Why It’s A Top Destination For Americans

American travel has been experiencing significant chaos and decline lately. It’s largely due to the country’s heightened border controls and the U.S. government’s new “Draconian” travel ban on tourists from different countries. These Trump-era policies have sparked global fears, with a projected massive fall in international visitor spending in the U.S., from $181 billion in 2024 to $169 billion this 2025.

But there have also been shifts in the behaviors of U.S. travelers. More and more Americans are turning to less popular destinations. Typically, busy places have been grappling with a major visitor decline, like Las Vegas, which is currently going viral for its empty airport.

With an increased desire for calmer escapes, Americans are turning to international destinations, and Greece is the top-searched spot. Read on to learn more about the growing American fascination with Greece and its lesser-known islands.

This Top Holiday Destination For Americans Is Stealing The Spotlight

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Kinglike Concierge, a luxury travel company, recently analyzed Google Trends data from January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025. They found that during this period, Greece was the highest-searched international destination among American travelers. The European nation consistently led the searches across nine U.S. states, including Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. It’s no surprise, given the diverse and immersive experiences Greece has to offer every traveler.

History enthusiasts can enjoy the ancient sites in Athens, particularly the Acropolis. City explorers also have so much to see in Athens’ vibrant neighborhoods, such as the picturesque Plaka and Monastiraki, where heritage, shopping, and amazing cuisine collide. Of course, partygoers and luxury travelers are bound to end up on the island of Mykonos for some glamorous nightlife, along with high-energy crowds, upscale beach clubs, and high-end boutiques.

But Americans are actually skipping these classic Greek destinations, including the romantic volcanic island of Santorini, which is known for its whitewashed villages perched on cliffs rising from the Aegean Sea. More Americans are now opting for “quiet travel,” “calmcations,” or “soft travel.” According to Expedia’s Unpack ’25, 63% of travelers are likely to visit a detour destination in 2025. As a result, American tourists are trading bucket-list spots in Greece for its lesser-known islands. This shift reflects a growing desire among Americans for more meaningful, sustainable travel, where a genuine connection to the community and culture overtakes the desire to see famous tourist attractions.

These off-the-beaten-path locations offer American travelers a more authentic taste of Greek island life. Visitors can enjoy the quaint villages and stunning beaches, stay in locally-owned B&Bs, and eat in family-owned restaurants, immersing themselves more in the Greek culture.

American Travelers Are Drawn To Greece’s Lesser-Known Islands

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In February 2025, vacation rental platform HomeToGo saw a surge in U.S. searches for the Greek islands of Crete, Naxos, Lefkada, and Zakynthos. Crete—the largest and most popular island in Greece—can get overcrowded, especially during the peak summer months of July and August. But the islands of Naxos, Lefkada, and Zakynthos are not as tourist-heavy due to their lack of an established international reputation, which then attracts Americans looking for quieter escapes.

U.S. Travelers’ Most-Searched Greek Destinations

• Crete – 390% increase from October 7, 2024, to January 7, 2025
• Naxos – 327%
• Lefkada – 189%
• Zakynthos – 175%

These islands are easily accessible from the mainland and other busier islands. Lefkada, with its floating bridge connecting to the mainland, has historically drawn domestic Greek and Eastern European travelers who prefer traveling by car. It boasts turquoise beaches and charming villages, away from the crowds of the busier islands. Lefkada is also a world-class windsurfing destination.

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Zakynthos (also known as Zante), which is also on the Ionian Islands like Lefkada, used to drive away tourists after its traditional Venetian structures were ruined by a massive earthquake in 1953. Now, it’s becoming a classic Mediterranean destination. Zakynthos boasts a mix of vibrant nightlife, relaxation, and culture, making it the perfect island no matter what type of traveler you are. It also has many nesting sites for loggerhead turtles and lush olive groves, so nature lovers will be in paradise.

Naxos, located in the Cyclades—a group of 220 Greek islands in the south Aegean Sea—is just a ferry ride from Santorini and Mykonos. Naxos, which boasts a laid-back, family-friendly charm, has long been overlooked due to its high-profile neighbors. The island is home to ancient ruins and delicious local cuisine, making it ideal for travelers in search of an authentic taste of Greece. Recently, Lefkada and Zakynthos have become busier during the peak summer months as well.

As it turns out, these new travel trends have left the popular Santorini facing a major travel decline in 2025. Its hotel income has dropped by 22.1% during this year’s second quarter, after a record 2.6% increase during the same time in 2024. As the “new peak travel period” of fall travel begins, American travelers are expected to head out to non-staple Greek islands, which might become the country’s “it” places by 2026.

Greece Is Highly Welcoming To American Tourists

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Another factor in the rise of U.S. travel to Greece is the latter’s friendliness to American tourists. Amid the anti-tourism protests in other parts of Europe, Greece remains highly welcoming to American tourists. It’s widely attributed to the significant economic contributions of American tourism in Greece.

But another possible reason is Greece’s deep-rooted concept of filoxenia (philoxenia) or “love of the stranger.” Every visitor is then treated with hospitality and generosity. This also makes it easy for American travelers to explore the local culture of every place they visit out there. Many Greek destinations combine historical, cultural, gastronomical, and natural attractions—all waiting to be experienced beyond tourism.

Lastly, traveling from the U.S. to Greece is also convenient, especially with the new direct flights via American Airlines. Airfares and hotel prices in Greece are also dropping as the shoulder season approaches. So if you haven’t booked that flight yet, a little strategic last-minute flight booking can still get you affordable deals. Luckily, there’s no “too late” when visiting Greece, thanks to its year-round summer vibes.