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Well, folks, hold onto your sombreros and baseball caps because the latest travel numbers for North America are in, and they’re painting two very different pictures! The sunny destinations of Mexico are absolutely booming and breaking records for international visitors. Meanwhile, the United States has experienced a different trend, with a slight dip in its international visitor numbers. Let’s dive into this fascinating tourism twist!

¡Viva México! A Record-Breaking Fiesta of Arrivals!

You heard it right! Mexico is the place to be, and the numbers are shouting it from the rooftops. According to the Federal Tourism Secretary, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, a whopping 16.2 million international passengers flew into Mexico in just the first three months of 2025! That’s a 2 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024 and an even more impressive 28.5 percent jump from pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

Secretary Rodríguez Zamora highlighted that this isn’t just a fluke; it “reflects Mexico’s strong economic and tourism momentum” and shows off the “strengthening of our country’s airport infrastructure.” It sounds like all the hard work is paying off, making it easier and more appealing for people worldwide to come and experience the magic of Mexico. From the stunning beaches of Cancun (we know you love ’em!) to the historic streets of our cities, the allure is undeniable. And when it comes to US-based airlines bringing folks to Mexico, American Airlines and United Airlines were leading the pack, flying in a cool 3 million 523 thousand passengers.

Meanwhile… A Different Story Unfolds for the USA

Now, let’s hop over to the United States. The first quarter of 2025 brought a different kind of news for international travel there. Instead of a surge, they saw a bit of a slowdown. Official data according to the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) indicates an overall decrease in total international visitor arrivals for the first three months of the year compared to 2024.

While January 2025 started with a promising 5.4% increase year-over-year, February saw a slight dip of around 2.4%. But March? March showed a more significant decrease of roughly 11.6% in total foreign visitors compared to March 2024. This brought the overall Q1 2025 picture to a net decrease. So, what’s causing this cooling trend?

The Canadian Connection: A Big Piece of the Puzzle

One of the most significant factors seems to be a noticeable drop in visitors from their friendly northern neighbors – Canada! It appears fewer Canadians decided to head south to the US in early 2025. The numbers for March are particularly telling. According to a report by Oxford Economics, Canadian arrivals by land reportedly plunged by a staggering 31.9%, and air arrivals from Canada also fell by approximately 13.5% compared to March of the previous year.

Considering Canada is one of the largest, if not the largest, source of international visitors to the US, a drop this significant is bound to make an impact on the overall figures. It’s like having your most regular customer suddenly buy less – you’re definitely going to notice!

Other Factors at Play in the US Dip

It’s rarely just one thing, right? Besides the Canadian slowdown, other elements are likely contributing to the US dip. Some reports and analysts point towards:

• A Strong US Dollar: When the dollar is mighty, it makes travel to the US more expensive for international visitors. Their home currency just doesn’t stretch as far.
• Strict Immigration Procedures and Perceptions: Concerns over increasingly strict or perceived as unwelcoming immigration procedures and entry processes at U.S. borders can act as a deterrent for some international travelers. Anecdotes and media reports about difficult entry experiences can spread, making potential visitors hesitant.
• Shifting International Perceptions: Beyond just entry procedures, broader global views and feelings about a country can influence travel decisions.
• Evolving Global Travel Patterns: People’s travel tastes and preferred destinations can change over time, and competition in the global tourism market is fierce!
• Economic Conditions: The economic health in various source countries can also impact people’s ability and willingness to travel internationally.

Even the timing of Easter in 2025 (April 20th) compared to 2024 (March 31st) might have slightly skewed the March year-over-year comparisons, though the trend seemed to be setting in before that.

A Tale of Two Tourism Trajectories

The figures from early 2025 clearly illustrate diverging paths for these two North American tourism powerhouses. Mexico is celebrating a significant upswing, with its Tourism Secretary highlighting a record 16.2 million international passenger arrivals in the first quarter, a 2% rise from the previous year. This success points to a robust and appealing tourism sector.

In contrast, the United States saw a downturn in overall international visitor numbers during the same period. After an initial increase in January, numbers dipped in February and saw a more pronounced decline of roughly 11.6% in March compared to 2024. This shift, heavily influenced by a reduction in travelers from key markets like Canada, suggests a period of adjustment for the U.S. tourism industry. As the year unfolds, it will be interesting to monitor how these distinct trends continue to shape the North American travel landscape.

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Last Updated 2 years ago

Delta Airlines CEO, Ed Bastian, has suggested air fares will increase by up to 30% in the summer months. With rising fuel costs, rising demand, and the end of the COVID-19 pandemic—travelers are witnessing rising air fares in the United States and the rest of the world. 

When speaking to investors, Ed Bastian said: “We expect pricing this summer to be up probably somewhere between 25% and 30% on average,”

He added: “We’ve never seen anything of that scale.”

According to statistics, airfares in the United States are up by 25% in the previous 12 months. In fact, airfares jumped by a staggering 16.8% in April alone. 

So what should travelers do? Read on to find out!

What Has Delta Airlines Said and How Will It Affect Travelers? 

Delta Airlines has predicted its revenue in Q2 will be back to pre-pandemic levels for the first time, even with fewer flights than in 2019. They expect their revenue to be up 8% more than previously expected. 

So this is good news for the airlines, right? 

Sure.

But it’s not great for travelers like me and you. 

The rising fuel costs are due to soar up to 22% above 2018 levels on a per-seat basis, which is more severe than the mid-April forecast of 17%. In addition, many airlines are contending with staff shortages that sometimes require higher worker pay.

