Photo: iStock |
By Libby MacCarthy, thenest.com
[post_ads]We've all caught the travel bug. Pinterest searches for travel
destinations are up 37 percent since December 2016. In response, the
social network teamed up with Airbnb to create a curated list of
trending destinations around the world. And surprise—it's not just balmy
beach vacations people are after. Iceland, Scotland and the French Alps
all scored top spots on the list.
From dreamy Santorini to the NYC's bustling streets, these are the 10 most sought-after spots in the world of travel right now.
Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
Antiquities
aren't Egypt's only attraction. Situated on the tip of the Sinai
Peninsula overlooking the Red Sea, Sharm El Sheikh is a popular spot for
scuba diving and snorkeling thanks to its crystal-clear waters which
boast 1000 different species of fish and 250 different coral reefs.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
There's
something for everyone in Tenerife, the largest and most populated of
the seven Canary Islands. A hot spot for European tourists, the Spanish
island allows visitors to kick back on the beach, stroll along historic
cobblestone streets, scale Spain's highest peak and indulge in fresh
locale fare seaside. Have you booked your ticket yet?
Courchevel, France
Renowned
for its fresh powder, amazing terrain, stunning woodland setting and
charming town, Courchevel is a must for snow sports enthusiasts and
those who only tagged along for lounging by the fire and après ski.
While winter is the area's busiest time of year, there are plenty of
summer activities to keep visitors busy too—biking, golf, hiking and
picnicking alongside Lake Rosière.
Scottish Highlands
Could this sudden surge in interest be related to Outlander's
sweeping success? Maybe. Or maybe it's the undeniable appeal of quaint
countryside cottages, breathtaking vistas and fine Scottish whisky.
Either way, the Highlands are most definitely worth a visit.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Characterized
by active volcanoes, bright green valleys, glacier-cut fjords, black
sand beaches and roaring rivers, Iceland's dramatic landscape has made
it one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. While the
country's natural gems lay outside the capital city, Reykjavik provides
the perfect home base for your northerly escape and boasts plenty of
must-see—and must-eat—spots of its own. A visit to Iceland in the summer
is the perfect time to go puffin-spotting in the Westman Islands, hit
up the Folk Music Festival in Siglufjörður or take advantage of the
midnight sun with a late-night soak in the hot springs. Sounds dreamy,
right?
Kyoto, Japan
Flashy
Tokyo is a must-see, but for a taste of Japan's history, head straight
to Kyoto. The city is synonymous with classical architecture, ancient
temples and shrines (there are 2,000 of them!), traditional tea
ceremonies and serene bamboo forests. But beyond the historic city
boasts a modern side too—it's the birthplace of Nintendo, after all.
Bora Bora, Polynesia
Lush
palm trees, vibrant turquoise lagoons and white sandy beaches—it's hard
to find fault with this far-flung island. Between activities like
paddleboarding, snorkeling, sailing and relaxing on the beach, the sunny
French island is the perfect place to unplug.
New York City, NY
Art, culture, amazing food and an endless supply of entertainment—is there anything the Big Apple can't do?
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Santorini, Greece
This
serene spot is jam-packed with Insta pic potential with its quaint
cliffside villages dotted with charming blue-domed buildings, romantic
sunsets and jaw-dropping scenery. When you're not hitting the beach, you
can stroll along the caldera edge, sip crisp Greek wines at a local
vineyard or visit Akrotiri, an ancient Minoan city destroyed by a
volcanic eruption in 1613 BC.
Barcelona, Spain
Good
vibes—and nonstop nightlife—are abundant in this coastal Spanish city,
making it a must-visit on many a traveler's bucket list. The coastal
city is renowned for its art and architecture, with the iconic Sagrada
Família at the heart of it all. Whether you're lured by the Catalan
culture or the promise of sunshine and balmy temps, a trip to Barcelona
checks all the boxes and then some.