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Holiday Vacations guided tours include airfare from more than 100 conveniently located U.S. airports, great hotels, delightful meals and interesting sights. Our expert Tour Directors are quite simply the best in the industry. They handle all travel details to ensure that your vacation is happy and carefree.

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" London, Normandy, Paris was a fabulous trip, especially the year of the 75th anniversary of D-Day! That was our 7th trip with Holiday Vacations. Loved every one of them. The national parks are well worth seeing, as were Hawaii and Cuba. "

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" My third trip with HV was to Austria and Germany in 2014. This included the bucket list of experiencing OKTOBERFEST. Looks like I’m doing a beer commercial with the Alps as a backdrop. Also notice my pinkie extended. This is due to 2 years of charm school (REALLY). Thank you HV for all the amazing memories. "

– Katie H. - Via Facebook

" Jackson Hole, WY while on the Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Tetons trip last year. We just completed our 6th trip with Holiday Vacations last month and are now discussing which tour we will take next. Only way we wish to travel and Holiday Vacations tours are the best! "

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" Athens, Greece at the Parthenon. My first trip. Everything about it was great! "

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" October 2019 trip to Italy—Venice, Florence and Rome. This was taken in front of the Coliseum in Rome. Such a fantastic, memorable trip! Looking forward to our next adventure with Holiday when we go to Iceland in October. "

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Activity levels.

Tour days tend to be shorter in length, at a relaxed pace, and include lots of unscheduled time for leisure. Expect standing and walking for extended periods of time on flat surfaces, mostly low altitudes, and consistent temperatures.

Tour days usually move at a leisurely pace. Some days’ scheduled activities last longer than others. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on occasionally uneven terrain. You may experience changes in altitude or temperature.

Tour days tend to be long, move at a consistent pace, and may include long travel days. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on uneven surfaces. Some destinations may have changes in altitude and/or temperature.

Tour days tend to be long, move at a brisk pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.

Very Active

Tour days tend to be long, move at a vigorous pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on rough surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.

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United states.

Land of the Free

The United States of America is truly the land of the beautiful from sea to shining sea. With easy access to thousands of miles of beautiful coastline and beaches, mountain ranges on both sides, even residents of its 50 states can’t take it all in in a lifetime. It is the most culturally diverse place on earth and birthplace of modern jazz, rock and blues. So whether you are young or old, a sports enthusiast, foodie, musician, historian or nature lover, the United States of America is right here waiting for you.

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Destination must-see's, west coast:.

Relish the welcoming culture of its laid back cities, some of the world’s finest wines, and landscapes that take your breath away. The west coast has an abundance of sites to see. Home to multiple national parks, get in touch with your adventurous side and do some exploring. Also rich in natural wonders it’s a nature-lovers dream.

Big Cities (Spotlights):

Explore some of the world’s most iconic cities and get to know the sites and culture that make them famous. Whether it is the hustle and bustle of New York City famous for Times Square and all its lights, or glamorous Hollywood filled with celebrities, you are sure to see some sights you will never forget.

Delight in some famed southern hospitality and cultural discovery traveling through America’s southern states. Home to country music, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, Grand Ole Opry, and Bluebird Café where many famous stars have performed. With so much farmland it will be easy to take on the role of a cowboy for a day. After a long day, finish up with an amazing home cooked meal and some sweet ice tea.

New England:

Discover New England and the many things it has to offer. From shorelines to mountain tops you get a little bit of everything. Sandy beaches make for great water sports, sunsets, and of course seafood! And majestic mountains make for great outdoor adventures, and sunsets as well. With its charming towns and vast amount of activities its unique culture is brought to life.

Destination Must-Do's

National parks:.

Travel through America’s National Parks getting to know the hidden gems and jaw-dropping scenery. With many hiking trails at different levels of difficulty there is a path for everyone! Stunning scenery, hidden caves, and lots of wildlife, it might be a hike but the view is worth it from the top!

Music Cities:

Revel in the sounds of the blues, jazz, country, and good old rock‘n’roll in the cities that shaped modern music. With as many as eight music cities all passionate about different styles of music, you are sure to find one that fits your taste.

Alaska Icebergs:

Behold Alaska’s most admired treasures - its ancient glaciers, snow-capped mountains and majestic icebergs. On foot or by boat you are not limited as to how you get to experience these massive glaciers.

Hawaiian Beaches:

Immerse yourself in paradise with a stroll along one of Hawaii’s pristine beaches including Oahu’s famous North Shore. Crystal clear waters, soft sand, and beautiful palm leaves make for a relaxing day at the beach with some beautiful views.

Expert Advice

Wow, it’s hard to give advice for the entire USA. It’s so diverse. I would say wherever you go – think of it as having its own culture and be ready to dive in and experience it, like one of my favorite places, Hawaii!

Always bring extra memory cards and batteries for your camera. It’s been my experience that you can never take enough picture of places like the National Parks or the New York skyline.

With such a diverse climate from Alaska to Arizona and New York to San Francisco, there’s really never a bad time to travel through the U.S. You can always find something amazing.

Featured Tours to United States

America's National Parks & Denver

Grand Hawaiian Adventure Four Islands featuring O'ahu, Big Island, Maui and Kauai

Alaska Discovery Land & Cruise featuring a 7-night Holland America Cruise

National Parks of America

Montana: Exploring Big Sky Country featuring Yellowstone & Glacier National Parks

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks featuring San Diego and California’s Central Coast

Hawaiian Adventure Three Islands featuring O'ahu, Big Island and Maui

Bluegrass Country & the Smoky Mountains featuring Louisville, Lexington, Gatlinburg & Asheville

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USA Guided Tours & Trips

• Choose from 1,000+ USA tours
• 19,900+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
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10 best fully guided USA tour packages

Compiled by

Nadine USA travel expert at TourRadar

Dreams of the West end in San Francisco

7 day southwest national parks grand canyon camping tour, new england's fall foliage (classic, 8 days, boston airport and post trip hotel transfer), mighty 5 from las vegas, private tour- 7 day southwest national parks grand canyon tour, magnificent west – 8 days, best of utah & arizona national parks, la to the bay (11 days), tastes and sounds of the south (10 days), yellowstone / grand teton 4 day / 3 night wildlife adventure.

