The Top 10 Trending Destinations In 2017, And The Cheapest Months To Visit Them
Travel can be like fashion: it comes to us via inspirational trends. But unlike the ticking time bomb of a soon-to-be-dated jacket, travel destinations will always remain relevant. And bucket lists will never be “so last season”.
As such, we’re always looking for hot new and unique places to add to our list. Thankfully, travel booking site Trivago has put together a list of trending destinations based on popular searches and it’s giving us a serious case of itchy feet.
Here are the top destinations for 2017, and the cheapest time to visit them:
#10 Torrevieja, Spain
Cheapest time to visit: March
Torrevieja is a seaside Spanish destination without all the crowds and skyscrapers – just one glorious coastal spread of golden houses. As such, it’s recently grown in popularity due to its large expat community. Head to Torrevieja for great fishing, swimming, hikes and pool-side hangs and see why so many people stick around.
#9 Crikvenica, Croatia
Cheapest time to visit: March
Crikvenica is a picturesque fishing village on the shore of the Adriatic sea. It’s much lesser known and low key than Dubrovnik, however, with a population of only 12,000. You’ll have much more space to stretch your legs out and explore.
#8 Cape Town, South Africa
Cheapest time to visit: July
Cape Town is the ultimate destination for an outdoorsy traveller. Surrounded on one side by the beautiful tabletop mountain and a cluster of idyllic beaches at the other, Cape Town has grown in popularity due to it’s impressive melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and endless outdoor activities.
#7 Cancun, Mexico
Cheapest time to visit: October
Yes, Cancun is a serious party hub. But behind the clubs and ritzy resorts is a culturally rich, interesting and diverse city for you to get lost in. You’d be doing yourself a favour by getting out of the tourist centre and discovering everything the city has to offer.
#6 Cartagena, Colombia
Cheapest time to visit: December
If you like extremely photogenic, colourful towns (who doesn’t?), then Cartagena is the emerging destination you’re after. An impressive array of colours and rich history, Cartagena has no doubt risen in popularity due to its unique architecture and laid back atmosphere.
#5 Malacca, Malaysia
Cheapest time to visit: March and April
Once a popular trading port overtaken by the forward-thinking Singapore, Malacca (also known as Melaka) is getting its groove back. Visit for the lovely river winding through the main part of town, heritage listed Asian-European architecture and truly excellent food at the market stalls.
#4 Alicante, Spain
Cheapest time to visit: November and January
Looked over by the wise eye of the Castle of Santa Barbara on top of Mount Benacantil, Alicante has long been a romantic destination for poets and artists. Now, it’s famed for a brimming nightlife and impressive people around.
#3 Fethiye, Turkey
Cheapest time to visit: March
Since it’s starring turn in James Bond’s Skyfall, people have been scouting Fethiye for their next holiday destination. It’s got crystal clear water, lovely brown rock faces and darling secluded beaches – AKA a Mediterranean dream. Plus, the strict regulations barring high-rise hotels mean there’ll never be too many people around.
#2 Varadero, Cuba
Cheapest time to visit: May
Climbing up trend lists for a few years now due to it’s recent accessibility, Varadero sits at that sweet spot between affordable and beautiful. Picture yourself lounging around amongst 20 kilometres of endless white sand or experience an unbeatable day of hiking at the Reserva Ecológica Varahicacos.
#1 Reykjavik, Iceland
Cheapest time to visit: December
Oh, Reykjavik. We’re not even a little surprised to see you top the list. What with your classic Scandinavian houses, impressive gothic-inspired hilltop cathedral and surrounding mountains, you’re a perfect destination of your own accord but also as a jumping point from the otherworldly landscape of Iceland. We’ll be seeing you soon.
(Lead image: Cancun, Mexico)
