With travel finally returning to normalcy, wanderers all around the globe are looking for their next destination of choice.
However, as any avid traveler will tell you, planning an overseas getaway comes with a great deal of responsibility – half of the success of your trip will depend on how well you do your research.
That’s why hundreds of millions of people are scouring the internet in search of their ideal hotspot, revealing some interesting trends in the process.
1. London
Though undoubtedly an iconic city, London’s emergence as the most searched-for destination on Earth came a bit as a surprise.
Since Paris, the capital of the most visited country in the world, has consistently come out on top of international studies of this nature, most travelers were expecting a France-dominated list this time around as well.
However, it seems that the many world-class landmarks in the English city, including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, and the historic Globe Theatre, have piqued travelers’ interest in never-seen-before rates.
2. Paris
Though not in its usual no. 1 spot, Paris still made the list as a proud runner-up.
aerial view of Eiffelo Tower, Paris, France
There’s no way around it – the French capital is an eternal favorite among travelers, and that doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon.
Between the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum (home to the iconic Mona Lisa), the Champs-Élysées avenue, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Arc de Triomphe, visitors here can experience some of the world’s most talked-about attractions.
arc de triomphe in Paris
The abundant sightseeing options aren’t the only facet of the Parisian allure, though.
Travelers in the city can experience one of the world’s most delectable cuisines, attend highly coveted events like Paris Fashion Week or Fête de la Musique, and revel in the romantic, movie-like atmosphere that can be felt all over the city.
3. New York
North America’s sole representative on today’s list stands proudly at no. 3.
Most tourists that come to the city, both domestic and international, are striving to get that quintessential New York experience, even if just for a couple of days.
new york city
Whether that means hitting the most iconic attractions (i.e., the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Broadway, Central Park, the MET, the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and so on) or roaming through the more obscure streets and local favorite cafes, that’s up to each individual traveler.
4. Bangkok
The capital of Thailand once again reinforces its status as one of Asia’s most coveted hotspots.
Boasting a unique blend of ancient temples, bustling markets, and serene landscapes, Bangkok provides tourists with a movie-like experience that’s hard to replicate in the city breaks of Europe and the U.S.
Grand palace and Wat phra keaw at sunset bangkok, Thailand
Historical marvels like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun are beautifully complemented by the city’s vibrant street life, complete with floating markets and the lively Khao San road.
5. Barcelona
Barcelona is the kind of city that needs no introduction – chances are that the Catalonia capital has long been part of your travel bucket list and, as it turns out, you’re not alone.
Millions of travelers researched the Spanish hotspot and its wide array of must-see attractions (think the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, Mercado de La Boqueria, and the Picasso Museum) this past year.
