tops the Rankings
Mexico led the list with reported U.S. travel spending of $25.685 billion in 2025, equivalent to approximately $70.4 million per day.
The study attributes $22.5 billion to personal travel, $1.8 billion to education and health-related travel, and $1.4 billion to business travel.
Mexico’s proximity to the United States, extensive transportation connections and established tourism industry make it a major destination for American visitors. Cross-border transactions also contribute to the spending total, including certain day trips for shopping and sightseeing.
MobiusPay reports that U.S. travel spending in Mexico increased 34% between 2019 and 2025. That comparison should be evaluated against the underlying annual data and the statistical definitions used in the study.
Canada Ranks Second
Canada ranked second, with reported U.S. travel spending of $12.801 billion in 2025, or approximately $35.1 million per day.
According to the study, personal travel accounted for $10.3 billion, while education and health-related travel contributed $548 million. Business travel represented approximately $1.9 billion.
MobiusPay reports that total U.S. travel spending in Canada increased 9% from 2024. The country’s proximity to the United States and extensive cross-border connections support travel for leisure, family visits and business.
Italy and the United Kingdom Attract Billions
Italy ranked third, with $12.621 billion in reported U.S. travel spending during 2025. The study attributes approximately $10.7 billion to personal travel and $1.1 billion to education and health-related visits.
MobiusPay reports that spending in Italy increased 64% from 2019. The reported growth rate warrants comparison with the underlying annual figures before being treated as independently verified.
The United Kingdom ranked fourth, attracting $12.426 billion in reported spending. According to the study, the total increased 6% from the previous year, while education and health-related travel accounted for approximately $2 billion.
These figures underscore the importance of distinguishing general personal travel from other cross-border expenditures when assessing international travel’s economic impact.
Dominican Republic Rounds Out the Top Five
The Dominican Republic ranked fifth, with $8.514 billion in reported U.S. travel spending in 2025.
MobiusPay attributes approximately $8.1 billion to personal travel, reflecting the importance of leisure travel to the destination. The study reports that spending increased 84% from 2019, the largest percentage increase among the five highest-ranked countries.
France ranked sixth, with $7.679 billion, followed by Japan at $6.953 billion and Spain at $6.818 billion. Greece and Germany completed the top 10, with reported spending of $4.785 billion and $4.566 billion, respectively.
Japan’s position among the leading destinations highlights its importance in U.S. outbound travel spending. However, determining whether American spending there has nearly doubled since before the pandemic requires a consistent comparison of the relevant annual data.
Understanding the Spending Figures
U.S. international travel statistics compiled by the Bureau of Economic Analysis and published by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Travel and Tourism Office measure travel-related expenditures by U.S. residents abroad, alongside spending by international visitors in the United States.
Depending on the statistical series, these expenditures can encompass lodging, food, entertainment, local transportation and other purchases, as well as certain education, medical and temporary-worker expenses. Spending involving Mexico and Canada also includes specified cross-border transactions, including day trips.
Consequently, total travel spending is broader than vacation expenditure and does not necessarily represent the amount generated by overnight tourists alone.
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