A new survey by Love Home Swap reveals the travel destinations Americans most want to visit and the barriers that keep many plans from becoming reality. The research found that while more than three quarters of Americans maintain a travel bucket list, only 3 percent have visited every destination on their list. Cost emerged as the leading obstacle to achieving bucket list travel.
Top countries on Americans’ bucket lists include Japan, Finland, Thailand, Portugal and Argentina. Despite these ambitions, nearly 45 percent of respondents said they are unlikely to visit even a single destination from their list. Beyond expense, other common hurdles are not having a travel companion, limited knowledge about how to plan or navigate a destination, and uncertainty or indecision when it comes time to book a trip.
Ben Wosskow, managing director of Love Home Swap, noted the company’s focus on affordable, authentic stays. “At Love Home Swap, we’re committed to helping provide our members with unique vacations for a fraction of the cost of traditional accommodations,” he said. “Our research shows that people want to live like locals when they travel. With thousands of inspiring properties around the world ripe for swapping, we can help them experience a new place for a whole lot less without having to forgo any of their usual home comforts.”
The survey also explored attitudes toward home swapping. Only 4 percent of respondents have tried swapping their home, though 14 percent said they plan to do so in the future. About one fifth of participants expressed nervousness about home swapping, and slightly more than one third reported that they are not interested in the idea.
Overall, the findings highlight a strong desire among Americans to explore global destinations, tempered by practical concerns. Cost remains the most significant barrier, but social and informational challenges also play a role. For travelers seeking ways to stretch their budget and enjoy more authentic stays, alternatives like home swapping may offer a practical option—especially for those willing to plan carefully and embrace a different way of traveling.