“Wonderful tour! Highly recommend.” Tf, traveled in June 2024

• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing
• Christmas & New Year
• Tour Las Vegas Strip's dazzling sites
• Discover Giant Sequoias in Yosemite Park
• Explore Hollywood's iconic Walk of Fame

“Great views, great places and great walking opportunities.” Steven Groves, traveled in May 2024

• Mountain Hikes
• Explore Monument Valley and the wild west in a 4x4
• Stand on the edge of awe-inspiring Grand Canyon
• Speed down Route 66 towards lively Las Vegas

• Dine on Maine lobster at a celebration dinner
• Taste Vermont's famous maple syrup
• Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum

“Wonderful trip, beautiful area.” June da Silva, traveled in May 2024

• Drive through Mojave Desert to Zion Park
• Explore Canyonlands' Island in the Sky
• Hike to Delicate Arch in Arches Park

• Witness the grandeur of the Grand Canyon
• Take a Navajo-guided tour in Monument Valley
• Hike among Bryce Canyon's hoodoos

“The tour was excellent.” Fatah Jarachi, traveled in April 2024

• Walk through Yosemite and see its famous falls
• Explore Santa Barbara's historic Spanish Mission
• Tour Las Vegas' iconic hotels and casinos

“Wonderful views and hikes with an incredible group of people. Definitely a 5 star review and a trip that just makes me want to travel again!” Thomas Pate, traveled in April 2023

• Drive through Zion and Bryce Canyon
• End with a scenic drive on Route 66
• Explore Antelope Canyon with a Navajo guide

“Emily's attention to detail is impeccable in everything she does. I always felt safe in her care.” TianaJaneTurner, traveled in October 2022

• Relax on San Diego beaches & then enjoy a Margarita
• Drive along the Route 66 & stroll the streets of Phoenix
• Visit the famous 'Sin City' & experience its lively nightlife

“Well run and a lovely group of people.” A TourRadar Traveller, traveled in June 2018

• Pay homage to the King at Sun Studios in Graceland
• Dance through the streets at the birthplace of Rock n Roll
• Delve into the life and foot-tapping tunes of Johnny Cash

“The scenery in Grand Teton and Yellowstone was magnificent, and we saw plenty of wildlife.” JAMES ROGERS, traveled in June 2023

• Photography
• Walking Adventure
• Visit the Buffalo Bill Cody Museum
• Spot wildlife in Grand Teton National Park
• Travel the scenic Chief Joseph Highway

Regions in USA

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United States tours

Admire stunning natural landscapes, cruise by majestic glaciers in Alaska, or even uncover American history in cultural cities. Our tours of the United States have something for every traveler.

September 2024

Showing 1–13 of 13 tours

U.S. National Parks: The Grand Canyon to Yellowstone

12 days | 15 days with Missoula & Glacier National Park extension

4.6 out of 5 stars

Hawaii: Oahu, the Big Island & Maui

11 days | 14 days with Kauai extension

4.4 out of 5 stars

Save up to $700 by 9/6

Labor Day travel deals are still going strong! Plus, you can lock in your lowest price.†

National Parks: Canadian Rockies, Glacier & Yellowstone

Alaska’s National Parks: Denali & the Kenai Fjords

Fall Foliage Tour: Vermont to Massachusetts

8 days | 10 days with Boston, Massachusetts extension

South Carolina & Georgia: Charleston to Savannah

4.2 out of 5 stars

U.S. National Parks for Solo Travelers: The Grand Canyon to Zion

9 days | 11 days with Las Vegas extension

4.5 out of 5 stars

New England: Vermont, Maine Coast & Massachusetts

U.S. National Parks: A Week in the Southwest

America's National Parks by Train: Rocky Mountains, Arches & Zion

10 days | 13 days with Grand Canyon National Park & Phoenix extension

4.8 out of 5 stars

Albuquerque Balloon Festival & U.S. National Parks

The Canadian Rockies Walking Tour: Banff & Lake Louise

7 days | 10 days with Glacier National Park Region extension

3.9 out of 5 stars

Denali National Park & Wild Alaska Cruise

12 days | 14 days with Vancouver extension

What travelers are saying about our United States tours

5 out of 5 stars

1st-time traveler Anonymous

This was first bus tour for my husband and I. We travelled with a group of 5 friends. Our tour director was Geoffrey and our bus driver was Robin. I wanted to give them each a... Read more of National Parks—do it!!

Traveled in Aug 2024 on U.S. National Parks: The Grand Canyon to Yellowstone

4th-time traveler Dennis

Great itinerary , scenery, fellow travelers and our tour director Christina . Long bus ride from Bryce NP to Yellowstone NP but it was worth it. The National Parks were... Read more of Out of this world!

