More Americans Look to Move Abroad
In a striking shift that reflects both global perceptions and domestic dissatisfaction, the United States is experiencing a notable decline in tourism — while at the same time, more Americans are seriously considering a life outside the country. Recent data shows visits from international travelers to the U.S. fell by as much as 11% in March 2025, continuing a troubling trend that began in the early 2020s. Meanwhile, countries like Canada, Portugal, and Mexico are seeing increased interest from Americans seeking better opportunities, lower costs of living, and in some cases, a more stable political and social environment.
A Cooldown in Global Travel to the U.S.
For decades, the United States has been one of the world’s top travel destinations, drawing millions each year to landmarks like the Grand Canyon, Times Square, and Disney parks. But in 2025, the narrative is changing.
The latest tourism data reveals an 11% year-over-year drop in foreign visitors to the U.S. during the month of March. Travel analysts point to a mix of factors contributing to the decline: rising visa restrictions, ongoing international political tensions, and a general perception that the U.S. has become less welcoming or more unpredictable in recent years.
Airlines, hotels, and local economies are already feeling the effects. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Orlando — typically hotbeds for international travel — have seen occupancy rates dip, and major airlines are reporting fewer international bookings. The hospitality industry, still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic’s long tail, faces new challenges as a key segment of its customer base dries up.
Some industry experts warn that if the trend continues, it could stall the full recovery of the U.S. travel sector until well beyond 2026. “International travelers spend more and stay longer than domestic tourists,” said one travel economist. “This isn’t just a tourism issue — it’s an economic one.”
Why Are Americans Looking to Leave?
At the same time, more Americans are contemplating a move abroad — and not just for a few months of adventure. Permanent relocation is on the rise.
A recent survey found that roughly 4 in 10 Americans have considered moving to another country, a figure that rises significantly among younger generations. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are showing increased interest in countries that offer affordable healthcare, better work-life balance, and more affordable housing.
Economic pressures are a major driver. Inflation and the rising cost of living in the U.S. — especially in major metro areas — are pushing people to look elsewhere. Countries like Portugal, Costa Rica, and Mexico have emerged as popular choices for their lower costs, welcoming expat communities, and simpler residency options.
There’s also a growing sense of political fatigue. For some Americans, the country’s divisive political climate, contentious elections, and concerns over civil rights are prompting them to consider a clean break. In many cases, individuals are seeking not only economic relief but also a different pace and tone of civic life.
Canada: Top of the List
Among the many destinations Americans are eyeing, Canada remains at the top. Proximity, a shared language, and strong social services make it an attractive option. Since the 2016 U.S. election, Canada has consistently seen a spike in immigration inquiries from American citizens — and that trend hasn’t slowed.
Canadian cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary are regularly ranked among the most livable cities in the world. While immigration isn’t always easy — Canada has a competitive, points-based system — many Americans are now seriously investing in the process.
“We’re seeing more long-term applications now, not just people looking for work permits or study visas,” says a Canadian immigration consultant based in Toronto. “They’re coming with families, with plans to build a new life.”
The Rise of the Remote Worker and Digital Nomad
The normalization of remote work during and after the pandemic has made the idea of living abroad more realistic for a wide range of professionals. With a laptop and a reliable internet connection, people can now earn U.S. salaries while living in places where their dollars stretch much further.
Countries from Europe to Southeast Asia are responding with open arms — and specialized visas. Spain, Italy, Thailand, and Colombia all offer “digital nomad visas,” allowing remote workers to legally stay for extended periods without becoming residents.
For Americans, this is not just a lifestyle trend; it’s becoming a viable strategy to achieve financial and personal freedom that seems increasingly out of reach at home.
What This Means for the Future
Both the tourism dip and the emigration uptick reflect a shifting global role for the United States. Fewer international visitors may suggest a decline in the country’s cultural and diplomatic appeal, while the desire of many Americans to leave highlights internal dissatisfaction that policymakers can’t afford to ignore.
As international travel reshapes in a post-pandemic, politically complex world, the U.S. is at a crossroads. Rebuilding trust and appeal to global tourists will require more than advertising campaigns — it may require rethinking policy, improving infrastructure, and reconsidering how the country presents itself on the world stage.
At the same time, the U.S. may need to look inward to address the reasons so many of its own citizens are seeking greener pastures abroad. From housing affordability to healthcare access, the concerns drive
