Each year, millions of Brits pack their bags and head to the United States. Though it’s not quite as high on the priority list as European destinations like Spain and Italy, it’s consistently highly ranked by travellers—especially those who have been saving their money and vacation days for an unforgettable adventure.
But when you think about travelling to the US, what comes to mind first for you? Historically, hotspots like New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco have ranked highly for visitors. However, these choices are starting to shift. Though these mainstays remain top picks for those leaving the UK, there are new trends on the rise when it comes to travel.
Let’s take a closer look at the most popular US destinations that UK travellers have been focusing on more and more over the last years. Remember—we’re purposefully leaving NYC and Los Angeles off the list.
Las Vegas
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The US’s largest entertainment destination is, unsurprisingly, high on the bucket list for Brits. Along with musical residencies and high-flying acrobatics shows, the Vegas Strip is primarily known for its gaming opportunities. From brand new, larger-than-life resorts to landmark casinos, Vegas’s gaming opportunities are truly vast.
In fact, Las Vegas is a destination for many remote blackjack and roulette players looking to gain experience and—hopefully—win big. Because of this, there are plenty of accessible guides that cover how to experience the city on a budget. So, if you’ve been conflicted about whether or not to visit Sin City, feel free to save big by listening to blackjack and roulette pros.
Miami
Move over Los Angeles—Miami is quickly becoming the US’s top sunny destination, and Brits have taken notice. There are literally dozens of reasons why UK residents have started to focus on Miami. First, there’s plenty of sunshine and stretches of lovely beach. Second, there’s a strong emphasis on sports—Lionel Messi now plays in the city, while F1 has also relaunched the Miami Grand Prix.
On top of that, there’s a cross-cultural element in Miami that many seem to enjoy. The city is home to millions of Latino-Americans and other Spanish-speaking groups. You’ll feel this influence from the second you step off the plane.
New Orleans
Known as the ‘Big Easy’, New Orleans has quietly become one of the US’s most sought-after destinations. Though it’s not quite as popular as other sunny destinations on this list, Brits have started to gravitate toward the city for its cultural impact. You’re probably thinking about the liberal Mardi Gras parades—but the city’s identity goes much deeper.
New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz and the hometown of Cajun and Creole culture. It’s a unique blend of indigenous, African, French, and Spanish colonial influences. Similarly to Miami, you’ll be able to feel this distinction as soon as you enter the city.
Surprise Selection: Honolulu
Back in 2021, when more visitors were setting off from the UK than ever before, there was one surprise selection for Brits: Honolulu, Hawaii. This tropical island is the 50th US state, located right in the centre of the Pacific Ocean. It’s even a top choice for American travellers, many of whom target the Hawaiian islands for honeymoons.
With its tropical beaches and Aloha attitude, the idea of Honolulu becoming a hot spot should be no surprise—at least, in theory. In reality, Hawaii is one of the most expensive US states for travellers and residents alike. Still, despite this, a study of the most-targeted US destinations for European travellers (including UK residents) found that Honolulu had seen a 139% rise in trips booked between the years 2019 and 2021.
Special Mentions
As mentioned up top, many Brits are focused on sunny destinations. Along with those mentioned in this article, other top choices include Atlanta, Georgia; Phoenix, Arizona; and Florida cities like Tampa and Orlando. The latter is home to major Walt Disney attractions, while the former is more geared towards beachy relaxation and water sports.