Traveled in Jun 2024 on U.S. National Parks: The Grand Canyon to Yellowstone

1st-time traveler Jessica

I had never visited this part of the US before and I was blown away by the beauty. Excellent choices for stops and a healthy amount of education made for a wonderful trip. Our... Read more of Wonderful first-time tour

1st-time traveler Frank

Best use of time and money ever! New friends, new outlook on world; new memories that will always be special. Great company. I'm ready to go ahead tour anytime! Thanks for the... Read more of National Park tour

2nd-time traveler Karen

The tour was amazing! We saw so much of our country in only two weeks! I marveled at the beauty and vastness when traveling out West. The tour was well-organized and our tour... Read more of Grand Canyon to Yellowstone

Traveled in May 2024 on U.S. National Parks: The Grand Canyon to Yellowstone

1st-time traveler Nancy

My daughter & I went in this trip together and had a great time. We learned so much about the history of the people, geology and cultures. There was a lot of exploring time, which... Read more of Great SW American Trip

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Know where you want to travel in the United States?

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Travel tips for United States trips

While we could list quite a number things to see on tour in the United States, here are our top picks:

• The Grand Canyon  in Arizona, one of America’s most-visited national parks, for colorful hikes
• Hawaii , for beautiful beaches, spectacular sunsets, and a unique culture
• Zion National Park  in Utah, for canyons, rivers, and incredible views

You don’t have to leave the U.S. to go on a memorable vacation. One of the best benefits of our United States tours is that you can see beautiful sights right in your proverbial backyard. You won’t have to worry about long flights, exchanging currencies, or language barriers. Plus, you can learn more about the places your ancestors may have traveled or lived, as well as build a deeper connection to the country you call home.

The best time to travel in the U.S. depends on where you’re going and what you’re hoping to do.

Spring:  Consider  U.S. National Parks Adventure: A Week in the Southwest  for outdoor hiking and sightseeing when it’s not too hot outside.

Summer : Visit  Denali National Park  in Alaska for some of the most majestic landscapes and wildlife sightings when it’s warmer.

Fall:  Visit  Vermont and Massachusetts  for stunning views of fall foliage and colonial history, or go on our  Albuquerque Balloon Festival & U.S. National Parks  tour for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What to pack for USA tours depends on where in the country you go and what you are hoping to do. If you are going to  South Carolina and Georgia , you’ll want to bring a lot of light layers to keep comfortable in the heat and humidity. If you’re going to  Alaska , on the other hand, you’ll want to bring a lot of heavy layers to keep warm in the cold. All of our tours include custom packing suggestions, so check the clothing and packing tips in the tour you love.

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Belgium & holland in spring.

Spend peak tulip season in the land where flowers are a way of life! See Keukenhoff Gardens in their prime, cruise the canals, visit the windmills in Kinderdijk, attend a private viewing at the Muaritshuis museum, and take walking tours of Ghent and Bruges.

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Every Tauck river cruise on the Rhine is carefully crafted to let you explore the region with the perfect balance of iconic cities and scenic views; architecture and art; religious sites and medieval castles; traditional cuisine and world-famous wine (or beer). Which one will be perfect for you? Check out this helpful guide to find out!

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Comfortable and crowd-free, our specially designed fleet of custom riverboats boasts bigger cabins and more suites than other riverboats of the same size, offering the most space per guest on Europe's rivers. Explore the inside of our beautiful riverboats for yourself with our interactive video and 360-degree photos.

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Prague to Paris

Spend two nights each at premier hotels in two of Europe's most romantic capital cities – and voyage along the Moselle, Rhine and Main rivers.

Rendezvous on the Seine

Check off all the must-sees on our classic River Seine cruise with two nights in Paris and some extra time to explore Normandy.

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A culinary treat filled with food and wine experiences, and three nights at "The Pearl of the Swiss Riviera."

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Portuguese Fado Evening of Music & Song with Authentic Feast

Experience the true essence of Lisbon with dinner, local drinks and the emotional Fado museum in a charming atmosphere. Experience on Picturesque Portugal

Discover Santorini's Highlights & Tour to Akrotiri

Tour Profitis Llias Viewpoint, Pygrgos Village, Akrotiri and Perivolos Black Sand Beach. Don't forget to pack your swimsuit. Experience on Greek Island Explorer

Authentic Argentine Immersion

Explore Argentine cuisine and culture with new friends; make empanadas, try steak and Malbec, and learn about gestures and tea. Experience on South America Samba

Wine Tasting in a French Chateau

Join us on a fancy trip to Bordeaux's vineyards and Château Estate for a guided tour and wine tasting.  Experience on Highlights of France

Amsterdam Artisans and Highlights

Get cheesy and shoe-crazy on a Dutch countryside tour! A glass-roofed boat ride through Amsterdam's canals is the cherry on top. Discover on European Experience

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Hop on a horse-drawn carriage and explore the Swiss countryside with local farmers. Sip on refreshments and soak up the scenic views! Experience on Glimpse of Europe

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Chai Lord takes us into the culture of India’s national drink  

Finding strength in sisterhood at a cafe run by acid attack survivors in Agra 

At home in Japan: Making mochi and flipping tempura at a rural homestay

Time and place: Kapan’s Buddhist nunnery, Kathmandu

What it’s like to spend a day gorilla trekking in Uganda

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Experience Italy differently. Enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences and uncover local secrets when our friends across the country open their doors to you. Here’s just a sample of the rich experiences you can expect.

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“Uffizi Gallery in Florence is a world class museum with an incredible renaissance art collection. Enjoy a guided tour with a Local Specialist to make the experience more memorable, especially when in front of Botticelli’s stunning ‘Birth of Venus’ painting”

Pino, Travel Director

See Michelangelo's frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel

One of the most important structures of the Catholic faith, the Vatican City’s Sistine Chapel is a must-see on a tour of Italy. Though the chapel walls have witnessed centuries of worship, it’s the renaissance ceiling paintings of Michelangelo that will leave you in awe.

