Looking to travel somewhere new in 2020? Airbnb has released its list of the top 20 destinations to visit in the new year.
From post-industrial culture hotspots like Milwaukee and Guadalajara to the home of the 2020 Summer Olympics, Tokyo, the online rental platform has forecast where in the world will be generating the most interest next year.
Many of the top trending locations are regions that will be hosting major events, like the Mars Exploration Program launching from Cape Canaveral and the many surf competitions happening in Ubatuba, Brazil. Airbnb has also predicted that people will travelling to lesser known and more eco-conscious destinations.
Here’s a look at five of the top 20 trending destinations for next year. For Airbnb’s full list, see below.
Aberdeen, Scotland
Aberdeen saw a 119% year-over-year increase in bookings for 2020. What’s behind the surge in interest? A growing appreciation for its coastal locations, wonderful museums, galleries and buzzing foodie scene. Balmoral Castle is also just 30 minutes away, so if it’s good enough for royalty….
Vanuatu
Located nearly 2,000 miles east of Australia, this tropical paradise offers everything from volcano hiking to diving. The nation, which consists of over 80 islands and more than 100 native languages saw a 140% rise in interest for 2020 compared to 2019.
Bilbao, Spain
Named European City of the Year in 2018, this northern Spanish city saw a 402% rise in interest for next year. Bilbao is the de facto capital of Basque Country and famed for the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, which houses a stunning collection of contemporary art.
Cali, Colombia
Situated about 1,000 metres above sea level, Cali is the world’s salsa capital and is known for its tropical party atmosphere and electrifying nightlife. There’s been a 137% increase in interest in this up-and-coming destination, which is rich in music and dance and enjoys a distinct Afro-Colombian heritage.
Malindi, Kenya
This pristine coastal town is home to the Malindi Marine National Park, making it a fantastic destination for divers. Kenya has also pledged to plant two billion trees by 2021 and has committed to accelerating energy efficiency by three percent each year, making it an attractive eco-tourism destination.
All top 20 trending destinations for 2020, according to Airbnb:
1. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2. Bilbao, Spain
3. Buriram, Thailand
4. Sunbury, Victoria, Australia
5. Romania
6. Xi’an, China
7. Eugene, Oregon
8. Luxembourg
9. Guadalajara, Mexico
10. Vanuatu
11. Cali, Colombia
12. Cape Canaveral, Florida
13. Aberdeen, Scotland
14. Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada
15. Ubatuba, Brazil
16. Les Contamines-Montjoie, France
17. Tokyo, Japan
18. Kerala, India
19. Malindi, Kenya
20. Maastricht, Netherlands