Tourism by State - US Travel Statistics [2022]
Traveling is one of the most enriching experiences a person can have. Seeing new places, trying regional cuisine, holding conversations with the locals - it all adds up to an incredible adventure.
It's no wonder, so many people crave these moments in their life!
Did you know that traveling is also incredibly beneficial for your health? Experts have proved taking regular breaks from the daily routine can have amazing effects on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
It is said that traveling at least once a year relieves stress and anxiety.
The United States of America is an amazing country that annually attracts thousands of tourists from all around the world.
However, many American citizens also choose to travel within their country of residence. There are plenty of reasons they can't resist packing their bags every now and then!
Content:
- States visited by Americans
- Number of states Americans have visited
- Most visited states by Americans
- Least visited states by Americans
- Top 5 favorite states
- Top 5 least favorite state
- Safest states to visit
- Vermont
- Safety on the roads
- Safety on the streets
- Safety of everyday living
- Reasons to limit traveling
- Conclusion
States visited by Americans
The United States is a large country consisting of 50 states and Washington, D.C. With its fantastic blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and fascinating history, America is an incredible place to explore.
Whether it's long weekends spent sunbathing in Hawaii, exploring the rural countryside in Montana, or taking in majestic mountain views from Colorado, there's so much to discover.
Americans have long been traveling through their own country, experiencing its vast and varied terrain. From bustling cities to quaint towns, majestic mountains to pristine beaches, there's something for every kind of traveler.
While some take up the challenge of visiting every state of the USA, others prefer to travel locally.
When it comes to the United States, each state offers something unique and special for visitors. Wherever you go, you'll find something new and exciting!
Number of states Americans have visited
You may wonder how often Americans travel beyond their state of residence. The specialized team of YouGovAmerica has recently conducted research on this topic.
In the questionnaire, a selected number of American citizens were asked about the number of states they managed to visit in 2022.
How many states have Americans visited?
- 1 state - 11%
- 2 - 5 states - 9%
- 6 - 9 states - 13%
- 10 - 14 states - 18%
- 15 - 19 states - 14%
- 20 - 24 states - 9%
- 25 - 29 states - 9%
- 30 - 34 states - 6%
- 35 - 39 states - 4%
- 40 - 44 states - 3%
- 45 - 49 states - 3%
- 50 - 51 states - 2%
The survey results allowed the researchers to come up with a conclusion that one out of ten Americans preferred to stay in their state of residence rather than visit other destinations.
However, you must remember many people decided to limit traveling to a minimum due to the pandemic of COVID-19 virus. In the following years, this data may change significantly.
Nevertheless, there are plenty of travelers who managed to visit from six to fourteen states in 2022 (31% of the participants). Moreover, only 18% of the respondents traveled to more than 30 states.
Most visited states by Americans
There's an overwhelming number of states to choose from while planning a vacation to America. The United States is very popular among foreign visitors, enchanted by its beautiful scenery, rich culture, and history-laden attractions. However, locals also have their favorite states to visit.
Top 5 states often visited by Americans in 2022:
- Florida - 61%
- New York - 55%
- California - 54%
- Texas - 52%
- Pennsylvania - 48%
Florida ranks as the top state to which Americans traveled in 2022. It does not come as a surprise since Florida offers visitors unforgettable experiences with its golden sand beaches, unique cityscapes, and stunning natural parks. It is known not only for its sunny weather but also for traditional tourist attractions such as Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort.
Least visited states by Americans
Apart from the most popular destinations among traveling Americans, the conducted survey also researched the states that were visited less often. They may turn out to be a perfect fit for those searching for a unique travel experience and an adventurous, off-the-beaten-path vacation.
Top 5 states rarely visited by Americans in 2022:
- Nebraska - 19%
- Montana - 19%
- Idaho - 19%
- North Dakota - 15%
- Alaska - 13%
According to the survey results, the least popular states among American tourists are Nebraska, Montana, Idaho, North Dakota, and Alaska. It should be noted that the following states are located in the Northern part of the United States, resulting in lower temperatures and cooler climate - many people prefer spending their holidays enjoying beach sports and sunny weather.
Top 5 favorite states
The American travelers were also asked about their favorite states to visit in the United States. The results were very diverse, with none of the states scoring a double-digit.