Visit the glamorous Isle of Capri

Enjoy the classic Italian summer in Italy’s picture-perfect Gulf of Naples. Famed for its crystal grottos, dramatic coastlines and endless glamour, our trips to Italy are complete with a day of freedom spent under a striped umbrella, watching sailboats pass by.

Cruise your way through Venice

The charm found in the canals of Venice is nothing short of irresistible. Admire gothic palaces and postcard bridges whilst adrift in a gondola, gaining an understanding of life in a city that floats. Exploring a city by foot will never be the same after a trip to Venice.

Journey to the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii

An unfathomable history lesson is found in the archaeological ruins of Pompeii. Buried and preserved by the ash of a volcano eruption in the year 79, in this Italian town you will discover the progressive life of early Roman times as you walk within the parameters of an open-air time capsule of life on Earth.

Go shopping in Italy's fashion capital Milan

Armani, Gucci, Prada and Versace. These are some of the prestigious fashion brands that call the Italian city of Milan home. In between yearning through boutiques and department stores, stop to sample the city’s delicacies like breaded veal cutlet and ossobuco.

Our top 5 things to do in Italy

It's the moments of quiet stillness that take your breath away on a Trafalgar tour through Italy. Sitting in the calm halls of the Vatican. Floating on the canals of Venice. Standing beside the ruins of Pompeii.

Uffizi Gallery

The Tuscan capital is home to Uffizi Gallery, where the brushworks of art’s true masters are found. Names like Raffaello, Leonardo, and Michelangelo dress Uffizi’s grand pink walls, whilst internal courtyards leading to the Arno River will show you the building’s architectural brilliance.

Vatican Museums

A collection of Christian artwork that spans centuries and stirs the soul is found in Rome’s Vatican Museums. From the intricate ceiling by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel to the detailed Pope portraits from the 16th century to today, you will be lost for words once inside this blessed museum complex.

Doge's Palace

Home to the leader of Venice from its opening in 1340, Doge’s Palace summarizes the sparkle of this city. An opulent example of Venetian Gothic architecture and home to numerous historical works, this museum is a must when you visit Venice.

Best museums in Italy

The epicenter of the Catholic faith and the birthplace of art’s most renowned masters. Our guided tours of Italy will take you to the many museums found here, whether in the Sistine Chapel, by the canals of Venice or in the grand galleries of Tuscany.

The authentic carbonara experience will take place in Rome, covered in salty Pecorino Romano cheese. A simple dish inspiring heart-warming meal times, this pasta will connect you with Italy’s rich culinary customs - an impressive evolution from its supposed heritage as a coal-miner’s meal.

Pollo alla Cacciatora

Literally translating to ‘hunter’ in Italian, cacciatore offers an appreciation for Italy’s meals of days gone by. Typically a preparation of rabbit or chicken, it’s the simmering tomato stew that makes this dish so mouthwatering. Satisfy a genuine hunger and consume with hand-ripped bread.

Italy tours are best served with an oversized slice of tiramisu. Cementing this country's obsession with espresso, this cake of layered biscuits soaked in coffee is the perfect after hours pick-me-up before an evening stroll through the charming streets.

Best food in Italy

A date with Italian food will likely start and end with a slice of pizza. But it’s the menu items that we share with you in between that will take your appreciation to new heights; think cacciatore and Carbonara with a slice of tiramisu in between.

What to pack for Italy

A classic linen outfit

The Italians are famous for their equal parts glamorous and effortless dress sense. Look the part with a few ensembles featuring classic linens in navy and white.

A blank journal

With the wealth of inspiration tucked into every corner of Italy, you might find yourself compelled to write down notes or memories. At the very least to remember the traditional Italian recipes you learn.

With such a large expanse of space to explore, on some days, long journeys are unavoidable. The scenery will provide plenty of visual entertainment, while headphones can be used to listen to some local music or enjoy podcasts about Italian history, culture and politics when you're not enjoying the storytelling from your Travel Director.

A small blanket

When exploring the soul-stirring setting of Tuscany, a picnic may call. Come prepared with a small blanket to cover in wine and cheese.

Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes

A classic memoir that brought the romance of Tuscany to the world, there’s no better time to read this book than when venturing through the country yourself.

Pack for sustainable travel

Consider your environmental impact when you next take a trip and go single-use-plastic-free by packing a reusable water bottle, a steel straw, your own shopping bags and reusable toiletry bottles.

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The 10 Highest Grossing Tours of All Time

There are some names you probably wouldn’t expect on the list.

There’s nothing like the thrill of live music . The euphoria of connecting with your favorite artist in a giant room filled with like-minded people is powerful enough to make you forget about the exorbitant ticket prices, the ridiculously long bathroom lines, and even the $16 beers. In a digital world where it’s easy to feel lonely and isolated, concerts are more important than ever.

They’re also big business, as evidenced by this roundup of the 10 highest-grossing concert tours of all time (as of August 2024). The list includes some veteran rockers, a couple of pop superstars, and two very powerful women whose influence transcends music. You can probably guess their names.

10. The Rolling Stones’ No Filter Tour (2017–2021) // $547 million

It took just 58 shows in North America and Europe for the Stones to gross more than a half-billion dollars. The No Filter Tour started in 2017 and lasted until November 2021 due to COVID-19. Sadly, it marked the end of the road for drummer Charlie Watts, who died on August 24, 2021, at the age of 80.

9. The Rolling Stones’ A Bigger Bang Tour (2005–2007) // $558 million

This lucrative two-year outing for the Stones included two nights at the Beacon Theater in New York City—filmed by Martin Scorsese for the concert film Shine a Light —and the halftime performance at Super Bowl XL in Detroit. In 2006, the Stones also played one of the biggest free shows of all time, rocking 1.5 million people at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro.

8. Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour (2023) // $579 million

Queen Bey needed just 56 shows in 2023 to land herself on the list of all-time touring champs. Notably, she’s the only Black performer in the Top 10, and she’s one of only two women.

7. Guns N’ Roses’ Not in This Lifetime… Tour (2016–2019) // $584 million

At long last, classic-era GNR members Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan settled their differences and decided to go make a lot of money. The Not in This Lifetime… tour spanned more than three years, and while it wound up being a huge success, it got off to a rocky start: Axl broke his foot prior to the second show in Las Vegas and had to perform in a special throne Dave Grohl had previously used when he suffered a broken leg.

6. Harry Styles’s Love On Tour (2021–2023) // $617.3 million

Originally slated to start in 2020 but postponed due to the pandemic, Love On Tour lasted nearly two years and coincided with the promotion of two different albums: 2019’s Fine Line and 2022’s Harry House . The tour included a pair of memorable Halloween gigs at New York City’s Madison Square Garden where Harry dressed up like a clown and Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz .

5. U2’s U2 360° Tour (2009–2011) // $736 million

When you’ve been in the game as long as U2, the challenge is finding new ways to keep fans coming back for more. For U2 360°, the Irish rockers played in the round on a 164-foot structure nicknamed “The Claw.” According to Rolling Stone , it was twice as large as the stage the Stones constructed for their A Bigger Band Tour, which held the previous record for biggest stadium stage set. U2 360° became the highest-grossing tour of all time—until the next one on our list bested it.

4. Ed Sheeran’s The ÷ (Divide) Tour (2017–2019) // $776 million

In August 2019, with 12 dates remaining, The ÷ (Divide) Tour surpassed U2 360° as the highest-grossing concert tour of all time. As The Guardian reported , Sheeran brought his poppy folk-rock stylings to smaller audiences—an average attendance of 34,541, compared to U2’s 66,091—and sold tickets for 14.2 percent lower than U2 did. He made up the difference by playing more shows—255 in all.

3. Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour (2018–2020, 2022–2023) // $939 million

Sir Elton sold 6 million tickets and came this close to topping a billion dollars with his triumphant farewell tour. Along the way, John rocked the legendary Glastonbury Festival with a performance billed as his last ever in the UK.

2. Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour (2022–2024) // $945 million

Environmentally conscious rockers Coldplay worked with BMW to develop the “world’s first rechargeable show battery,” which helped to power their super-lucrative Music of the Spheres World Tour. Chris Martin and company also promised to plant one tree for every ticket sold. For a while, Music of the Spheres was parked behind Elton’s farewell on the list of highest-grossing tours, but Billboard announced on August 16, 2024, that Coldplay had moved into second place.

1. Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour (2023–2024) // $1.04 billion (and counting)

In December 2023—with plenty of dates still to come—Taylor Swift’s career-spanning Eras Tour became the first tour to top a billion dollars in gross revenue. If there had been any doubt, the tour solidified Swift’s status as the most famous person on the planet. Between the friendship bracelets and surprise song sets , the 3.5-plus-hour shows quickly became the stuff of legend, and when she released Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour on the big screen in October 2023, it naturally became the highest-grossing concert film of all time.

Read More About Music:

Now boarding: Faces, places, and trends shaping tourism in 2024

After falling by 75 percent in 2020, travel is on its way to a full recovery by the end of 2024. Domestic travel is expected to grow 3 percent annually and reach 19 billion lodging nights per year by 2030. 1 Unless otherwise noted, the source for all data and projections is Oxford Economics. Over the same time frame, international travel should likewise ramp up to its historical average of nine billion nights. Spending on travel is expected to follow a similar trajectory, with an estimated $8.6 trillion in traveler outlays in 2024, representing roughly 9 percent of this year’s global GDP.

About the authors

This article is a collaborative effort by Caroline Tufft , Margaux Constantin , Matteo Pacca , and Ryan Mann , with Ivan Gladstone and Jasperina de Vries, representing views from McKinsey’s Travel, Logistics & Infrastructure Practice.

There’s no doubt people still love to travel and will continue to seek new experiences in new places. But where will travelers come from, and where will they go? We developed a snapshot of current traveler flows, along with estimates for growth through 2030. For the purposes of this report, we have divided the world into four regions—the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa.

Our analysis identifies three major themes for industry stakeholders to consider:

• The bulk of travel spending is close to home. Stakeholders should ensure they capture the full potential of domestic travel before shifting their focus to international travelers. And they should start with international travelers who visit nearby countries—as intraregional trips represent the largest travel segment after domestic trips.
• Source markets are shifting. Although established source markets continue to anchor global travel, Eastern Europe, India, and Southeast Asia are all becoming fast-growing sources of outbound tourism.
• The destinations of the future may not be the ones you imagine. Alongside enduring favorites, places that weren’t on many tourists’ maps are finding clever ways to lure international travelers and establish themselves as desirable destinations.

The bulk of travel spending is close to home

International travel might feel more glamorous, but tourism players should not forget that domestic travel still represents the bulk of the market, accounting for 75 percent of global travel spending (Exhibit 1). Domestic travel recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic faster than international travel, as is typical coming out of downturns. And although there has been a recent boom in “revenge travel,” with travelers prioritizing international trips that were delayed by the pandemic, a return to prepandemic norms, in which domestic travel represents 70 percent of spending, is expected by 2030.

