- Airbnb has revealed the top 20 destinations they expect travelers will want to visit in 2020.
- The company determined the top destinations by analyzing their internal booking data, comparing which cities, regions, and countries were trending more heavily this year in comparison to the same time in 2018.
- Overall, Airbnb predicts that tourists in 2020 will lean towards “eco-conscious” and environmentally friendly locations, such as Courtenay, British Columbia, and determined that travelers will be forgoing trips to traditionally popular cities in exchange for “hidden gems” throughout the world.
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Airbnb has released its list of the top 20 destinations to visit in the year 2020.
The destinations were determined after the company analyzed their internal data for the cities and countries booked for 2020 trips as of September 2019, compared to destinations that were most heavily booked around the same time last year.
In general, Airbnb is forecasting that people will be traveling more to eco-conscious destinations and will eschew traditionally popular tourist cities for “hidden gems” around the world.
Among the globe-spanning list is Luxembourg, the tiny hill-top country landlocked in Europe, as well as Cape Canaveral, Florida, which sits in the heart of the Space Coast, soon to be the launch site of NASA's Mars 2020 Exploration Program.
Here are the other locations that made Airbnb's list.
Note: All booking increase percentages are from Airbnb.
20. Maastricht, Netherlands
For 2020, this Dutch city was one of the locations chosen to host The European Fine Art Fair (TEFAF) - one of the world's largest art fairs.
Maastricht rivals Amsterdam with its number of historic buildings, and it's home to many museums, rich in Roman history.
Maastricht saw a 55% rise in interest for 2020 compared to 2019.
19. Malindi, Kenya
Known for its Swahili architecture, this village has a mixture of African, Arab, and European influences. The village is home to many natural wonders, fresh sea food, and pristine beaches, making it an idyllic hot spot for divers and sightseers.
In addition, Kenya pledged at the UN Climate Action Summit to plant nearly two billion trees by the year 2022 and committed to accelerating energy efficiency by 3% each year.
The village of Malindi, in particular, had a 88% rise in interest for 2020 compared to 2019.
Source: Climatechangenews.com, Airbnb
18. Kerala, India
Home to the colorful harvest celebration of Onam, Kerala has developed a reputation for being one of most beautiful states in India. Located on the edge of the Arabian sea, Kerala is home to lakes, mountains, and waterfalls.
The state also runs a Responsible Tourism program, which aims to encourage residents to enjoy the state's beautiful culture, while also conserving it.
Kerala had a 95% year-over-year increase in bookings for 2020.
Source: KeralaTourism.org, Airbnb
17. Tokyo, Japan
Home to the 2020 Summer Olympics, Japan's capital is bound to be a hot spot next year. In addition, the city has committed itself to becoming environmentally friendly and will ensure that the 2020 Olympic Games will follow suit.
Tokyo had a 103% year-over-year increase in bookings for 2020.
Source: Olympic.org, Airbnb
T16. Les Contamines-Montjoie, France
Located in the heart of the Mont Blanc region, this village is ideal for mountain climbing during the summer seasons and skiing during the winter months.
Les Contamines-Montjoie had a 108% rise in interest for 2020 compared to 2019.
Source: Airbnb
T16. Ubatuba, Brazil
This city has over 100 beaches and is known as the surfing capital of the São Paulo state. It also has various hiking trails through the Atlantic rainforest.
Ubatuba had a 108% rise in interest for 2020 compared to 2019.
Source: Airbnb
14. Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada
Located in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, this city is surrounded by mountains and meadows.
Courtenay saw a 114% year-over-year increase in bookings for 2020.
Source: Airbnb
13. Aberdeen, Scotland
Known as the Granite City, Aberdeen is not only home to stunning coastal views but also to numerous museums, restaurants, and galleries. And here's a bonus for royal family fans: Queen Elizabeth II's summer home, Balmoral Castle, is less than 30 minutes away.
Aberdeen saw a 119% year-over-year increase in bookings for 2020.
Source: Touwnandcountymag.com, Airbnb
12. Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA
Located on the Florida Space Coast, Cape Canaveral is best known as the home to the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The city also sits on a stretch of beautiful sandy beaches, and next year, it will host NASA's 2020 Mars Exploration Program.
Cape Canaveral had a 136% rise in interest for 2020 compared to 2019.
Source: mars.nasa.gov, Airbnb
11. Cali, Colombia
Known as the salsa capital of the world, this city is a melting pot of Afro-Colombian and indigenous cultures. At about 1,000 meters above the sea level, the area also enjoys a mild climate.
Cali had a 137% rise in interest for 2020 compared to in 2019.
Source: Airbnb
10. Vanuatu
This nation is located nearly 2,000 miles east of Australia and consists of over 80 islands, with over 100 native languages across them. From volcano hiking to scuba diving, there is no shortage of activities to be found here.
Vanuatu had a 140% rise in interest for 2020 compared to 2019.
Source: Airbnb
9. Guadalajara, Mexico
Guadalajara is Mexico's second-most populous city and is known for its impressive architecture, lively festivals, and cultural museums.
Guadalajara had a 158% year-over-year increase in bookings for 2020.
Source: Airbnb
8. Luxembourg
This hilly European country's capital, Luxembourg City, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. It's home to numerous medieval castles and charming hill-top villages.
Luxembourg had a 167% rise in interest for 2020 compared to 2019.
Source: Airbnb
7. Eugene, Oregon, USA
Known for being a culinary hub, this mountain-surrounded ciy is home to a bustling organic food scene.
Eugene had a 213% year-over-year increase in bookings for 2020.
Source: Airbnb
6. Xi’an, China
Xi'an is noted for being the birthplace of Chinese civilization, and it's home to the famous Terracotta Warriors exhibit.
Today, it is known as "China's outdoor museum" and is set to introduce a new tourism program which will see 30 nighttime tour routes through the city, highlighting its rich and historic culture.
Xi'an had a 255% rise in interest for 2020 compared to 2019.
Source:prnewswire.com, Airbnb
5. Romania
Ranked No. 5 in ecosystem vitality, this hilly country is known for its rural villages and lush forests. Plus, as a bonus for the horror buffs, the country is home to Bran Castle - more commonly known as Dracula's Castle.
Romania had a 298% rise in interest for 2020 compared to 2019.
Source: bran-castle.com, Airbnb
4. Sunbury, Victoria, Australia
Known for its vineyards and Victoria-era architecture, this town will likely see visitors from all over the world as Melbourne is set to host the final match of the International Cricket Council's T20 World Cup next year.
Sunbury saw a whopping 356% year-over-year rise in interest for 2020 compared to 2019.
Source: Airbnb
3. Buriram, Thailand
Home to some of the most ancient relics in all of Thailand, the Buriram province is known for its stunning natural landscapes and the preservation of its rich, cultural monuments.
Next year, the province is set to host the MotoGP racing event at the Chang International Circuit.
Buriram had a 383% rise in interest for 2020 compared to 2019.
Source: motogp.com,Airbnb
2. Bilbao, Spain
Bilbao won European City of the Year in 2018, and for a good reason. Home to a lively restaurant scene and striking architecture, this city has quickly risen in the ranks to become one of the hottest spots in all of Spain.
The city is also home to a Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum.
Bilbao had a 402% rise in interest for 2020 compared to in 2019.
Source: Airbnb
1. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Milwaukee is set to host the 2020 Democratic National Convention.
Located on Lake Michigan, the city is also home to various cultural museums and is home to over 105 miles of bike lanes.
Milwaukee had an enormous 729% rise in bookings for 2020 compared to 2019.
Source: Airbnb