These Are The Most Popular International Travel Destinations From North Carolina

There were 293227 passports issued in North Carolina in 2022. And in the entirety of the United States? Nearly 12 million passports were issued. That's a lot of demand for international travel. And I was one of those people. And I believe it because trying to make an appointment was crazy! In fact, I had to drive an hour to Maiden, NC, and pay rush shipping, and for the passport to be expedited. It was well worth it though! This surge in passports can be attributed to the fact that many people felt comfortable traveling for the first time in a few years. Also, that restrictions were eased to get in and out of countries. So where were all these people going? Our friends at AirportParkingReservations.com found out. They set out to find the most popular travel destinations from each state including from North Carolina.

They analyzed search data using Google Keyword Planner to see what international destinations were the most searched-for flights among prospective travelers. And you may be surprised at the most popular destinations that North Carolinians are traveling to. You'll find information not just on international destinations but also domestic ones as well. I agree with a lot of the choices, though some of them I wouldn't have expected. Though I paid enough for that passport I need to book another trip to get some use of it. Catch me jet setting here soon! You can read the full study and methodology here or keep reading to see the most popular travel destinations from North Carolina and the entirety of the United States.

The most searched for flights were to Japan. In case you're wondering that's about a 16.5-hour flight from Charlotte to Tokyo. I'm all for seeing Japan, but wow that would be hard to tolerate! That being said Japan is a wonderful destination. AirportParkingReservations describes Japan in this way:

"One of the oldest civilizations, Japan has a stunning and varied past and has ranked number one across the US. The beautiful, diversified landscape, which the Japanese love for its mountains and breath-taking views, offers so many distinct experiences that attract travelers from all over the world, including Americans."

Mexico makes perfect sense coming in at number 2 on this list. It's convenience to the US and tropical climate, not to mention the multitude of all-inclusive resorts, make it an easy vacation destination. It's about a 4 hour's flight from North Carolina depending on which part of Mexico you're headed to! The article states that "Mexico is indeed a tropical treasure cove, with its stunning beaches and cities bursting with ancient architecture."

Greece would certainly be my pick of these three destinations. It's rich in culture, and those views of the Mediterranean Sea I would imagine they are to die for. They'd certainly be worth the 11+ hour flight.

Who knew Michigan was such a travel hotspot? The rest of the cities included in NC's top 5 makes sense to me. This one leaves me scratching my head a little. But AirportParkingReservations says that "Michigan is known for incredible hiking, fishing, and water activities". Have fun guys I think I'm skipping out on this one at least til I check some other states off of my bucket list first.

Between travel for vacation, work, and visiting family New York is a predictable destination to end up on this list. In fact, I was probably one of these searches as I flew from NC to NYC this fall. Just New York City alone is home to world class entertainment, shopping, dining, and of course everything Christmas in the city has to offer. Many people also fly to other areas of New York including Buffalo and Syracuse.

If you offered me a free domestic flight to anywhere right now, I wouldn't think twice before choosing Hawaii. The world class beaches and hotels combined with rainforests and volcanos? Count me in. This lush tropical paradise is always a top travel destination so it's no wonder North Carolinians are searching for flights there!

Florida was tons for visitors to do from it's Atlantic and Gulf beaches, to theme parks, and nightlife. And it's such an easy flight from North Carolina.

California is another top vacation destination, and combined with it's massive size, I'd be shocked if it wasn't on this list. The year round good weather, beaches, national parks, and thriving cities make it a hotspot for travelers.

1. Japan (TIE)

1. Mexico (TIE)

3. Italy

4. Greece

5. India

Japan (18)

Italy (18)

Greece (8)

Ireland (4)

India (1)

Australia (1)

**These are the number of states that had the respective country as their top searched destination**

1. Michigan (TIE)

1. Hawaii (TIE)

3. New York

4. Florida

5. Pennsylvania