Unearth The Voyage
Planning your next adventure abroad? You’re in luck. Countries around the world are competing for American tourists with easier visas, new direct flights, and big marketing campaigns aimed right at U.S. travelers. From ancient ruins to safari adventures, 2026 is shaping up to be a golden year for Americans looking to explore the globe with a warm welcome waiting.
1. Greece
Airlines are betting big on Greece, and that tells you everything. Nine U.S. cities now offer nonstop flights to Athens, making island-hopping easier than ever for American travelers. Greek beaches, ancient temples, and fresh Mediterranean food are drawing record numbers of visitors from the States.
American spending in Greece keeps breaking records year after year. The country clearly wants you there, investing heavily in tourism infrastructure and welcoming services. Whether you’re exploring Athens or sailing between islands, Greece is making sure you feel like family in 2026.
2. Morocco
Morocco has set an ambitious goal: one million American visitors. To make that happen, they’re rolling out the red carpet in every sense. Delta’s brand-new nonstop flight from Atlanta to Marrakech launched in late 2025, opening a direct gateway that never existed before.
Imagine wandering through ancient medinas, sipping mint tea in Marrakech, or riding camels across Sahara dunes. Morocco’s tourism board named the U.S. a top strategic priority, meaning better services and infrastructure aimed specifically at American travelers throughout 2026 and beyond.
3. Japan
Record-breaking doesn’t even cover it. U.S. arrivals to Japan hit all-time highs in 2025, and the country wants more Americans exploring beyond the usual Tokyo and Kyoto circuit. The Japan National Tourism Organization is actively marketing hidden gems and regional experiences tailored for American tastes.
After the official U.S.-Japan Tourism Year program wrapped up, momentum is still building strong into 2026. From hot springs in Hokkaido to tropical beaches in Okinawa, Japan is eager to show Americans there’s so much more to discover across the archipelago.
4. United Kingdom
Ever wanted to visit the real-life locations from your favorite TV shows and movies? VisitBritain launched a massive U.S. advertising campaign focused on exactly that, calling it screen tourism. Billboards, streaming ads, and digital pushes across America promoted film-inspired itineraries throughout early 2025.
The campaign was deliberately timed to convert Americans into actual visitors during 2026. Whether you’re chasing Harry Potter magic or Bridgerton ballrooms, the U.K. is making it crystal clear that American tourists are not just welcome but actively pursued with creative marketing.
5. Australia
Robert Irwin is the friendly face of Australia’s refreshed campaign targeting Americans. Tourism Australia calls North America a core growth market, backing up that claim with expanded flights and dedicated marketing dollars aimed squarely at U.S. travelers.
Kangaroos, koalas, the Great Barrier Reef, and endless sunshine await Americans willing to make the long flight down under. Australia is pairing its natural wonders with practical improvements like more airlift options, making 2026 an ideal year to finally check this bucket-list destination off your list.
6. New Zealand
New Zealand wants American remote workers, and they’re changing rules to prove it. Tourism New Zealand teamed up with Air New Zealand for a joint U.S. and Canada campaign, even loosening regulations to welcome digital nomads for extended stays.
The message couldn’t be clearer: Americans are genuinely welcome. From the dramatic fjords of Milford Sound to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, New Zealand is investing heavily in attracting U.S. visitors. Whether you’re there for two weeks or two months working remotely, Kiwis are ready to host you in 2026.
7. Canada
Our neighbor to the north isn’t taking American tourists for granted. Destination Canada unveiled a fresh international brand platform called Canada, naturally and ramped up U.S. promotions throughout 2025 to keep cross-border travel thriving into 2026.
From Vancouver’s mountains to Quebec’s European charm, Canada offers incredible diversity just a short trip away. The renewed marketing push shows Canada is actively competing for American vacation dollars, making sure we remember all the natural beauty and vibrant cities waiting just across the border for exploration.