The United States is the world’s largest domestic travel market at $1 trillion in annual spending. Sixty-eight percent of all trips that start in the United States remain within its borders. Domestic demand has softened slightly, as American travelers return abroad. 2 Dawit Habtemariam, “Domestic U.S. tourism growth levels off as Americans head overseas,” Skift, August 18, 2023. But tourism players with the right offerings are still thriving: five national parks broke attendance records in 2023 (including Joshua Tree National Park, which capitalized on growing interest from stargazers indulging in “dark sky” tourism 3 Scott McConkey, “5 national parks set attendance records in 2023, and the reasons may surprise you,” Wealth of Geeks, April 16, 2024. ).

China’s $744 billion domestic travel market is currently the world’s second largest. Chinese travelers spent the pandemic learning to appreciate the diversity of experiences on offer within their own country. Even as borders open back up, Chinese travelers are staying close to home. And domestic destinations are benefiting: for example, Changchun (home to the Changchun Ice and Snow Festival) realized 160 percent year-on-year growth in visitors in 2023. 4 Shi Xiaoji, “Why don’t Chinese people like to travel abroad anymore? The global tourism industry has lost 900 billion yuan. What is the situation?,” NetEase, February 12, 2024. In 2024, domestic travel during Lunar New Year exceeded prepandemic levels by 19 percent.

China’s domestic travel market is expected to grow 12 percent annually and overtake the United States’ to become the world’s largest by 2030. Hotel construction reflects this expectation: 30 percent of the global hotel construction pipeline is currently concentrated in China. The pipeline is heavily skewed toward luxury properties, with more than twice as many luxury hotels under construction in China as in the United States.

India, currently the world’s sixth-largest domestic travel market by spending, is another thriving area for domestic travel. With the subcontinent’s growing middle class powering travel spending growth of roughly 9 percent per year, India’s domestic market could overtake Japan’s and Mexico’s to become the world’s fourth largest by 2030. Domestic air passenger traffic in India is projected to double by 2030, 5 Murali Krishnan, “Can India’s airports cope with rapid passenger growth?,” Deutsche Welle, February 7, 2024. boosted in part by a state-subsidized initiative that aims to connect underserved domestic airports. 6 “India is seeing a massive aviation boom,” Economist , November 23, 2023.

When travelers do go abroad, they often stay close to home (Exhibit 2).

Europe and Asia, in particular, demonstrate strong and growing intraregional travel markets.

Recognizing this general trend, stakeholders have been funneling investment toward regional tourism destinations. An Emirati wealth fund, for instance, has announced its intent to invest roughly $35 billion into established hospitality properties and development opportunities in Egypt. 7 Michael Gunn and Mirette Magdy, “UAE’s $35 billion Egypt deal marks Gulf powers’ buying spree,” Bloomberg, April 27, 2024.

Europe has long played host to a high share of intraregional travel. Seventy percent of its travelers’ international trips stay within the region. Europe’s most popular destinations for intraregional travelers are perennial warm-weather favorites—Spain (18 percent), Italy (10 percent), and France (8 percent)—with limited change to these preferences expected between now and 2030.

Despite longer travel distances between Asian countries, Asia’s intraregional travel market is beginning to resemble Europe’s. Intraregional travel currently accounts for about 60 percent of international trips in Asia—a share expected to climb to 64 percent by 2030. As in Europe in past decades, Asian intraregional travel is benefiting from diminishing visa barriers and the development of a low-cost, regional flight network.

Thailand is projected to enjoy continued, growing popularity with Asian travelers. Thailand waived visa requirements for Chinese tourists in 2023 and plans to do the same for Indian tourists starting in 2024. It has aggressively targeted the fast-growing Indian traveler segment, launching more than 50 marketing campaigns directed at Indians over the past decade. The investment may be paying off: Bangkok recently overtook Dubai as the most popular city destination for Indian tourists. 8 “Bangkok overtakes Dubai as top destination for Indians post visa relaxation, reveals Agoda,” PR Newswire, January 18, 2024.

A McKinsey ConsumerWise survey on consumer sentiment, conducted in February 2024, suggests that Chinese travelers are also exhibiting high interest in international travel, with 36 percent of survey respondents indicating that they intend to spend more on international travel in the next three months. 9 Daniel Zipser, “ China brief: Consumers are spending again (outside of China) ,” McKinsey, April 8, 2024. Much of this interest is directed toward regional destinations such as Southeast Asia and Japan, with interest in travel to Europe down from previous years. 10 Guang Chen, Zi Chen, Steve Saxon, and Jackey Yu, “ Outlook for China tourism 2023: Light at the end of the tunnel ,” McKinsey, May 9, 2023.

Given travelers’ preference for proximity, how can tourism stakeholders further capitalize on domestic and intraregional travel demand? Here are a few strategies:

• Craft offerings that encourage domestic tourists to rediscover local gems. Destinations, hotels, and transportation providers can encourage domestic tourists to integrate lesser-known cultural landmarks into their trips to visit friends and relatives. In France, the upscale hotel chain Relais & Châteaux markets historic properties that lie far from classic tourist sights—such as Château Saint-Jean in rural Auvergne—as a welcome escape from the bustle of Paris. In Mexico, the Pueblos Mágicos program has successfully boosted domestic tourist visits to a set of “magical towns” that showcase Mexican heritage.
• Fold one-off domestic destinations into fuller itineraries. Route 66 in the United States is a classic road trip pathway, which spurs visits to attractions all along the highway’s length. Tourism stakeholders can collaborate to create similar types of domestic itineraries around the world. For instance, Mexico has expanded on its Pueblos Mágicos concept by branding coordinated visits to multiple villages as “magical routes.” In France, local tourism boards and vineyards have collaborated to promote bucket list “wine routes” around the country.
• Make crossing borders into neighboring countries seamless. Removing logistical barriers to travel can nudge tourists to upgrade a one-off trip to a single attraction into a bucket list journey across multiple, less-trodden destinations. In Africa, for example, Ethiopian Airlines is facilitating cross-border travel to major regional tourist sites through improved air connectivity. In Asia, Thailand has announced its intent to create a joint visa easing travel among Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Source markets are shifting

The United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, and France remain the world’s five largest sources of travelers, in that order. These countries collectively accounted for 38 percent of international travel spending in 2023 and are expected to remain the top five source markets through 2030. But interest in travel is blossoming in other parts of the world—causing a shift in the balance of outbound travel flows (Exhibit 3).

