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Though we travelers like to think of ourselves as an independent-thinking bunch, the impact that social media has on our day-to-day choices, including our destination preferences, is undeniable.
TikTok, in particular, has emerged as a key player in the industry when it comes to driving new trends.
The billion-user platform recently released some pretty interesting data collected between January and December 2023 that shed some light on the app’s most documented and sought-after destinations.
Collectively, these five countries have amassed close to 400 billion views on the platform – yes, that’s a billion with a B!
5. Italy
Footage from what is arguably one of the most romanticized countries on Earth has been viewed over 43 billion times on TikTok, proving once again that Italy isn’t about to lose its status as a world-class destination anytime soon.
The app’s short videos seem to capture the essence of Italy’s timeless beauty, allowing users to take in many of the country’s iconic landmarks in a matter of minutes.
@kelseyinlondon Last minute trip to Italy? 🇮🇹 Rome is 25 degrees and sunny next week ☀️👀 I always prefer travelling to Italy during shoulder seasons (September/October or April/May/June) as it’s not as busy and you can enjoy wearing sandals & summer dresses without melting your face off or getting a SULA. The best places to visit in Italy during these quieter months are Rome, Cinque Terre, Positano, Florence, Sorrento, Milan, Venice & Lake Como. #cinqueterre #cinqueterreitaly #manarola #positano #positanoitaly #romeitaly🇮🇹 #romeitaly #amalficoastitaly #sorrentocoast #sorrento #amalficoast #rome #liguria #italytravel #italytravels #italytrip #italytraveltips #italydestinations #italytraveldestinations #italyaesthetic #travelitaly #travelitalia #visititaly #visititalia #thingstodoinitaly #italyvibes #uktravelblogger #europetravel #europetraveldestinations #travelcreator #travelcreators #travelblogger #europetrip #europevacations #europeholiday #travelbloggers ♬ оригинальный звук – zotov
And given how vibrant and visually stimulating most Italian landmarks are, it’s easy for these TikToks to keep users engaged and inspired, prompting them to book the first open seats on the next flight to Rome.
4. Canada
While not your typical dreamy, warm-weathered getaway, Canada still manages to break into the top 5 thanks to its breathtaking landscapes and glowing reputation as a safe, welcoming country.
TikToks depicting everything from the mesmerizing Northern Lights in Yukon to the Stunning Banff National Park have gotten almost 48 billion views, fostering a sense of wanderlust even among those who don’t consider themselves to be the biggest outdoor enthusiasts.
@rjb.1975 #dawson city #yukon #northern ♬ original sound – rick
Beyond the videos taking viewers through endless hiking, kayaking, and wildlife adventures, plenty of creators are also sharing anecdotes of friendly locals, inclusive communities, and the country’s commitment to sustainability, which puts all of the pretty sights in an even more flattering light.
3. Japan
Between breaking its all-time tourism record and topping ranking after ranking as the ultimate safe destination for solo travelers, Japan has been having one of its most successful tourism years to date.
During the same timeframe, the country’s sights, events, and cultural traditions have gained over 53 billion views – now, whether the social media exposure has triggered the surge in interest or the other way around, that’s still to be determined.
@palindri #tokyo #japan ♬ すずめ feat.十明 – RADWIMPS
One thing’s for sure, though; Tiktok has become a canvas for showcasing the country’s remarkable juxtaposition between centuries-long traditions and cutting-edge technology.
Through glimpses of ancient temples, traditional tea ceremonies, colorful festivals, dynamic urban landscapes, and futuristic architecture, viewers gain insight into a country so fascinating they deem worth traveling 6,300 (10,140 km) miles for.
2. France
The list wouldn’t be complete without France, a country so rich in culture, history, and landmarks, that it has captured the interest of more travelers than any other destination in the world.
And just as some of us were ready to write off France as just another overhyped tourist trap, TikTok has managed to rekindle the world’s love affair with the country by offering a visual feast comprised of the essence of the Parisian elegance, the allure of the French Riviera, and the timeless beauty of the countryside.
@360frenchriviera #antibes #cotedazur #france🇫🇷 #frenchriviera #djiair3 ♬ dźwięk oryginalny – 360FrenchRiviera
It’s worth noting, however, that one of the biggest driving forces behind France’s 72.6 billion views on the platform is its iconic culinary scene.
The softly lit videos featuring French pastries, wine tastings, and gourmet meals might just be that final push people are waiting for to finally book that ticket to the most visited country on Earth.
@rojdailaldigurbuz Do you like croissant? 🥐🇫🇷 . . . #breakfast #croissant #croissanttok #eating #france #francetiktok #croissantlover ♬ La femme à la peau bleue – Chez toi – Vendredi sur Mer
1. Mexico
Not only has Mexico positioned itself as TikTok’s most popular destination, but it has managed to outperform the rest of the top 5 by a jaw-dropping margin.
Videos showcasing the country’s natural allure, historical marvels, and cultural attractions amassed a whopping 180 billion global views, which is higher than France, Japan, and Canada combined.
@ana.leeesp Cancún no se supera nunca. 🥥🤍🩵🌊✨ #cancun #moscowmule #cancun2023 #cancunmexico #cancunbeach #cancunaesthetic #cancunvibes #cancuntravel #cancunparty #cancuntrip #cancuntraveltips #islamujeres #islamujeresmexico #rivieramaya #rivieramayamexico #visitcancun #visitislamujeres #visitrivieramaya #visitmexico #cancunmex #caribemexicano #mexicotravel #mexico #mexico🇲🇽 #mexicocheck #mexicotiktok #mexico2023 #2023 #zonahoteleracancunmexico #zonahoteleracancun #zonahotelera #aesthetic #vibes #travel #traveling #traveltiktok #travellife #viraltiktok #travelaesthetic #party #viaje #viral #parati #fortyou #fyp #fypシ #cancunvacation #vacation #vacationstyle #vacationvibes #summer #summervibes #summer2023 #paradise #ocean #sunset #beautifuldestinations #placestotravel #placestovisit #travelbucketlist #travelinspo #thingstodocancun ♬ sonido original – YAMBIIR
While impressive, this really shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Not only does Mexico offer something for virtually any type of traveler, but its views, events, and overall atmosphere create a rich sensory experience that’s impossible not to admire.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com