The Top Countries Visited by UK Tourists—Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Portugal, and the USA—are magnetic destinations that draw millions of Brits with their sun-soaked beaches, rich histories, and vibrant cities. In 2023, UK residents made 86.2 million outbound trips, followed by an estimated 88.3 million in 2024, with VisitBritain projecting a record 45 million in 2025. This comprehensive guide explores why the Top Countries Visited by UK Tourists are must-visits, compares travel trends across 2023, 2024, and 2025, and highlights the best, cheapest, and top-rated hotels in key cities. Plan your 2025 adventure now to secure unbeatable deals and experience these global hotspots!
Why the Top Countries Visited by UK Tourists Are So Popular
The Top Countries Visited by UK Tourists offer a perfect blend of accessibility, affordability, and diverse attractions. Here’s why they’re top picks for Brits:
- Proximity and Value: Short flights to Spain and France, plus budget-friendly package holidays, make Europe a go-to, rivaling the appeal of the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK.
- Cultural Gems: Italy’s ancient ruins and France’s art scene deliver world-class experiences.
- Sunny Escapes: Greece and Portugal’s Mediterranean climates are ideal for beach lovers.
- Adventure and Iconic Sites: The USA’s New York and Orlando offer thrills, while emerging spots like the Azores add novelty.
- Sustainable Travel: 2025’s focus on eco-friendly destinations like Greenland appeals to conscious travelers.
With a projected 45 million trips in 2025, the Top Countries Visited by UK Tourists are hotter than ever. Let’s compare travel trends and dive into the best destinations and hotels.
Comparing UK Outbound Travel: 2023, 2024, and 2025
2023: Post-COVID Recovery
- Visitors: 86.2 million outbound trips, up 21% from 2022, with Spain (17.8 million), France (10.2 million), and Italy (6.5 million) leading.
- Spending: £65.7 billion, with an average of £762 per trip, constrained by inflation.
- Trends: 77% of trips were to Europe, with 64% for holidays. Package deals to Spain and Greece thrived, and northern Spain emerged as a fresh pick.
- Context: The Top Countries Visited by UK Tourists saw a travel boom, but cost-of-living pressures favored budget options.
2024: Sustained Momentum
- Visitors: Estimated 88.3 million trips, with 43.4 million in Jan–June. Spain (~9 million) and France (~5 million, boosted by the Paris Olympics) dominated.
- Spending: £68.4 billion, up 4%, with £775 per trip. Long-haul trips (e.g., USA) saw shorter stays.
- Trends: Short-haul Europe trips grew, with the Azores and Eastern Europe gaining traction. Sustainability shaped choices, as noted: “emerging destinations like the Azores and Greenland.”
- Context: The Top Countries Visited by UK Tourists in 2024 offered “unbeatable experiences” with diverse hotels, from Shangri-La Paris to ibis Budget Málaga Centro.
2025: Record-Breaking Demand
- Visitors: Projected 45 million trips (full-year estimate ~90 million), up 5% from 2024, surpassing 2019’s 93 million.
- Spending: Forecasted at £71.1 billion, with ~£790 per trip, reflecting confidence in Europe.
- Trends: Sustainable travel rises, with Greenland, Botswana, Georgia, and Kazakhstan drawing adventurous Brits. Spain’s Balearic Islands will lead bookings.
- Context: The Top Countries Visited by UK Tourists in 2025 build on 2024’s buzz, with early planning key to securing deals, as urged in the original text.
Top Destinations and Hotels in the Top Countries Visited by UK Tourists
Below are key cities in the Top Countries Visited by UK Tourists for 2025, with the best, cheapest, and top-rated hotels based on 2024 trends and 2025 projections.
1. Spain
City: Barcelona (La Rambla, Sagrada Família)
- Top-Rated: W Barcelona – 5-star beachfront with rooftop bar, ~£400/night. Ideal for luxury seekers.
- Best Value: Room Mate Pau – Stylish 3-star near Plaça de Catalunya, ~£100/night. Perfect for city explorers.
