Whether it’s January blues or general wanderlust after almost two years of travel restrictions, it appears we’ve all got holidays on the brain.
Tripadvisor found in recent research that 78% of Brits are likely to travel for leisure in 2022, compared to 72% in 2019 – and the review platform has also revealed where we’re planning on visiting in the year ahead.
The site has shared its Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2022, honouring worldwide destinations its community have on their itineraries, with close-to-home staycations and far-flung beauty spots all proving popular.
Winners in the seven categories (Popular, Trending, Outdoor Enthusiasts, Food Lovers, Skiers, Sun Seekers and City Lovers) include Majorca, Cancun, and Dubai, suggesting we’re after a change of scenery.
‘Bucket list’ trips where travellers can see once-in-a-lifetime sights are dotted with package holiday favourites like Ibiza and Rhodes, with budget constraints and environmental concerns undoubtedly factoring into plans.
British destinations did well too, with London taking top spot for Europe’s most popular destinations and scoring highly with foodies and those looking for a metropolitan break.
Edinburgh also came in seventh in the European popularity ranking, and Hampshire’s New Forest National Park and Snowdonia National Park placed first and second in Europe in their category.
Steven Paganelli, Director, Destinations, Hotels and OTAs, Americas at Tripadvisor said: ‘As the world returns to travel, priorities are changing, and people want more memorable experiences on their trips. Almost three-quarters (70%) of Brits say that it’s important they ‘see new places’ when thinking about their future travel plans
‘There is a whole world out there to choose from, and we want to help guide travellers looking to take the best trips for them – whatever that perfect holiday destination may look like.’
Below we’ve listed the trending destinations, as well as the places that took top spot in the other categories:
Top 10 trending destinations in the world for 2022
- Majorca, Spain
- Don’t miss: Mallorca Quad Experience
- Cairo, Egypt
- Don’t miss: Private Half Day Trip to Giza Pyramids Sphinx with Camel Riding
- Rhodes, Greece
- Don’t miss: Romantika All inclusive Day Cruise
- Tulum, Mexico
- Don’t miss: Mexican Cooking from Scratch and Mezcal Tasting in a Local Home
- Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Don’t miss: Adventure Dubrovnik – Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour
- Ibiza, Spain
- Don’t miss: Cala Conta and Cala Bassa Beach Cruise with Paddle Surf, Snorkel and Drinks
- Natal, Brazil
- Don’t miss: Maracajau from Natal
- Arusha, Tanzania
- Don’t miss: Private Tour to Materuni Waterfalls, coffee tour & Kikuletwa Hot Springs
- Goreme, Turkey
- Don’t miss: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight
- Santorini, Greece
- Don’t miss: Semi Private Premium | Catamaran Cruise with BBQ on board & Drinks
The ‘Best of the Best’ destinations for each category of holidaymaker
Food Lovers: Rome
The Italian capital takes the top spot for foodies, whetting the appetites of travellers from around the globe with its authentic pasta dishes and can’t-miss gelato.
From cacio e pepe at Felice a Testaccio to deli classics at the renowned Roscioli, there’s so much to explore.
Outdoor Enthusiasts: Arenal Volcano National Park in Costa Rica
One of Costa Rica’s top hiking destinations, Arenal Volcano National Park offers a range of trails that wind through wildlife-rich rainforest and old lava flows, all anchored by one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
Spot tree frogs and jaguars and take a dip in the waterfall pools of Cataratas Fortuna during your stay.
Skiers: Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is Tripadvisor users’ favourite place to go skiing over the year ahead, with the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise described as an ‘Alpine paradise.’
You can reach the slopes from Sion, Geneva, Zurich, or Milan airports, and there are runs available for beginners as well as more experienced siiers.
City Lovers: Dubai
City lovers voted Dubai as their top spot for 2022, perhaps spurred on by the flurry of influencers who visited the metropolis while we were stuck in lockdown.
Known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture and lively nightlife, Dubai is the ultimate destination for those who like the finer things in life.
Sun Seekers: Cancun, Mexico
Boasting beautiful weather and bustling nightlife, Tripadvisor users voted Cancun the best places for sun seekers to head to in 2022.
For the many of us in need of a truly relaxing holiday, the white sand and sparkling azure waters of Cancun promise an escape from the everyday.
It’s also popular with students during the ‘Spring Break’ season, with young people flocking to the Yucatán Peninsula and turning it into a party hotspot.
View the full list of 2022 winners from tomorrow (Wednesday January 19) on the Tripadvisor website.
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