Top 5 favorite states:
- Florida - 9%
- California - 8%
- Hawaii - 7%
- New York - 5%
- Texas - 5%
The final rating corresponds to the survey analyzing the most visited American states, as Florida, California, New York, and Texas appear in both graphs. Interestingly, Hawaii turns out to be the state that is not the first destination Americans have in mind while planning their travel, but once they spend some time there, it becomes one of their favorites.
Top 5 least favorite state
The same questionnaire asked the respondents about their least favorite destinations in the United States. Once again, none of the results scored a double-digit number, proving the high level of diversity of the results.
Top 5 least favorite states:
- California - 7%
- Texas - 6%
- Florida - 5%
- New York - 5%
- New Jersey - 3%
Despite being among the most frequently visited states, California, New York, and Texas scored a relatively low number in the poll. In many cases, these destinations were considered by American tourists overrated, given more value than their actual worth. Multiple travelers claimed their low satisfaction with the trip was connected to their high expectations considering visiting renowned places.
Safest states to visit
Whether it's a weekend getaway or a month-long vacation, it's always important to plan ahead and make sure that you're keeping yourself safe during your travel. The safer the state seems, the more probable it is to become a tourist destination.
Top 10 safest states to visit in America:
- Vermont
- Maine
- New Hampshire
- Utah
- Hawaii
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- Minnesota
- Washington
- Rhode Island
Vermont
Based on metrics selected by WalletHub, Vermont is considered the safest state in the United States. It is especially safe regarding workspace safety, standing at the top of the list. Vermont also ranked second place in terms of personal and residential security. What is more, it is considered one of the safest states according to the FBI's statistics on violent crimes.
Safety on the roads
Concerning safety on the roads, Massachusetts (scoring sixth place in the general ranking of the safest states to visit) is the state with the least amount of road accidents in 2022. A state considered rather dangerous, taking into consideration fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles of travel, is South Carolina.
Safety on the streets
As of 2022, New Jersey has the most police officers in comparison to civilians - it makes all the visitors feel a little safer, knowing there are numerous officers who patrol the area. On the contrary, Washington, D.C., has the lowest police officers to civilians ratio.
Maine is the safest state concerning the number of assaults compared to the population of the state. However, Alaska and New Mexico scored the lowest in this category, giving the impression of rather unsafe states, especially while traveling alone.
Safety of everyday living
The international economic situation was threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic, making many collapse under the pressure of the lockdowns. In spite of that, the current unemployment rate is equally low in the American states of New Hampshire, Minnesota, Missouri, South Dakota, and Utah. On the contrary, the state with the most unemployed citizens is Nevada.
For many travelers, it is essential that the state they intend to visit guarantees high-quality healthcare. Everyone wishes to spend their holidays in a relaxing way, however, it is better to be safe than sorry and ensure the best security measures. The top three states ranked by health care are Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Reasons to limit traveling
Do you ever find yourself wishing for a vacation but feeling hesitant to go? Recently, experts have observed a decrease in the number of active tourists. There may be a lot of reasons people feel hesitant to go on a vacation. It may concern their finances, health, or fear of the unknown.
What are the main concerns of Americans while traveling?
- COVID-19 infection - 30%
- economic stability - 34%
- environmental concerns - 54%
The survey proved that many travelers decided to limit their excursions due to the fear of COVID-19 infection. Over 75% of the respondents also claimed to purchase health insurance while planning their holidays.
More than half of the participants said they are cutting back on travel to reduce pollution.
Conclusion
Traveling within the United States is a wonderful way to explore the country and discover new places. From vibrant cities to rugged coastlines and majestic mountain ranges, there is something for everyone!
Pop into New York for shopping, sightseeing, and fine dining, take a sunny beach vacation in Florida's hottest beaches or experience Texas' famous hospitality. For outdoor enthusiasts, numerous national parks provide endless land, sea, and sky adventures.
The United States is so inspiring and exciting, no wonder its nationals love to travel within the country. In 2022, only one out of ten Americans stayed in their state of residence. Florida, New York, and California became the most visited states by local tourists. At the same time, Alaska was ranked as the least attractive state, visited only by 13% of American travelers.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people decided to limit their travels to an absolute minimum. For some, covid restrictions and travel requirements were too strict, while others didn't want to risk being infected. Luckily, as the pandemic is in retreat, more people return to one of their favorite hobbies - traveling.
Sources
YouGovAmerica
WalletHub
America's Health Rankings
World Population Review
