Allianz Report Reveals Surge in American Holiday Travel to Europe

New data from the Allianz Partners‘ 2023 European Holiday Destination Index highlights a significant uptick in the number of Americans choosing Europe as their holiday destination compared to last year. 

The leading travel insurance and assistance company’s findings reveal a 21% increase in American travel to Europe during this holiday season, with specific destinations like Barcelona experiencing a remarkable surge of 61%.

The trend of growing American travel to Europe is not confined to the holiday season alone. Allianz Partners’ summer travel survey indicates a robust 55% increase in trips to Europe in 2023 compared to the previous year. The surge reflects pent-up travel demand as eager “revenge” travelers embark on long-awaited bucket list trips to the continent.

Analyzing over 1.3 million travel itineraries during the peak holiday travel period, Allianz Partners USA identifies the most popular European destinations for 2023. London maintains its enchantment for Americans, holding the top spot since the survey’s inception in 2016. Paris secures its consistent number two position as an anticipated hotspot for U.S. travelers.

Noteworthy increases in American travel are observed in the Iberian Peninsula, with Madrid, Spain, witnessing a 37% rise, Barcelona, Spain, experiencing a remarkable 61% increase, and Lisbon, Portugal, showing a substantial 47% growth.

Other destinations making significant gains include Prague in the Czech Republic, with a 51% increase, marking its return to the Top 20 for the first time since pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Additionally, Geneva, Switzerland, sees a 12% increase, rejoining the top list of destinations since its last appearance in 2017.

Daniel Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners USA, comments on the trend, stating, “The continued rise in Americans traveling internationally for the holidays proves there’s still plenty of catching up to do when it comes to checking off their European bucket list.”