These Are the Top 10 Adventure Trips Americans Booked This Summer

While Europe dominates, U.S. travelers are opting for more meaningful itineraries.

American travelers are in search of a different kind of adventure this summer, heading outside of the country for more meaningful experiences. Intrepid Travel revealed the top trips Americans have booked for summer 2023, and Iceland and Morocco topped the list.

“This is a historic summer for tourism, and American travelers are looking to do something different, get out of their comfort zone, and have genuine experiences,” Matt Berna, Intrepid Travel's president and general manager, told Travel + Leisure. “They are gravitating toward trips that are active and immersive in culture while giving back to local communities.”

The Australia-based travel company, known for its mindfully curated itineraries, said that its 8-day Iceland Discovery, which loops around the entire island nation, was the most booked this summer by U.S. travelers. While the trip hits the country’s most famed spots — like Reykjavik, the Golden Circle, and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon — it also ventures out to the rugged East Fjords, the stunning Snæfellsnes peninsula, and one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls: Dettifoss in Vatnajökull National Park. Its 5-day Iceland Express trip, which covers the highlights from the capital to Jökulsárlón, was also a popular choice for Americans, coming in as the ninth most popular itinerary.

Berna said travelers are drawn to Iceland for its “mysterious and ethereal with its glaciers, waterfalls, geothermal springs, and aurora borealis.” On his own visit there, he was taken by “the natural wonders, the wide-open spaces, and the clean, clear light." He added: "But I especially love the individuality of the people of Iceland. Everyone has their own unique style and flair. Icelanders are some of the most friendly, welcoming, and hard-working people I have met on my travels."

The second most booked trip this summer is the 13-day Morocco Uncovered, an immersive and eclectic itinerary, starting in Casablanca and checking off all of the North African country’s highlights, including Meknes, Chefchaouen, Fez, Aït Ben-Haddou, and Marrakech. A 15-day Best of Morocco trip, with a slightly different route — including train travel between Casablanca and Meknes, plus a visit to the fishing town of Essaouira — was the 10th most popular trip. Both trips include traveling to a Sahara Desert camp by camel and spending the night.

Popular European destinations also dominated the list with four 8-day itineraries: Athens to Santorini in Greece in third, Rome to Amalfi in Italy in fourth, Highlights of Scotland in fifth, and the more physically-grueling Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc in the sixth spot. Rounding out the list was Turkey Highlights, which includes a Cappadocia hot air balloon flight, in seventh place, and the walking and trekking trip Hiking in the Canadian Rockies in the eighth spot.

While Europe dominates, Intrepid Travel said Americans are also venturing further than before. “We have seen a real trend in tours booked to South America (Peru and the Galapagos) to Southeast Asia — particularly Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia — and North Africa, Jordan, and Egypt,” Berna said.

Overall, Intrepid Travel's data shows that Americans are twice as likely this year to take an international flight than last year. And they’re opting for longer trips and premium offerings, as well as willing to spend more. Travelers are also tending to book trips for the same year, “which might be an indicator, they are keen to go now and chase that thrill instead of waiting,” he said.

Intrepid Travel offers more than 1,000 itineraries in more than 100 countries, ranging from the Galapagos Encounter in Ecuador and Hola Cuba in Cuba to Turkey Encompassed and Portland to San Francisco Discovery right here in the U.S. (I've been on all four of those and can vouch for the experiences being completely in-depth and unexpected!)

As Berna said of Americans' summer plans this year: “While the classic countries are popular for a reason, it’s often the quirkier, eyebrow-raising adventures Americans are seeking."

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.