12 International Trips Americans Should Take At Least Once
Stepping beyond U.S. borders isn’t just a vacation it’s a doorway to a whole new way of seeing the world. From ancient cities and dramatic landscapes to buzzing urban hubs, global travel unlocks experiences that stay with you long after you’ve unpacked.
Whether you’re chasing culture, nature, or once-in-a-lifetime thrills, the world is packed with places that will challenge, inspire, and completely captivate you.
These twelve international adventures are musts for any American traveler looking to go deeper, feel more, and collect stories worth telling for a lifetime. Ready to see what’s out there?
1. Iceland’s Ring Road Adventure
Few places on Earth match Iceland’s otherworldly beauty massive waterfalls such as Gullfoss plunge into foggy gorges while geysers launch boiling water into the air.
The Ring Road takes you around the entire island, passing black sand beaches where icebergs wash ashore like scattered diamonds. Hot springs offer perfect relaxation after long days of exploration.
Winter visits reward you with dancing Northern Lights painting the sky in green and purple hues. Summer brings midnight sun and lupine flowers covering the countryside in vibrant purple carpets.
2. Japan’s Cultural Immersion Experience
Few places balance the old and the new like Japan, where Tokyo’s vibrant, illuminated streets contrast beautifully with the quiet grace of centuries-old temples.
Cherry blossom season transforms the country into a pink wonderland where families gather for hanami picnics under blooming trees. Traditional ryokans provide authentic experiences with tatami mats, futon beds, and elaborate kaiseki dinners.
Bullet trains whisk you between cities at incredible speeds, making it easy to explore multiple regions. From sushi markets to zen gardens, every moment teaches you something new about this fascinating culture.
3. Italy’s Culinary and Historical Journey
Italy serves up history and incredible food on every street corner, making each meal an unforgettable experience. Rome’s Colosseum and Vatican City showcase thousands of years of art and architecture that shaped Western civilization.
Tuscany’s rolling hills dotted with vineyards create picture-perfect landscapes where you can taste world-famous wines. Florence houses Renaissance masterpieces while Venice offers romantic gondola rides through centuries-old canals.
Regional cuisines vary dramatically from north to south, giving you endless opportunities to discover authentic flavors. Fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, and gelato taste completely different when enjoyed in their homeland.
4. New Zealand’s Adventure Paradise
Few places rival New Zealand’s range of experiences, where Fiordland’s dramatic scenery leaves visitors questioning if such beauty can truly exist.
Adventure activities range from bungee jumping off towering bridges to white-water rafting through pristine wilderness. The country’s compact size lets you experience snow-capped mountains and subtropical beaches within hours of each other.
Friendly locals called Kiwis welcome visitors warmly while sharing stories about their unique culture. Lord of the Rings filming locations bring fantasy worlds to life across breathtaking landscapes you can actually explore.
5. Morocco’s Exotic Cultural Experience
Wandering through Morocco feels like stepping into a tale from One Thousand and One Nights, especially in Marrakech’s souks, where artisans, spices, and colors blend into pure magic.
The Atlas Mountains offer stunning hiking opportunities through Berber villages where time seems to stand still. Sahara Desert camps provide magical nights under star-filled skies you’ll never forget.
Traditional riads feature intricate tilework and peaceful courtyards that offer respite from busy medina streets. Tagines and mint tea introduce your taste buds to North African flavors that blend Arabic, African, and Mediterranean influences perfectly.
6. Greece’s Island Hopping Adventure
From ancient ruins to sun-drenched islands, Greece enchants at every turn especially in Santorini, where fiery sunsets light up its famous white-washed villages.
Island hopping by ferry reveals hidden gems where you can swim in crystal-clear waters and explore charming fishing villages. Ancient ruins like the Parthenon connect you directly to the birthplace of democracy and Western philosophy.
Greek hospitality shines through family-run tavernas serving fresh seafood and traditional dishes passed down through generations. Each island offers unique character, from party-filled Mykonos to peaceful Naxos with its pristine beaches and ancient temples.
7. Australia’s Outback and Reef Exploration
Offering two vastly different realms, Australia’s wild beauty shines above and below the surface especially at the Great Barrier Reef, home to dazzling marine life and vibrant corals.
Uluru rises majestically from the red desert, creating spiritual experiences that connect you to Aboriginal culture spanning thousands of years. Sydney’s harbor bridge and opera house provide iconic urban experiences alongside world-class beaches.
Unique wildlife encounters let you meet kangaroos, koalas, and other creatures found nowhere else on Earth. The vast distances between destinations give you appreciation for this continent’s incredible size and the resilience of people who call it home.
8. Peru’s Machu Picchu Pilgrimage
Amidst the breathtaking Andean landscape, Machu Picchu’s perfectly aligned stones reveal Peru’s timeless mastery, leaving scientists to ponder how such precision was achieved.
The Inca Trail challenges hikers with high-altitude paths that reward you with breathtaking views and a deep sense of accomplishment. Cusco’s colonial architecture built on Inca foundations shows how civilizations layered throughout history.
Local markets burst with colorful textiles, exotic fruits, and traditional crafts that reflect indigenous cultures thriving today. Alpaca wool products and quinoa dishes introduce you to sustainable practices these communities perfected centuries ago.
9. Norway’s Fjord and Northern Lights Quest
Norway’s fjords carve dramatic pathways through mountains that took millions of years to create these natural masterpieces. Geiranger and Nærøyfjord showcase towering waterfalls plunging from impossible heights into deep blue waters.
Winter transforms the landscape into a Northern Lights theater where green curtains dance across star-filled skies. Summer brings midnight sun that never sets, creating surreal experiences of endless daylight.
Cruise ships navigate narrow passages between towering cliffs while hiking trails lead to spectacular viewpoints. Traditional stave churches and fishing villages preserve Viking heritage that shaped this rugged coastline for over a thousand years.
10. Thailand’s Tropical Paradise Discovery
From warm hospitality to unforgettable cuisine, Thailand captivates at every turn especially in Bangkok, where ancient temples share the skyline with modern high-rises and bustling markets.
Island paradises like Phuket and Koh Phi Phi offer crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling among tropical fish. Traditional longtail boats transport you to hidden lagoons surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs.
Street food adventures introduce your taste buds to pad thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice that taste nothing like versions back home. Buddhist temples provide peaceful moments for reflection while tuk-tuk rides offer exciting city exploration adventures.
11. Egypt’s Ancient Wonders Expedition
Egypt preserves humanity’s most impressive ancient achievements that continue to inspire wonder and mystery today. The Great Pyramid of Giza stands as the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World, defying explanation for its construction methods.
Nile River cruises transport you past temples where pharaohs once ruled vast empires spanning thousands of years. Hieroglyphics cover tomb walls with stories and artwork that survived longer than most civilizations.
Valley of the Kings reveals burial chambers filled with treasures meant to accompany rulers into the afterlife. Modern Cairo bustles with energy while preserving Islamic architecture and traditional bazaars where you can practice ancient bargaining skills.
12. Croatia’s Adriatic Coast Adventure
Along Croatia’s gorgeous coastline, Dubrovnik shines brightest its ancient stone defenses shelter a perfectly preserved old town now known to millions of Game of Thrones fans.
Plitvice Lakes cascade through sixteen terraced pools creating turquoise waters surrounded by lush forests. Island hopping reveals hidden coves and charming fishing villages where time moves at a relaxed pace.
Local wines and fresh seafood pair perfectly with sunset dinners overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Medieval architecture tells stories of Venetian influences while modern Croatia offers excellent infrastructure for comfortable travel throughout this emerging European gem.