If you’re still planning your summer vacation and don’t know where to visit then why not follow the crowd!
We love off-path travel (the clue’s in the name!), but sometimes destinations start trending for good reasons.
And fast-growing destinations often make great travel spots.
Mastercard has released its travel trends report for 2024.
These are the top 10 fastest-growing destinations in the world right now:
5. Cancun, Mexico
The 5th fastest-growing global destination is Cancun.
This is incredible given the huge number of visitors the destination receives each year, and that they smashed their tourism record last year. For visitor numbers to keep growing and growing beyond this is an impressive achievement.
But it’s also easy to see why.
Cancun is close, it’s easy to get to, and it’s a beautiful place to visit.
You don’t need me to tell you that the white sand beaches with an abundance of water sports, vibrant nightlife, fascinating Mayan ruins, and some of the best all-inclusive resorts in the world make Cancun a bucket list destination for many travelers.
4. Nice, France
France is always popular during the summer months, but Nice is trending this year thanks to its beautiful beaches.
Nice is the fifth-biggest city in France and a beach city.
That means you can enjoy a heady mix of history, culture, and nature alongside the beaches of the French Riviera.
Nice is an incredibly walkable city which can help to avoid the crowds in this popular spot.
Some of the highlights of exploring this city include the bustling Old Town and the unusual Russian Orthodox Cathedral.
If you want to relax with the locals after a day on the beach then head to the Parc de la Colline du Château which is a beautiful park where you can enjoy the sea breeze and some of the very best views over the city.
3. Tirana, Albania
Tirana may be one of the lesser-expected destinations to make this list, but there are many reasons that make it a great vacation spot that is attracting tourists in droves.
It’s only a short drive away from an abundance of coastal resorts and hotels.
The coastline here is spectacularly beautiful.
In fact, the Albanian Riviera is often compared to the Maldives thanks to its white sand and turquoise blue water.
Compared to other Mediterranean destinations such as Greece and Italy, Albania is relatively under-discovered, which can mean fewer crowds.
And Tirana is also much more wallet friendly than other European countries, which makes it an appealing spot for travelers on a budget.
2. Tokyo, Japan
Japan is having a real moment right now, welcoming more visitors than ever before. Its art and pop culture are becoming a cultural zeitgeist attracting tourists from around the world.
And although Japan is historically considered to be an expensive place to visit, the decades-low value of the yen means tourist dollars are going further than they have for generations too.
In short, there’s never been a better time to visit Tokyo!
So why should you? For me it comes down to 3 things: the food, the people, and the rich history.
Ancient Shinto shrines sit alongside neon walkways. The tranquil Imperial Palace gardens have a backdrop of mega skyscrapers. It’s a place unlike anywhere else.
Whether you’re interested in pop culture, museums, or even theme parks and Disneyland, you won’t be disappointed in Tokyo.
1. Munich, Germany
Officially, the fastest-growing global destination right now is Munich, Germany.
This might not seem like an obvious choice for the world’s fastest-growing destination, but there is a clear reason for the city’s skyrocketing popularity right now: Munich will be hosting the opening game of the European football championships (soccer) in June!
Not a football fan? There’s still so much to attract you to Munich in the summertime.
October may be the most famous time to drink a stein of the city’s famous beer, but in the summer months, you can join a mix of locals and tourists drinking outside in the city’s many beer gardens.
History buffs will be spoiled for choice of centuries-old buildings and numerous museums to explore in this Bavarian capital. Marienplatz and The Cathedral Church of Our Lady are particular highlights that you shouldn’t miss.
And when the sun is shining head to The English Garden.
This free park in the middle of the city is something of a social hub, and the perfect place to relax and unwind when you need a break from sightseeing.
The Top 10 Fastest Growing Destinations
Mastercard looked at destinations that were trending and growing this year compared to the number of people visiting and searching for those same destinations last year.
Here is the complete top 10 list:
- Munich, Germany
- Tokyo, Japan
- Tirana, Albania
- Nice, France
- Cancun, Mexico
- Bali, Indonesia
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Kerkyra/Corfu, Greece
- Frankfurt, Germany
- Oranjestad, Aruba
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