2020, or shall we say 20-plenty? Looking at this list of top trending travel destinations we have a lot to look forward to. Forget about going to the places you’ve heard of before. It’s time to cast your nets out and travel to a destination that is lesser-known, catering for a more intimate and memorable experience.
We look at seven countries and cities gaining more and more popularity based on Airbnb booking data.
ALSO SEE: Treat Yourself With A Travel Experience For Your 50th
1. Bilbao, Spain
ALSO SEE: Reads That’ll Give You Travel Envy
402% YoY increase
Bilbao’s transformation from rust belt city to flourishing culture hub is truly remarkable. The city’s Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum put Bilbao on the map when it opened back in 1997.
Visitors to the area are also rewarded with a spirited dining scene and breathtaking architecture.
2. Luxembourg
167% YoY increase
This European country packs a lot into its small landmass. Thanks to its enchanting historic origins, the city of Luxembourg was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
Beyond the city itself, the country’s forested hills are home to medieval castles, rocky gorges, charming villages and superb vineyards.
3. Guadalajara, Mexico
158% YoY increase
Often overlooked, Mexico’s second city is steadily gaining the recognition it deserves. Guadalajara operates at a less frantic pace than Mexico City yet it has a wealth of attractions to reward visitors. From its colonial architecture in the hipster Chapultepec neighbourhood to an impressive selection of festivals and museums, you’re in for a memorable treat.
4. Aberdeen, Scotland
119% YoY increase
Located in northeast Scotland, Aberdeen is known as the Granite City thanks to the gleaming white stone that much of the city has been built with. Scotland’s third-largest city has lots to offer besides a striking cityscape. Expect fine dining, galleries and museums in the city; rugged coastal scenery and romantic ruins in the surrounding countryside.
ALSO SEE: Travel Beauty Must-Haves For Up In The Air Or Down On The Ground
5. Courtenay, BC, Canada
114% YoY increase
Courtenay, set in the charming Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, is the perfect starting point for outdoor adventurers. Surrounded by rolling mountains, alpine meadows and bohemian villages, you’re sure to have fun in the beautiful mountains.
6. Ubatuba, Brazil
108% YoY increase
With over 100 beaches, the city of Ubatuba is the undisputed surfing capital of São Paulo state. It hosts numerous surf championships throughout the year.
Ubatuba and its surroundings have become popular with travellers who are attracted to a stunning coastline and pristine nature. The area also has scores of hiking trails that weave their way through lush Atlantic rainforests.
ALSO SEE: Safest Destinations For Solo Travelling
7. Malindi, Kenya
88% YoY increase
Malindi is a busy coastal village home to a multicultural melting pot of African, Arab and European residents. The historical Kenyan port town introduces travellers to the country’s diverse aquatic wildlife in Malindi Marine National Park, making it an idyllic spot for divers.
Known for its Swahili architecture, fresh-caught seafood, and natural wonders like the Marafa Depression – also known as Hell’s Kitchen — this pristine beach town is much more than a laid-back sunny retreat.
By Features Writer, Andrea Cresswell
