American adults have visited just three countries on average, and 29 percent of residents in the U.S. have never been abroad. While the United States is the fourth most visited country in the world and the second most desired to visit by travelers, Americans have seen just two percent of the globe.

That’s an excellent question, but it’s important to note that there is no single, definitive “average” because the data is heavily skewed. A small number of frequent travelers dramatically raise the mean, while many Americans never leave the country.

Here’s a breakdown of the data and the different ways to look at it:

1. The Mean (Mathematical Average) - The Most Cited Number

• Approximately 3-4 countries. This is the number you’ll often see in headlines and surveys. It’s calculated by taking the total number of international trips and dividing by the adult population.
• Why it’s misleading: This average is pulled up by the roughly 30% of Americans who hold a passport and travel internationally. Within that group, there are “super travelers” who visit many countries.

2. The Median (The Middle Point) - A More Realistic “Typical”

• Likely 1 or 2 countries (with many at 0). The median is the point where half of Americans have visited more countries and half have visited fewer. Given that about 70% of Americans do not have a current passport, the median is heavily weighted toward zero or a very low number.
• For the passport-holding population only, the median number of countries visited is higher, likely in the range of 3-5 countries.

3. Key Statistics and Context

• Passport Ownership: As of 2024, only about 30-35% of Americans hold a valid passport. This is the fundamental limit on international travel.
• Top Destinations: For those who do travel, the vast majority of