Americans are keen travelers, but only a small percentage of Americans travel overseas, much less than other nationalities, even lower than their northern neighbor Canada. Lately, the weaker dollar has been severely affecting overseas travel plans for Americans along with intense travel security restrictions and airport security. According to a study done by the US Department of Commerce’s Office of Travel and Tourism Industries (OTTI), an estimated 63.7 million US residents travel to overseas locations in 2006.

The most popular destinations for US residents are France and Italy, two countries that are favorites of US travelers, but also countries such as Korea, Ireland and the Bahamas. The East as a region seems to be finding higher favor with US travelers as well, with China entering the top 10 destinations and Netherlands, India and Kong Kong tied at 12th position with a million visitors each year.

The UK is also one of the preferred spots for US travelers as they feel at home there, according to Harry D. J. Barclay, president of The Barclay International Group. The average US traveler is also getting more adventurous and is exploring newer parts of the UK, besides just the major cities and historical spots.