- Cheapest: ibis Barcelona Centro – Budget-friendly near Gaudí landmarks, ~£60/night. Great for value.
2. France
City: Paris (Eiffel Tower, Louvre)
- Top-Rated: Shangri-La Paris – 5-star with Eiffel Tower views, ~£700/night. Perfect for romantic getaways.
- Best Value: Hôtel de la Place du Louvre – Charming 3-star near the Louvre, ~£120/night. Ideal for culture lovers.
- Cheapest: ibis Paris Bastille – Affordable near metro, ~£50/night. Great for budget travelers.
3. Italy
City: Rome (Vatican, Trevi Fountain)
- Top-Rated: Hassler Roma – 5-star above Spanish Steps, ~£450/night. Ideal for history buffs.
- Best Value: Hotel Santa Maria – Cozy 3-star in Trastevere, ~£130/night. Perfect for foodies.
- Cheapest: Hotel Nord Nuova Roma – Budget 3-star near Termini, ~£70/night. Great for convenience.
4. Greece
City/Island: Santorini (Fira, caldera views)
- Top-Rated: Grace Hotel Santorini – 5-star cave suites, ~£400/night. Perfect for honeymoons.
- Best Value: Kallisto Hotel – 4-star with pool in Imerovigli, ~£110/night. Ideal for couples.
- Cheapest: Villa Manos – Budget hotel with sea views, ~£60/night. Great for value.
5. Portugal
City: Lisbon (Jerónimos Monastery, LX Factory)
- Top-Rated: Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon – 5-star with art-filled rooms, ~£250/night. Ideal for luxury.
- Best Value: Memmo Alfama – Boutique 4-star in Alfama, ~£100/night. Perfect for charm seekers.
- Cheapest: ibis Lisboa Centro – Budget near metro, ~£50/night. Great for budget stays.
6. United States
City: New York (Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge)
- Top-Rated: The St. Regis New York – 5-star on Fifth Avenue, ~£600/night. Ideal for upscale city breaks.
- Best Value: Arlo SoHo – Trendy 4-star in SoHo, ~£120/night. Perfect for urban adventurers.
- Cheapest: HI NYC Hostel – Budget dorms near Central Park, ~£80/night. Great for young travelers.
Why Plan Your 2025 Trip to the Top Countries Visited by UK Tourists Now?
Planning early for the Top Countries Visited by UK Tourists in 2025 offers big advantages:
- Save Money: In 2023, late bookings cost 20–30% more; 2024’s early bookers saved ~25%. In 2025, expect 30–40% savings on flights to Spain or hotels in Greece by booking now.
- Avoid Crowds: 2023’s summer rush and 2024’s Olympic crowds highlight the value of off-peak travel (April–May, September–October) in 2025.
- More Hotel Choices: 2024’s diverse options (e.g., Shangri-La Paris, ibis Budget Málaga Centro) were easier for early bookers; 2025’s 45 million trips will limit availability.
Planning Tips for the Top Countries Visited by UK Tourists in 2025
Maximize your trip with these tips:
- Book Early: Use The Ultimate Guide to Booking Cheap Flights with Nomadoverse for deals to Italy or the USA.
- Travel Off-Peak: Spring or autumn reduces crowds in Greece and Portugal.
- Go Sustainable: Explore eco-friendly spots like the Azores or Greenland.
- Combine Trips: Pair international travel with UK visits to the Top 10 Most Visited Cities in UK like Edinburgh.
Start Your 2025 Journey to the Top Countries Visited by UK Tourists!
The Top Countries Visited by UK Tourists are set for a record-breaking 2025, with 45 million trips projected. From Spain’s vibrant Barcelona to New York’s iconic skyline, these destinations offer sun, culture, and adventure. Compared to 2023’s recovery (86.2 million trips) and 2024’s growth (88.3 million), 2025 promises even more excitement. Book now to secure deals on hotels like W Barcelona or ibis Paris Bastille and explore the Top Countries Visited by UK Tourists in style!