North Americans’ travel spending is projected to hold steady at roughly 3 percent annual growth. US consumers voice growing concerns about inflation, and the most cost-constrained traveler segments are reducing travel, which is affecting ultra-low-cost airlines and budget hotels. Most travelers, however, plan to continue traveling: McKinsey research suggests that American consumers rank international and domestic travel as their highest-priority areas for discretionary spending. Instead of canceling their trips, these consumers are adapting their behavior by traveling during off-peak periods or booking travel further in advance. Travel spending by Europeans paints a slightly rosier picture, with roughly 5 percent projected annual growth. Meanwhile, the projected 12 percent annual growth in Chinese travelers’ spending should anchor substantial increases in travel spending across Northeast Asia.

Alongside these enduring traveler segments, new groups of travelers are emerging. Eastern Europe, India, and Southeast Asia are still comparatively small source markets, but they are developing fast-growing pools of first-time tourists (Exhibit 4).

India’s breakneck GDP growth of 6 percent year over year is bolstering a new generation of travelers, 11 Benjamin Laker, “India will grow to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027,” Forbes , February 23, 2024. resulting in a projected annual growth in travel spending of 9 percent between now and 2030. Indian air carriers and lodging companies are making substantial investments to meet projected demand. Budget airline IndiGo placed the largest aircraft order in commercial aviation history in 2023, when it pledged to buy 500 Airbus A320 planes 12 Anna Cooban, “Biggest plane deal in history: Airbus clinches massive order from India’s IndiGo,” CNN, June 19, 2023. ; that same week, Air India nearly equaled IndiGo’s order size with purchase agreements for 250 Airbus and 220 Boeing jets. IndiGo later added an order for 30 additional Airbus A350 planes, well suited to serving both domestic and international routes. 13 “Airbus confirms IndiGo's A350 aircraft order,” Economic Times , May 6, 2024. The Indian Hotels Company Limited is ramping up its hotel pipeline, aiming to open two new hotels per month in the near future. International players are not sitting on the sidelines: seven hotel chains are launching new brands in India in 2024, 14 Peden Doma Bhutia, “Indian Hotels expansion plans: 2 new brands launching, 2 hotels opening every month,” Skift, February 2, 2024. including Marriott’s first Moxy- and Tribute-branded hotels in India and entrants from Hilton’s Curio and Tapestry brands. 15 Forum Gandhi, “Check-in frenzy: International hotel giants unleash fresh brands in India’s booming hospitality landscape,” Hindu Businessline , February 13, 2024. Development focus has shifted away from major metropolises such as Mumbai and Delhi and toward fast-developing, smaller cities such as Chandigarh and Hyderabad.

Southeast Asian travel spending is projected to grow at roughly 7 percent per year. Pockets of particularly high growth exist in Cambodia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. To capitalize on this blossoming source market, neighboring countries are rolling out attractive visa arrangements: for example, China has agreed to reciprocal visa waivers for short-term travelers from Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. 16 Julienna Law, “China launches ‘visa-free era’ with Southeast Asia. Will travel retail boom?,” Jing Daily , January 30, 2024.

Travel spending by Eastern Europeans is expected to grow at 7 percent per year until 2030—two percentage points higher than spending by Western Europeans. Areas of especially high growth include the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland, where middle-class travelers are increasingly venturing farther afield. Major tourism players, including the TUI Group, have tapped into these new source markets by offering charter flights to warm-weather destinations such as Egypt. 17 Hildbrandt von Klaus, “TUI develops Czech Republic as a new source market,” FVW, December 22, 2023.

Although the number of travelers from these new source markets is growing, their purchasing power remains relatively limited. Compared with Western European travelers (who average $159 per night in total travel spending), South Asians spend 20 percent less, Eastern Europeans spend 40 percent less, and Southeast Asians spend 55 percent less. Only 3 percent of the current Asian hotel construction pipeline caters to economy travelers, suggesting a potential supply gap of rooms that could appeal to budget-constrained tourists.

While acknowledging that historical source markets will continue to constitute the bulk of travel spending, tourism players can consider actions such as these to capitalize on growing travel demand from newer markets:

• Reduce obstacles to travel. Countries can look for ways to strategically invest in simplifying travel for visitors from growing source markets. In 2017, for example, Azerbaijan introduced express processing of electronic visas for Indian visitors; annual arrivals from India increased fivefold in two years. Requirements regarding passport photocopies or in-person check-ins can similarly be assessed with an eye toward reducing red tape for travelers.
• Use culturally relevant marketing channels to reach new demographics. Unique, thoughtful marketing strategies can help destinations place themselves on first-time travelers’ bucket lists. For example, after the release of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara , a popular Bollywood movie shot in Spain with support from the Spanish Ministry of Tourism, Indian tourism to Spain increased by 65 percent. 18 “ Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara part of syllabus in Spain colleges,” India Today , June 6, 2004.
• Give new travelers the tech they expect. Travelers from newer source markets often have access to tech-forward travel offerings. For example, Indian travelers can travel anywhere within their country without physical identification, thanks to the Digi Yatra app. The Southeast Asian rideshare app Grab has several helpful travel features that competitors lack, such as automated menu translation and currency conversion. Tourism stakeholders should consider how to adapt to the tech expectations of newer travelers, integrating relevant offerings that ease journeys.
• Create vibrant experiences tailored to different price points. Crafting lower-budget offerings for more cost-constrained travelers doesn’t need to result in giving them a subpar experience. Capsule hotels, in which guests sleep in small cubbies, began as a response to the high cost of accommodations in Japan, but they have become an attraction in their own right—appearing on many must-do lists. 19 Philip Tang, “24 of the best experiences in Japan,” Lonely Planet, March 23, 2024.

