Some 387,000 Americans also flocked to the United Arab Emirates for its glitzy hotels, man-made islands and desert safaris. Top attractions include soaking up the views over Dubai from the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building the world, shopping the souks and sunbathing on Abu Dhabi’s golden sand beaches. 

From cosmopolitan Sydney with its stunning harbour and Opera House to the dazzling underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia is a captivating country. It's also increasingly popular with Americans, with 457,000 travelling here in 2016. Grape-lovers head to Adelaide, Australia’s wine capital, where there are some 200 wineries. Western Australia is a lesser-visited but no-less fantastic area.

Neck and neck with Thailand is Hong Kong, which also welcomed 562,000 US visitors in 2016. Here, China and Britain have created a fast paced city, famous for its iconic skyline, incredible food and deep natural harbour. For a jaw dropping view over the glittering city, take the tram up to The Peak, Hong Kong's highest point. Inspired? Read our Hong Kong guide here.

This tiny Dutch Caribbean island, 15 miles from Venezuela, lured 703,000 US travellers with the promise of white sand beaches, turquoise waters and 82 degree temperatures. When visitors tire of the coastal resorts, they can head to Arikok National Park, a desert-like preserve with crashing waves, hidden beaches, caves and dramatic rock formations. Want somewhere a little quieter in the Caribbean? Try these little-visited islands.

The Netherlands may be small, but it certainly packs a punch. The country attracted 914,000 US visitors in 2016 and its capital, Amsterdam, remains of the world’s most visited cities. Famous for its winding canals, galleries and Red Light District, Amsterdam’s narrow streets are dotted with independent boutiques and bars. Springtime visitors head to the stunning tulip fields at Bolenstreek, just 20 minutes away. Read our guide to the tulip fields here.

The Emerald Isle captivated 949,000 US visitors in 2016, enticed here by the verdant landscape, medieval castles and craggy coastline. Dublin, the capital, is a brilliant city break and sipping a Guinness in the brewery's Storehouse is a must-do. Discover some of the island's hidden treasures here, or plan a trip along the Wild Atlantic Way with this guide.

Japan offers Buddhist temples and ancient shrines, alongside ultramodern cities and pristine islands. Highlights include discovering the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, exploring the grand palaces and gardens of Kyoto and relaxing in an onsen (hot spring) in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. No wonder 984,000 Americans travelled here in 2016. Find out why we love Japan for a family vacation.

US visits to India have risen by over a quarter in the last four years, with a whopping 1.2 million Americans arriving in 2016. Top attractions include Agra’s Taj Mahal and the tranquil state of Kerala, with its tea plantations, mesmerising backwaters, spectacular temples and gently spiced curries. See a few of India's most beautiful sights here.

Spain’s staggeringly beautiful cathedrals, incredible art galleries and dramatic palaces have earned it its place as the second most visited country in the world, with American visitors numbering 1.4 million in 2016. Unmissable sights include Granada’s Alhambra palace complex, with its stunning terraced gardens, and Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, in Barcelona. Incomplete it may be, but it remains Spain’s most visited monument, and for good reason. Find out which Spanish city suits your vacation style.

France’s chic coastal resorts, snow-capped mountains and sophisticated cities make it the fourth most popular choice amongst US travellers, with 2,178,000 visits in 2016. Whilst the rolling vineyards definitely draw the crowds, Paris is the headline attraction. Whether you’re watching the sunset from the Eiffel Tower or admiring the art at the Louvre, the city oozes romance. Of course nearby Disneyland is another major draw, with its magical, action-packed adventures. 

Over 50 million tourists descended on Italy in 2016, eager to experience a slice of its art, architecture and ancient Roman treasures. Some 
2.2 million of these were Americans, many of whom were keen to explore the ruins of Pompeii, or visit dreamy Venice, the charming city seemingly built on water. Read our guide to Rome if you're heading to the capital.

The UK may be small, but in tourism terms it’s mighty. Over three million (3,197,000 to be precise) Americans flocked here in 2016, drawn to the rolling countryside and pretty towns, imbued with history. Iconic landmarks include dramatic Edinburgh Castle, perched on its craggy rock, Stonehenge and Bath’s magnificent Roman Baths. London frequently wins the accolade of the most visited city on Earth, with visitors eager to experience Big Ben, Tower Bridge and world-class art galleries.