8. Egypt
Egypt is making a serious play for repeat American visitors. They introduced a five-year multiple-entry visa priced at $700, then sweetened the deal in late 2025 by extending allowed stays to 180 days per visit.
Those changes are clearly aimed at attracting Americans who want to return again and again. Imagine spending months exploring not just the pyramids and Sphinx, but also diving the Red Sea, cruising the Nile, and discovering temples most tourists miss. Egypt is signaling that Americans can treat it like a second home throughout 2026.
9. Kenya
Kenya cut the red tape that used to slow down American visitors. U.S. citizens now benefit from a visa-free regime, needing only a quick online electronic Travel Authorization instead of complicated visa applications.
That simple change makes safari dreams much easier to achieve. Whether you’re watching the Great Migration, spotting the Big Five, or relaxing on Kenya’s beautiful coast, the streamlined entry process is a clear invitation. Kenya wants more Americans experiencing its incredible wildlife and landscapes throughout 2026 without bureaucratic hassles slowing them down.
10. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia blew past its 2030 tourism target years early, so they simply raised the bar higher: 150 million visitors by 2030. That ambition includes aggressive marketing toward Americans, backed by easy electronic visas and billions invested in new attractions.
From ancient Nabatean ruins to futuristic mega-cities rising in the desert, Saudi Arabia is opening up like never before. The kingdom clearly wants American tourists to see beyond stereotypes, offering streamlined entry and world-class hospitality as it transforms into a major global destination throughout 2026.
11. Albania
One year. That’s how long Americans can stay in Albania without any visa at all. No other country on this list offers such an incredibly generous welcome for extended stays.
This Balkan gem is perfect for Americans wanting a long-term European basecamp in 2026. Pristine beaches rival Greece, mountains offer incredible hiking, and costs remain refreshingly affordable. Whether you’re working remotely or simply slow-traveling, Albania’s year-long visa-free policy is basically an open invitation to make it your home away from home.
12. Dominican Republic
The Dominicana Smiles at You campaign is exactly what it sounds like: a warm welcome aimed at global travelers, especially Americans. The D.R. keeps adding U.S. flight options, including new routes from Newark and Miami on Arajet, making Caribbean getaways easier than ever.
Americans already make up a huge share of Dominican Republic arrivals, and the country wants to keep that momentum growing. With stunning beaches, affordable all-inclusive resorts, and genuine hospitality, the D.R. is doubling down on being America’s favorite Caribbean escape throughout 2026.
13. Jamaica
Jamaica took its marketing message straight to American cities, including a big push in New York. The island nation rolled out fresh global advertising specifically designed to boost U.S. visits into 2026.
That targeted effort shows Jamaica isn’t content to rest on its already-strong reputation with Americans. From Montego Bay’s beaches to Blue Mountain coffee plantations and reggae culture, Jamaica is actively reminding U.S. travelers why the island deserves a spot on their 2026 itinerary. The message is clear: come back, or come discover Jamaica for the first time.
14. South Africa
South Africa already lets Americans visit visa-free for up to 90 days, but they’re not stopping there. The government is modernizing entry with a new Electronic Travel Authorization system to make arrival even smoother for U.S. citizens.
These improvements show South Africa wants to eliminate any friction keeping Americans away. Safari adventures, Cape Town’s stunning beauty, world-class wine regions, and incredible biodiversity await. By streamlining entry procedures, South Africa is making sure Americans can easily experience everything this diverse country offers throughout 2026 and beyond.
15. Senegal & Ghana (tie)
Two West African nations are sharing this spot for good reason: both added crucial nonstop U.S. flights in 2025. New routes like Washington to Dakar and expanded U.S. to Ghana service are game-changers for American travelers interested in heritage and culture trips.
Tourism boards in both countries are leveraging these direct connections to court more Americans for 2026. Whether you’re tracing ancestry, exploring vibrant markets, or discovering stunning coastlines, Senegal and Ghana are making it easier than ever for Americans to experience West Africa without complicated connections.
