Packing their bags: U.S. travel increases in latest reporting month

U.S. residents are traveling more this year.

According to numbers released by the National Travel & Tourism Office, U.S. travel to overseas markets totaled 2.6 million in August, up 3 percent month-over-month. Year-to-date, U.S. citizen travel to overseas markets is up 1 percent to 20.2 million. The overseas region that saw the largest growth during August was the Middle East. Travel to that destination increased 7 percent to 137,000 people.

U.S. travel to other North American markets totaled 3.8 million in August and was up 10 percent compared to August 2012. Travel to Canada and Mexico year-to-date totals 22.5 million people, and is up 1 percent. Travel to Mexico is up a whopping 16 percent to 1.8 million travelers, due to a surge in border travelers.

Year-to-date, U.S. travel to overseas locations accounted for 47 percent of U.S. outbound international travel, while North American markets received 53 percent. Mexico has the largest share, 32 percent, while Europe comes in at No. 2 with a 19 percent market share.