The places you’ll go: The destinations of the future may not be the ones you imagine

The world’s top ten destination countries (the United States, Spain, China, France, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Italy, Thailand, Japan, and India, in that order) currently receive 45 percent of all travel spending, including for domestic travel. But some new locales are gaining traction (Exhibit 5).

A significant number of travelers are expanding their horizons, booking journeys to less visited countries that are near to old standbys. For instance, Laos and Malaysia, which both border Thailand—an established destination that is home to Bangkok, the world’s most visited city 20 Katherine LaGrave, “This is the world’s most visited city,” AFAR , January 31, 2024. —are up a respective 20 percent and 17 percent, respectively, in year-over-year international travel spending.

The world’s top ten destination countries currently receive 45 percent of all travel spending, including domestic-travel spending. But some new locales are gaining traction.

Several other countries that have crafted thoughtful tourism demand generation strategies—such as Peru, the Philippines, Rwanda, and Vietnam—are also expected to reap benefits in the coming years. Vietnam logged a remarkable 40 percent increase in tourism spending in the five years before the pandemic. Postpandemic, it has rebounded in part by waiving visa requirements for European travelers (while indicating intent to offer similar exemptions in the future for Chinese and Indian travelers). 21 Ashvita Singh, “Vietnam looks to offer visa-free entry to Indians: India report,” Skift, November 20, 2023. The Philippines has made a concerted effort to shift its sun-and-beach branding toward a more well-rounded image, replacing its long-standing “It’s more fun in the Philippines” tourism slogan with “Love the Philippines.” Peru is highlighting less visited archeological sites while also marketing itself as a top-notch culinary destination through the promotion of Peruvian restaurants abroad. Rwanda is investing in infrastructure to become a major African transit hub, facilitated by Qatar Airways’ purchase of a 60 percent stake in the country’s major airport. 22 Dylan Cresswell, “Rwanda plots ambitious tourism recovery,” African Business , July 28, 2022. Rwanda has also successfully capitalized on sustainable tourism: by charging $1,500 per gorilla trekking permit, for instance, it has maximized revenue while reducing environmental impact.

Tourism players might consider taking some of these actions to lure tourists to less familiar destinations:

• Collaborate across the tourism ecosystem. Promotion is not solely the domain of destination marketing organizations. Accommodation, transportation, and experience providers can also play important roles. In Singapore, for instance, the luxury resort Marina Bay Sands partners extensively with Singapore Airlines and the Singapore Tourism Board to offer compelling tourism offerings. Past collaborations have included flight and stay packages built around culinary festivals. 23 “Singapore Tourism Board, Marina Bay Sands & UOB partner to enliven Marina Bay precinct,” Singapore Tourism Board news release, January 25, 2024.
• Use infrastructure linkage to promote new destinations. By extending route options, transportation providers can encourage visitors to create itineraries that combine familiar destinations with new attractions. In Asia, Thailand’s tourism authority has attempted to nudge visitors away from the most heavily trafficked parts of the country, such as Bangkok and Phuket, and toward less popular destinations.
• Deploy social media to reach different demographics. Innovative social media campaigns can help put a destination on the map. Australia launched its “Ruby the kangaroo” campaign in China to coincide with the return of postpandemic air capacity between the two places. A video adapted for Chinese context (with appropriate gestures and a hashtag in Mandarin) garnered more than 20 million views in a single day on one of China’s largest social media platforms. 24 Nicole Gong, “Can Ruby the kangaroo bring Chinese tourists hopping back to Australia?,” SBS, June 5, 2023.
• Embrace unknown status. “Off the beaten path” messaging can appeal to widely traveled tourists seeking fresh experiences. Saudi Arabia’s “#WhereInTheWorld” campaign promoted the country’s tourist spots by acknowledging that they are less familiar to travelers, using a series of images that compared these spots with better-known destinations.

As tourism stakeholders look to the future, they can take steps to ensure that they continue to delight existing travelers while also embracing new ones. Domestic and intraregional tourism remain major opportunities—catering to local tourists’ preferences while building infrastructure that makes travel more seamless within a region could help capture them. Creative collaboration among tourism stakeholders can help put lesser-known destinations on the map. Travel tides are shifting. Expertly navigating these currents could yield rich rewards.

Caroline Tufft is a senior partner in McKinsey’s London office, Margaux Constantin is a partner in the Dubai office, Matteo Pacca is a senior partner in the Paris office, Ryan Mann is a partner in the Chicago office, Ivan Gladstone is an associate partner in the Riyadh office, and Jasperina de Vries is an associate partner in the Amsterdam office.

The authors wish to thank Abdulhadi Alghamdi, Alessandra Powell, Alex Dichter, Cedric Tsai, Diane Vu, Elisa Wallwitz, Lily Miller, Maggie Coffey, Nadya Snezhkova, Nick Meronyk, Paulina Baum, Peimin Suo, Rebecca Stone, Sarah Fellay, Sarah Sahel, Steffen Fuchs, Steffen Köpke, Steve Saxon, Sophia Wang, and Urs Binggeli for their contributions to this article.

This article was edited by Seth Stevenson, a senior editor in the New York office.

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