Booking.com, the online accommodation platform, has revealed a list of ten trending destinations for 2024, two of those being European cities.
Ranking fifth and seventh, respectively, Valkenburg in the Netherlands and Chemnitz in Germany are among the top ten destinations, as the platform reveals.
Valkenburg is a charming town located in the southern part of the Netherlands, known for its historical significance, unique cave system, and picturesque surroundings. The town features a medieval castle, the Valkenburg Castle, which adds to its historical allure.
On the other hand, Chemnitz is a mix of historical and contemporary architecture and has a lot of academic and cultural institutions – a haven for those seeking diverse and dynamic urban experiences.
The destinations were in the 1,000 most booked between August 1, 2022, and July 31, 2023, with the second criteria for picking these destinations being sorted by year-over-year increase.
Beppu on Kyushu Island in southwest Japan, which is rich in geothermal springs, leads the trending destinations by Booking.com for the year, followed by the Albanian city of Vlora, which is getting recognition for beautiful beaches and historical value.
The third destination is Merida in Mexico – a vibrant capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán, which is rich in Mayan and colonial heritage, while the fourth trending destination is Portland in the United States. This North American state is perhaps best known for being a sustainability-minded, bike-friendly city with easy access to nature, coffee, art, craft beer, delicious food and live music.
Buenos Aires, the Argentine capital, is ranked sixth, being renowned for its beauty and culture as well as for being the birthplace of tango. The city is filled with European architecture, parks, museums and lovely cafe shops.
The eighth spot is reserved by Rotorua City in New Zealand, known for its geothermal activity, age-old forests, and pristine lakes and rivers. It is also renowned for its fascinating Maori culture, hot springs, mud pools, spouting geysers and silica terraces. Millions of tourists have paid a visit to the city for more than 160 years.
Panglao is the ninth destination to be trending in 2024, as Booking.com reveals, with tourists this year picking this stunning beach for their vacation. The Philippines beach destination is known for its white sand, clear waters and vibrant marine life.
This list is concluded with the Australian city of Cairns, which has a lovely tropical climate, perfect for snorkelling, scuba diving, and exploring the nearby Atherton Tablelands.
Visitors to Cairns can explore the vibrant waterfront with the Esplanade and a relaxing swimming lagoon. It is also a hub for experiencing Aboriginal culture, featuring indigenous tours and art galleries.
