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Are you already locking in your 2024 travel plans? You’re not alone!
U.S. travelers are already thinking about vacation destinations for 2024 and a new report has found that the biggest factors driving their choice of destination are the food, the attractions, and the weather.
So where are American tourists traveling to?
These are the top 10 trending destinations to visit in 2024 according to Skyscanner:
5. U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands are soaring in popularity with 198% more travel searches year-on-year.
This might be because many U.S. citizens are struggling to apply for or renew their passports right now, and passports are not required for U.S. citizens to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands. Any proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a government-issued photo ID) is enough.
The U.S. Virgin Islands offer everything you would expect from a Caribbean island paradise. Pristine white beaches, bright turquoise waters, and welcoming local people.
Snorkeling and hiking are both popular experiences on the U.S. Virgin Islands, but the main attractions of the islands by far are the beaches. Whether you want a lively beach with welcoming beach bars or a quieter more secluded stretch you’ll be spoilt for choice.
4. Tokyo
Tokyo is one of the world’s most exciting and vibrant cities, so it’s no surprise that it is a trending destination right now. Whether you’re looking for cultural discovery, modern tech, or entertainment, you’ll find it all in Tokyo.
Tokyo boasts a rich and diverse culture and it’s common to find ancient temples sitting comfortably alongside modern skyscrapers here. Tokyo is the world’s biggest city but despite its size it is also one of the safest.
Some of the attractions that make Tokyo so appealing include its cityscape, the Shibuya scramble crossing, or the pop culture in Harajuku. Asakusa is the best place to be for the temples and shrines in the city while the historical area of Yanesen is also fascinating.
Tokyo is a trending destination because it offers something for everyone.
3. Osaka, Japan
Travel to Japan has made a real comeback since the country reopened to tourism last year, so it’s no surprise that two cities in the country made a list.
It is surprising though that Osaka is trending above the bigger and better-known Tokyo. But it’s easy to see why.
Osaka is a fun and exciting city with a vibrant, party atmosphere. It is known as Japan’s kitchen thanks to its incredible street food markets and is the city where Japanese people go to let their hair down. The nightlife here is exceptional.
During daylight hours some of the highlights of a trip to Osaka include exploring the 16th century Osaka Castle and experiencing the incredible views from the Umeda Sky Building. Universal Studios Japan is in Osaka, and is a must-visit attraction for fans of theme parks.
2. French Polynesia
French Polynesia is a beautiful chain of 118 islands scattered across the blue waters of the South Pacific. Traditionally popular with Honeymooners, now all types of travelers are keen to explore this island paradise.
Perhaps the most well-known of these islands is Bora Bora, which is known for its white-sand beaches, impossibly clear seas, and lush terrain.
If you’re looking for an idyllic island paradise but don’t want to follow the crowds to the Caribbean then French Polynesia is the ideal option and it is trending with U.S. travelers right now.
1. Cayman Islands
There has been a whopping 483% increase in search for travel to the Cayman Islands year-on-year. This makes it the destination with the biggest increase in interest by far.
This should come as no surprise because the Cayman Islands are a beautiful island paradise. 6/10 trending destinations for U.S. travelers in 2024 are for island hot spots.
US travelers are dreaming of the white sands of the Caribbean and the Cayman island fits the bill!
Just some of the reasons this incredible destination topped the list of the most trending spots are its breathtaking natural beauty, marine life, and wildlife.
The crystal clear waters make the Cayman Islands a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. For a more relaxing vacation, the award-winning Seven Mile Beach is one of the most popular on the island.
And because culture plays a key role in determining destinations for many travelers, The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands is at the center of a vibrant arts scene and a great place to take a break from the sun.
The Complete List
6/10 of this year’s trending destinations are islands, and only 1 is in Europe, whilst it’s clear that travel to Japan is having a huge resurgence.
This is the complete list of Skyscanner’s top 10 destinations for U.S. travelers with the biggest year-on-year increase in visitors:
1. Cayman Islands
2. French Polynesia
3. Osaka, Japan
4. Tokyo, Japan
5. US Virgin Islands
6. Bucharest, Romania
7. Bermuda
8. Taipei, Taiwan
9. St. Maarten
10. Oranjestand, Aruba
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com