Worldwide Vacation: France

If the French seem irritated by foreigners, they have good reason. Their country is the world's most popular travel destination by far. For each of the past five years, France has attracted at least 19 million more tourists than its closest competitor, according to U.N. World Tourism Organization statistics. Last year 74.2 million visitors streamed into the land of supermodel First Ladies and Camembert—and that after a 6.3 percent dip caused by the financial crisis. Being the most popular doesn't equal bringing in the most cash, however. The U.S. and Spain—which battle back and forth for the No. 2 and No. 3 favored spots—both earn more from international tourism than France does. Last year the U.S. made $94.2 billion and Spain $53.2 billion, while France saw $48.7 billion in tourism revenue. When it comes to spending on travel, Germans dominate: In 2009 the country of 82 million spent $80 billion on travel. (And Paul Krugman claims they're not doing enough to stimulate the global economy.) Americans, in second place, spent $73 billion. —Caroline Winter

RUNNERS-UP
2. U.S
3. Spain
4. China
5. Italy