*Source: Destinations seeing increase in flight searches between January 1, 2024 and June 30, 2024 for travel throughout 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
The Rise of Destinations for Relaxation in Nature
We analyzed tens of thousands of data points to understand what’s trending and why. It’s clear that smaller, alternative destinations are growing in popularity with US travelers, who are looking to explore beyond the mainstream in the Americas and farther afield.
01 Turks and Caicos
As travelers turn to social media for inspiration, Turks and Caicos has seen increased interest as celebrities like the Kardashians, Biebers, and Drake and influencer brand trips have popularized the destination – showcasing its natural beauty and perfectly Instagrammable backdrops.
02 Costa Rica
The small town of Quepos on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast is known as a gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park. The park’s mangroves, lagoons and beach-lined rainforests shelter howler, white-faced and squirrel monkeys.
For sunseekers, the sandy beaches of Playa Espadilla and Playa Biesanz delight, while the surrounding waters offer one of the world’s best places for sea fishing.
03 Norway
Tromsø is emerging as a popular destination for the chance to see the Northern Lights. After witnessing the most recent solar eclipse, many Americans developed a passion for astronomy and are seeking out more celestial phenomena.
04 Argentina
This area of northern Argentina has seen an almost 500% increase in searches from American travellers.
The so-called ‘Garden of the Republic’, split between the Andes and the Gran Chaco lowlands, is the country’s smallest province, but makes up for its size with amazing nature, culture and rich traditions.
05 Thailand
From the couch to the check-in counter, Americans are already anticipating the premiere of the next season of HBO’s hit series, “The White Lotus.” Set to take place in Thailand, the beautiful beaches, coral reef vistas, and jungles are sure to inspire binge-watchers. Travelers will be seeking “The White Lotus” experience minus the murderous plot twist.
06 Laos
A UNESCO World Heritage Site adorned with red-roofed temples and French-Indochinese architecture, nestled within verdant green mountains, peaceful and serene Luang Prabang is one of South East Asia’s most charming towns.
07 Belgium
Antwerp offers Americans the best of both worlds, from its storied history of medieval abbeys and baroque churches to some of Europe’s finest arts, culture and craft beer.
08 Fiji
Fiji’s capital is found on Viti Levu’s south-eastern coast and is one of the South Pacific’s most cosmopolitan destinations, offering a mix of history, museums, parks and lively nightlife.
09 Netherlands
The Netherlands’ second city sets itself apart from Amsterdam through its unique modernist architecture and design, cool art, inventive food, and huge harbor.
Multicultural and boasting an array of festivals and concerts, innovative and exciting Rotterdam offers visitors a fresh take on urban Dutch life.
10 Pago Pago
Burnt out from work, Americans are looking to rest and really recharge on their vacations. Rather than visiting overcrowded tourist destinations, lesser-known attractions are appealing.
Pago Pago, National Park of American Samoa, is one of the least visited national parks. For someone looking to disconnect, it offers the chance to truly immerse oneself in a natural, remote destination.
Trending
Don’t know where to go? Search ‘Everywhere’.
Skyscanner’s Everywhere search inspires travelers to discover somewhere new by ranking worldwide destinations from their chosen airport by price. In fact, for adventurous American travelers, “Everywhere” is one of the top search destinations on Skyscanner this year
