Kansas City, MO, USA – International travel is on pace for record numbers in the next two years, according to MMGY’s latest study, the 2025 Portrait of American & Canadian International Travelers™. U.S. and Canadian travelers continue to show strong intent, planning multiple trips abroad and prioritizing safety and unique experiences over cost.
Based on a survey of active travelers from the U.S. and Canada, the study shows that North America’s appetite for international travel has reached record levels and is paired with a desire for more meaningful experiences abroad. U.S. travelers intend to take an average of 2.8 international trips over the next two years, while Canadians are planning 2.2. In addition, expected spending on international vacations has increased by 10% for U.S. travelers since last year, while Canadian spending remains statistically unchanged.
We continue to see a strong demand for travel despite broader consumer uncertainty, and this is proving to be especially true for those seeking international experiences. Travelers from North America are spending at consistently strong levels, but with that spend comes a new set of expectations that include greater personalization, local authenticity and considerations for safety. Craig Compagnone, President, Americas, at MMGY Global
Key findings of the study include:
- Political Climate Reshapes Travel Patterns – Safety and political stability have overtaken cost as primary factors impacting plans to vacation internationally. More than a third of Americans (34%) report altering travel plans due to tariff issues, with 26% canceling trips entirely. The impact is even more pronounced for Canadians, with 23% less interested in visiting the U.S. in the next three years, representing a significant shift in cross-border travel patterns.
- Cruising Reaches Mainstream Status – Interest in ocean cruising has surged dramatically, rising 12 points since last year for both Americans (78%) and Canadians (61%). This represents a fundamental shift as cruising moves beyond its typical demographic. Younger travelers are driving demand for adventurous itineraries in emerging markets like Africa and Asia, while established European and Caribbean routes remain popular with older cruisers.
- The Bleisure Boom Continues – The blending of business and leisure travel has become standard practice, with 88% of Americans and 78% of Canadians now extending business trips for leisure purposes. Destinations, hotels and tour operators that provide seamless work-and-play experiences are well-positioned to capture this hybrid travel trend.
- Professional Travel Planning Makes a Comeback – Demand for human expertise is surging as travel complexity increases. Two-thirds of surveyed Americans (66%) anticipate using a travel advisor within the next two years, up from 49% previously. This growth is driven primarily by Millennials, many of whom value the logistical support of a travel advisor when planning complex, multigenerational trips with their families.
- Premium Travel Goes Mass Market – More than 1 in 3 U.S. international travelers (34%) now regularly fly business or first class, compared to just 25% in 2024. This willingness to invest in premium experiences reflects travelers’ desires to maximize their limited vacation time. Interestingly, 8 in 10 of these travelers are willing to accept connecting flights to access better deals, showing they’re strategic about where they spend their travel dollars.
The report’s findings are based on a July 2025 survey of 2,064 adults living in the U.S. or Canada who have taken at least one vacation outside of North America or the Caribbean in the past three years and expect to take at least one vacation outside of that region in the next 12 months. Approximately half of the respondents had a household income exceeding $100,000, with 7% earning more than $250,000.
The 2025 Portrait of American & Canadian International Travelers™ is now available for purchase or as part of an all-access subscription to EurekA!, MMGY’s new AI-powered research platform. To learn more, visit mmgyintel.com.
About MMGY Global
MMGY Global is the world’s leading integrated marketing firm specializing in the travel, hospitality and lifestyle industries. With operating brands across the world, the award-winning organization maintains a global communications practice in all marketing channels, serving many of the world’s premier travel and tourism brands. As a company dedicated to the travel industry, MMGY Global strives to create a connected, inclusive and peaceful world by promoting travel as a cultural bridge of understanding. For more information, visit mmgyglobal.com.
