Sydney one of the top 10 cities to visit in 2018

The rising phenomenon of glamping - glamorous camping

Although Sydney’s nightlife is dwindling and Melbourne is the most liveable city – we’ve still got something to celebrate.

Because according to new booking data, Sydney is one of the top ten cities to visit in 2018!

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This new data from Airbnb is based on bookings for the first half of 2018 and, spoiler alert, Sydney is the ninth top city to visit, behind global hotspots like Tokyo, Paris, Rome and Miami (and we don’t mind losing to them).

Airbnb is one of the biggest booking platforms out there – meaning they know more about 2018 travel trends than most (Yurts > hotels).

But today, we’re here to share that info with you – so you can make ~informed~ holiday decisions for 2018.

Forget working (everyone knows December’s a write-off) – start planning some trips!

If you’re looking for somewhere uber-cool and up-and-coming, Gangneung, Korea has topped the list of trending destinations, based on the increase of bookings from last year (which have grown by over 2000 per cent, BTW).

Gangneung is characterised by its beautiful beaches, parks, and museums – plus some pretty magical sunrises.

We’re sold.

A pleasant hue of turquoise graces the waters of the East Sea (Sea of Japan), as seen from Gangneung's Haslla Art World.

If you’re looking for a (literally) cooler beachside abode, Bournemouth, UK, has increased in popularity by over 350 per cent.

Besides the dramatic seascapes and seaside-town charm, the buzzing nightlife of clubs and casinos make this a hot spot worth visiting.

In the US, mid-western cities like Indianapolis and Columbus are both seeing booking increases by over 250 per cent – thanks to new downtown districts that have a ton of local art and are a foodies dream.

Brazils coastline is also set to be a huge destination for 2018 (especially with the launch of the new electronic VISA).

There are at least a dozen beach towns along the Brazilian coast which have doubled in popularity – but who’s surprised when they look like this?

Inlet Perequê Mirim in Ubatuba on the north coast of São Paulo, Brazil

But beyond deciding where you want to go and booking flights (to the ninth most popular city, obviously), everyone knows accommodation is top of the list. And according to Airbnb, a different style of home is trending for 2018.

Non-traditional homes are seeing the most increase in bookings compared to last year – like yurts, traditional Japanese inns and nature lodges.

Bookings for nature lodges are up by 700 per cent, Ryokans (Japanese inns) are up by 600 per cent, Yurt bookings are up 155 per cent and RV and camper vans are up by 133 per cent.

That’s a whole lotta growth – not just for non-traditional homes but for Airbnb.

Why? Because travellers booking with Airbnb are more drawn to rustic and unique homes as well as comfort, which is why the home-stay company has become a serious competitor for hotels.

Hotels don’t often offer camper vans for guests to stay in, after all. But Airbnb offers it all.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

2018 travel trends airbnb most popular cities Trending Destinations