What do you think about the whole ‘road-less-travelled’ scenario? Are you someone who would be willing to skip the old and instead seek out the new? If you have that world map tacked onto your bedroom wall, we believe it’s time to expand your travel board and add a few more pins.
After thorough research, the experts at KAYAK have compiled a list of all lists that not only takes into account holiday destinations that got the most hits but also places that might be a little less travelled. These are destinations that are hidden gems or are slowly becoming well-known as they offer a lot more room for exploratory endeavours. The new year is hot on our heels so add these exciting locations to your travel checklist before embarking on your next adventure.
As Indian travellers gear up to get their December itineraries in order, here’s what they’ve been loving and coveting this past year. Who knows, some of these might catch your eye!
The KAYAK “Better-Now-Than-Later” Report of Trending Holiday Destinations
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Seoul, South Korea
Seoul, the ‘soul’ of South Korea, with its stunning skyline bordered by lush mountains, is home to karaoke bars, a booming beauty industry, and mouth-watering food. Visit Namsan Tower to observe the dazzling beauty of Seoul from the highest point in the city and stroll along the bustling streets of Hongdae for live music, great energy, and piping hot hotteok. A trip to Dongdaemun Design Plaza or DDP is a must for the fashion-inspired as it makes for the perfect Instagram shot!
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Detroit, USA
If you’re lucky enough to already have an American holiday visa, Detroit is a city worth considering! From stunning parks and gardens to an inclusive community, the city of Detroit is welcoming with its sunny weather (in the summer months), verdant nature, and exciting things to do. Head to the TreeRunner Adventure Park for some zip lining, meet your favourite animals at Belle Isle State Park zoo, explore some of the hip vegan cafes in downtown Detroit, and immerse yourself in the eccentric and vibrant architecture at Indian Village!
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Shanghai, China
Home to the remarkable Oriental Pearl Tower, the metropolitan city of Shanghai is a dream at night with its stunning skyscrapers lit up like Christmas. A walk along The Bund just beside the water is a memory you will cherish for all the time to come. A shopping haven, both high-end fashion, and street, Shanghai will charm you with its trendy streets, fashionable inhabitants, and fast-paced lifestyle.
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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
A vibrant city with remnants of its colonial past still visible on its streets, Ho Chi Minh City is rich with history, memorable architecture, and busy junctions. The chaos is all the more pronounced in the city’s best market, Ben Thanh, where you can put your expert bargaining skills to some good use. The underground Cu Chi Tunnels may spook you, but they are not to be missed. Of course, a trip to Vietnam is incomplete without a taste of their delicious coffee, made sweet with the syrupy addition of condensed milk!
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Vancouver, Canada
Where nature meets civilisation, Vancouver BC is a gorgeous seaport with mountains surrounding a glittering concrete jungle. This excellent juxtaposition of raw nature with a metropolis gives you plenty of activities to try. Vancouver offers hiking trails, beaches, vineyards, snowboarding, a raucous nightlife, and much more.
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Munich, Germany
If you’re travelling during September and October, then you know why Munich is the best possible choice. Yes, we are talking about the uber exciting and world-renowned Oktoberfest! A festival of endless pints is on everyone’s lists, whatever list that may be. Munich has a lot to offer with its amazing art scene, gothic architecture, and streets immersed in a memorable past. So without further ado, grab a beer or two!
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Prague, Czech Republic
The city of Prague with its cobbled streets and age-old architecture was popularised in the Ranbir Kapoor-starring film Rockstar. Ever since the city has seen an influx of Indian travellers and for good reason; its historic centre even has UNESCO classification. Its castles, gothic churches, and Baroque buildings are inspiring, and the famed Charles Bridge, lined with striking statues is a sight not to be missed. Make sure you catch the astronomer’s clock in Old Town Square as it strikes each hour with fanfare and ceremony.
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Raleigh-Durham, USA
Famous for their universities and easy living, the cities of Raleigh and Durham in North Carolina, USA are well worth a visit. From your first sip of moonshine to breathing nature in all its glory with more than a hundred nearby waterfalls, plus rollercoaster rides at Carowinds for the kids, Raleigh-Durham will leave you thirsty for more!
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Istanbul, Turkey
A city with a unique geographical makeup, Istanbul is the historic heartbeat of Turkey, residing partly in Europe and partly in Asia. This Eurasian centre of culture and deep-rooted political history will leave you spellbound with its mesmerising beauty, surreal architecture, and thriving bazaars. The museum of Aya Sofya, Topkapi Palace, which served as the court of the Ottoman empire, and the Bosphorus Strait are just some of the famous must-see sights in Istanbul.
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Moscow, Russia
Onion-shaped domes swathed in a rainbow of colours are what sets the city of Moscow apart from the rest of the world! Home to the Kremlin (the President’s home), Lenin’s Mausoleum in Red Square, and world-renowned Bolshoi Ballet, Moscow is majestic, striking, and a holiday you’d never forget.
*The report filtered out the top 30 most-searched destinations by Indian travellers on KAYAK.co.in during the search period 1/1/2018 – 10/8/2018 for any travel dates between 1/1/2018 – 31/12/2018 and ranked the rest of the destinations by highest year-on-year growth on searches.
