Americans love to travel, and nothing beats that warm feeling of being truly welcomed wherever you wander. While friendly faces can be found around the world, certain countries stand out for their genuine enthusiasm toward American visitors. These destinations offer more than just tourist attractions; they provide heartfelt hospitality that creates lasting memories.
Ireland
North America has become increasingly important to Ireland’s tourism economy, with North American tourists up 11% compared to May 2024. The Irish have always maintained a special connection with Americans, largely rooted in shared history and the millions of Irish-Americans who call the United States home.
Ireland is widely known for maintaining the warm, hospitable welcome that makes visitors feel at home. Whether you’re exploring the rugged coastlines of Connemara or enjoying a pint in a Dublin pub, locals genuinely enjoy sharing their culture with American visitors. US and Canadian tourists spent €6 billion in Ireland during 2024, while making up one-quarter of the six million people who traveled to the country.
Vietnam
Vietnam shows high levels of positive sentiment toward Americans according to research, with Vietnamese people giving visiting Americans such a warm welcome that many feel very comfortable, almost “at home” when visiting this country. This remarkable statistic reflects an extraordinary level of openness and forgiveness.
There is great appreciation in South Vietnam for America since they tried to help establish a democracy, and in the North, there is no resentment – after all the U.S. was just one brief invasion the country has experienced over thousands of years. The Vietnamese are incredibly forgiving and welcoming, making this Southeast Asian gem one of the most American-friendly destinations on earth.
Philippines
In general, the people in the Philippines show strong favorable views of Americans according to research, with Filipinos being the most Americanized people in Asia. This deep connection stems from historical ties and shared democratic values that have created lasting bonds between the two nations.
Filipinos greet visitors by saying “Feel at home!” to ensure that visitors enjoy their stay, with hospitality being a trademark of Filipinos. From the bustling streets of Manila to the pristine beaches of Palawan, American travelers consistently report feeling genuinely welcomed and appreciated by local communities.
Italy
According to the Pew Research Center, 63% of Italians interviewed have a positive view of Americans, with Italians generally respecting Americans and always welcoming them as friends. The connection runs deeper than mere politeness, rooted in genuine appreciation for American culture and curiosity.
They adore the curiosity of American tourists in regard to experiencing Italian culture, and they love the way Americans enjoy their food, with another strong connection being historical as they are grateful to the United States for saving the country from total chaos at the end of WWII. Italian warmth toward Americans creates an atmosphere where visitors feel like honored guests rather than mere tourists.
Portugal
Portugal is a top choice for American travelers in 2025, with over a million U.S. visitors in the first half of 2024 alone. Ranked number one in the 2025 Global Retirement Report by the Global Intelligence Unit, Portugal is among Europe’s safest countries, ranked 7th on the Global Peace Index, with a strong community feel in smaller towns.
The Portuguese people are known for their friendliness and warmth, with many speaking at least rudimentary English, especially in the more populated areas. The combination of stunning Atlantic coastline, affordable living costs, and genuinely welcoming locals has made Portugal an increasingly popular destination for American expats and visitors alike.
Canada
Just across the north border, Canada is arguably the easiest country to move from the US, being the ninth-largest economy in the world and a country that is very welcoming to immigrants, about 1 million of which are American expats. The cultural similarities and shared values make Canada feel like a natural extension of home for many Americans.
Close, culturally familiar, and consistently high in quality-of-life metrics, Canada gives U.S. families quick access to nature, stable institutions, and an English-speaking ecosystem, with strong public services and multicultural cities making soft-landing easier. Whether exploring the Rockies or enjoying Montreal’s vibrant culture, Americans consistently find themselves warmly received.
Japan
The United States remained the only non-Asian country in the top five source markets, with millions of American tourists visiting Japan in 2024, when tens of millions of international tourists visited Japan, marking a 47% increase from 2023. Japan’s fascination with American culture creates a unique dynamic where American visitors are often treated with special interest and respect.
In March 2025, Japan saw a record-breaking surge in tourism, with over three million foreign visitors, driven by strong arrivals from the US, marking the fastest pace of growth in Japan’s tourism history. Japanese hospitality, known as “omotenashi,” extends exceptional service to all visitors, but Americans often find themselves the subject of genuine curiosity and warmth from locals eager to practice English and learn about American life.
Thailand
Thailand’s tourism sector stormed back with a vengeance in 2024, welcoming tens of millions of international visitors, representing a massive jump from 28.2 million in 2023 and positioning Thailand once again among Asia’s tourism giants. Thailand is the 8th most popular tourist destination in the world, thanks to its vibrant culture, mouth-watering food, and breathtaking landscapes, receiving 35 million tourists in 2024.
Thailand is visa-free for U.S. citizens, allowing travel for up to 29 days without one. The famous Thai concept of “sanuk” (fun) and their genuine smiles create an atmosphere where Americans feel immediately at ease. Local curiosity about American culture, combined with Thailand’s natural hospitality, makes every interaction pleasant and memorable.
Germany
Germany is another nation that is very welcoming to Americans, with over half of the population speaking English, and approximately 110,000 Americans already residing in the country. According to the United Nations, Germany is home to more immigrants (nearly 16 million as of 2024) than any country in the world other than the United States.
This multicultural environment has created a society that appreciates diversity and welcomes international visitors. Cities like Berlin boast business opportunities, a low cost of living, and a thriving nightlife, with getting a three-month visa being easy and permanently relocating being a straightforward process. Germans often go out of their way to help American visitors navigate their country and culture.
Croatia
Recently crowned the best country to visit in 2025 by European Best Destinations, Croatia captivates with its stunning Adriatic coastline and historic cities like Dubrovnik and Split, with its UNESCO-listed natural wonders combined with its rich history and growing culinary scene continuing to win over American visitors.
Locals love hosting Americans, with people being curious and open-minded showing natural warmth, as visitors are surprised by how relaxed and welcoming it feels, with Croatia also ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. The combination of Mediterranean charm, stunning natural beauty, and genuine friendliness makes Croatia an increasingly popular destination where Americans feel genuinely appreciated and welcomed.
The world remains full of places where Americans can expect warm welcomes and genuine friendships. These ten countries stand out not just for their tourist attractions, but for their people who embrace American visitors with open arms and generous hearts. Did you expect some of these destinations to make the list?