As a result, Delta Airlines are raising flight prices to make up for the increased fuel costs.

Although thousands of travelers are complaining about the rising airfares on social media, many airline executives are reluctant to say it’ll deter travelers from traveling this year.

Speaking at the same event, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, said: “It you’re worried about pricing destroying demand, you are betting against history,” 

He suggests air fares are only back to where they were in 2014 after adjusting for inflation. 

Helane Becker, Senior Research Analyst at Cowen, told Bloomberg TV on Monday: “We’re worried about September and what happens in the fall. Avgas prices are going up and up. Airlines are finding labor costs are going up, fuel costs are going up, airport costs are going up. They are facing huge inflationary pressures and need to raise ticket prices and at some point, the consumer is going to say ‘okay, we’ve done our travel, and we’re done, we cannot (afford) to fly again,”

What About International Travel? 

For the most part, the increased domestic demand in the United States is driving the rise in flight prices. Although some Americans are traveling overseas after the COVID-19 pandemic—numbers are still down on pre-pandemic levels.

Therefore, international airfares purchased in the United States remain down on pre-pandemic levels. 

So travelers can still find excellent deals of flights to Europe, South America, and even the Caribbean or Mexico.

Americans looking to travel within Europe will face the same issues with flight prices. According to Ryanair CEO, Michael O’Leary, flight prices in Europe may increase to a “high single-digit per cent.”

He said: “It seems to us that there will be higher prices into that peak summer period because there’s so much demand for the beaches of Europe and those price rises going to continue,”

The Fast Travel Rebound: How This Affects Travelers

Travel has returned back to pre-pandemic levels within North America in 2022, which is faster than many economists and travel experts expected.

In turn, this has enabled airlines to raise prices for travelers. 

However, despite the sharp rebound, travelers are witnessing enormous waiting times and issues at airports due to airlines failing to prepare for the massive travel rebound. 

There is also a massive shortage in pilots in the United States. Delta Airlines recently trimmed its summer schedule by up to 3% to enable more time between flights and a smoother service in light of the recent issues. 

Final Thoughts 

Don’t let the rise in prices put you off traveling in 2022. There are still excellent flight deals out there—especially to Mexico and Europe. 

Yes, flights are skyrocketing in the United States. But with the world finally reopening, now might be the best time to travel overseas.

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Last Updated 1 year ago

More travelers than ever before are choosing cruises over other types of travel.

In 2023, it’s expected that a record-breaking 31.5 million travelers will cruise this year. It’s clear that cruising is back with a vengeance, but just why is this form of travel so popular right now?

Here are the top five reasons that travelers are choosing cruises this year:

1. “Now Or Never” Mindset

Many cruisers have a “now or never” mindset when it comes to travel right now, according to a new report. After over two full years of lockdowns and travel restrictions, many travelers realized the danger of putting off that dream trip for “someday.”

Rather than waiting for the “right time” to take a trip, more travelers are living in the moment and booking their dream trips right now, knowing that tomorrow is not guaranteed.

Additionally, there is a lot of pent-up demand for cruises due to the harsh restrictions imposed on the cruise industry for over two years. Many travelers who had a cruise planned or wanted to take a cruise during those two years are finally getting the chance to do so now.

2. Ease Of Group Travel

Another reason that more travelers are choosing cruises right now is due to the ease of group travel. According to the report, many people are turning to travel to reconnect with family, friends, and other loved ones.

Cruises are an easy and hassle-free way for large groups to travel together, and multi-cabin bookings are at a record high.

From family reunions at sea to bachelor and bachelorette parties to friend group trips, cruises are a great way to spend travel as a group while still allowing plenty of time for everyone to do their own thing.

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3. More Options For Solo Travelers

Solo travel has been a huge travel trend in 2023. This always ties in with the “now or never” mindset of many travelers: why wait to travel just because your friends, family, or significant other can’t travel with you? More and more travelers are heading off on adventures solo rather than missing out.

It used to be that cruises were not a budget-friendly option for solo travelers due to cabin pricing based on double occupancy. This effectively means that solo travelers are paying double.

But now, there are a growing number of cruise ships offering cabins specifically for solo travelers. This makes cruising an attainable option for solo travelers, and solo cruising has been growing in popularity.

4. An Affordable Way To Travel

With skyrocketing airfare and hotel costs in 2023, cruising is a surprisingly affordable way to travel. It’s not uncommon to find cruise deals for well under $100 per day per person.

When you consider that cruises are all-inclusive, with all accommodations, meals, entertainment, and cruise ports included in your fare, it makes cruising a very attractive, budget-friendly way of traveling.

Of course, there are certain things that may cost extra on your cruise (like alcoholic beverages and sodas, WiFi packages, and shore excursions), but it’s still an overall affordable way to travel when you break down the per-day costs.

5. Cruises For Everyone

Let’s admit it, for a long time, cruising carried a certain stereotype. Think of a ship full of retirees playing shuffleboard on the lido deck while a Jimmy Buffett song plays in the background.

But these days, that stereotype is far from true. There are cruise lines and cruises for everyone, whether you’re young or old, a couple or single, a family with young kids or a group of adults, an adventure-seeker or a beach bum. Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it on a cruise.

For example, expedition cruises have been trending in 2023. Far from your typical Caribbean beach-hopping cruise, these adventurous cruises take travelers to exciting destinations like Antarctica, Alaska, Canada’s Northwest Passage, Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, and the South Pacific.

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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.