Although we’re way more interested in looking ahead to 2019 than in looking back at the year that’s ending, Google’s annual Year in Search report always helps inspire some vacation planning, whether it’s vicarious or OMG-I-gotta-start-today.
This year, Google’s Year in Search 2018 is delivering an especially useful list of the top search terms among Americans who googled (nerd alert: the verb “to google” is lowercase) “trip to…” in 2018. Here, a mix of tried-and-true destinations and some surprises you may want to add to your 2019 travel plans.
1. ITALY
More than 400 million annual visitors would agree that it’s no surprise that Italy tops the list of 2018 “trips to…” search terms. What can we say about Italy that you don’t already know? The superb, seemingly effortlessly fresh food? Works of art that cause some visitors literally to swoon? Well, maybe you haven’t yet visited one of the charming and affordable small towns of Tuscany. (And if you haven’t, maybe 2019 is the year to do so.)
2. PARIS
If visitors from another planet landed in Western Europe today, even they would know to make a pitstop in Paris for the world’s biggest art museum (the Louvre), charming boulevards and public parks, and the iconic Eiffel Tower. But over the years, we’ve also covered some Paris secrets every traveler should learn.
3. ICELAND
It may surprise some travelers that this little island in the north Atlantic ranks so highly, but reasonable airfares (including a free stopover on your way to Europe on Iceland Air), friendly locals, and incredible natural beauty have made it one of the most popular spots on the planet in recent years.
4. BAHAMAS
Easy, affordable flights from the U.S., a popular cruise port in Nassau, and, of course, lovely beaches, great local menu items such as fresh pulled-from-the-sea conch, and reasonably priced hotels make Bahamas another annual favorite.
5. IRELAND
Ireland is another relatively small country with a huge following among American travelers, due in part to the fact that so many Americans (including former president Obama and vice president Biden) can trace some roots to the Emerald Isle. Vibrant, engaging streetlife in Dublin keeps us coming back too.
6. LAS VEGAS
Vegas. Everybody know what happens in Vegas.
7. BORA BORA
Of course this gorgeous, warm, romantic South Pacific getaway, complete with overwater bungalows, is alluring. But considering how far away it is, we were pleasantly surprised to see it turn up in the top 10. If you're dreaming of a South Pacific island getaway from the U.S., you'll find convenience and savings by booking with an experienced package tour company such as Goway that includes airfare and lodging.
8. NEW YORK
Budget Travel’s editorial offices are in New York City. Of course we’re opinionated and biased. This is, after all, New York, home to the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the 27-time world champion New York Yankees, the New York Botanical Garden, Central Park, Times Square, Broadway plays and musicals, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts... you get the picture. If you haven’t visited NYC yet, what are you waiting for?
9. NEW ORLEANS
2018 was NOLA’s 300th anniversary, and that may have inspired more searches than ever. But, honestly, with authentic jazz, history, imaginative cocktails, and world-class cuisine that melds African American, Caribbean, French, and European traditions, New Orleans is always a good idea.
10. SPAIN
From bustling cities like Madrid and Barcelona to lesser known national parks, beaches, and the incredibly imaginative food scene that may inspire you to pass small plates among friends into the wee hours, Spain continues to inspire wanderlust among American travelers.