Amazing destinations – minus the crowds

Ancient Amphitheater of Acropolis of Athens, landmark of Greece
By laurencroft


These spots are emerging into the spotlight after being virtually unknown – and we’re here for it.

Because there’s nothing worse than trying to get a glimpse of the Trevi Fountain over the crowds, or fighting your way to get a toe in the water at the Krka National Park waterfalls, KAYAK.com.au has dropped 10 destinations that deserve a spot in your next holiday.

KAYAK.com.au has analysed data from millions of searches to predict the upcoming popular destinations before the crowds come rushing in, so you’d better get your butt over to these corners of the world quick.

The ‘Better-Now-Than-Later’ Report, reveals the next 10 destinations deserving of a top spot on your bucket lists. The report looks at destinations outside of the usual top-searched destinations, focusing instead on the holiday hotspots with the greatest increase in interest among Australian travellers.

Robin Chiang, APAC of KAYAK, said the report aims to help uncover the next best holiday hotspot.

“We often see different groups of friends posting about the same destinations at the same time on social media, but there are many other must-go destinations that are equally Instagram-worthy,” he said.

The front-runner on the report? Chengdu, a city in China. It only ranked as the 130th most-popular destination for Aussie travellers, but was first among the emerging destinations.

Chengdu, Sichuan, China at Anshun Bridge.

The un-heard of city saw over 130 per cent growth in searches since last year, rising over Danag in Vietnam and Athens in Greece – both of which saw their searches double.

Make sure to book in advance though – destinations like Athens are best to book at least six months in advance.

As far as China is concerned, Shanghai is best booked two months in advance for potential savings almost 50 per cent, while you should book Beijing around six weeks out. If temples and mountains are your thing, Guangzhou needs to be booked two months in advance for savings of 35 per cent.

China Guangzhou

However, Chiang said there are many other under-the-radar destinations worth exploring.

“We analysed our search data to find these aspirational destinations, but there are many other destinations that are accessible and worth exploring by travellers,” he said.

Also numbering amongst the ten emerging destinations to visit before it gets crowded are Male, in the Maldives, Ulan Bator, Mongolia, and the Croatian capital of Zagreb. You’ve probably heard of all of these but they’re just not plastered all over your Instagram account – yet.

Check out the full graph below for some serious travel inspo:

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