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Travel Destinations

What Travel Destinations Are Trending Right Now?

These countries and regions are creating a buzz and are the top trending places travelers are interested in visiting this year or next. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, you should definitely consider one of these top trending travel destinations. 

The Top 6 Trending Global Travel Destinations That Should Be on Your Radar

Spain

Why Spain Is Trending as a Travel Destination

Spain’s location on the southwestern tip of Europe makes it a unique melting pot of cultural influences. Spain’s music, architecture, and cuisine make it among the top fascinating countries to explore in Europe.

Of course, you can't have a truly Spanish experience without flamenco. Discover the passion, rhythm, and magic of an Andalusian flamenco show in Madrid.

History of Flamenco Dancing

Three More Reasons to Visit Spain

The Food Scene: Spain is notorious for its cuisine. Of course, you'll want to try paella, chorizo, cheeses, olive oil, and Jamon Serrano. As well, in every city you visit, stop in as many tapas bars as you can to try a variety of ingredients that vary depending on where you are. To get a true taste of all of it, visit Salamanca's famous food hall, one of the best in Spain.

Cosmopolitan Cities: Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville are some of the top cities you'll want to visit. You'll want to go to Madrid and Barcelona for the art, food, museums, and famous architectural masterpiece including the famous Sagrada Familia. Seville is where you'll want to go to get a dose of Spain's rich culture. Take a stroll through the Plaza de Espana and witness the passionate flamenco dancing. 

The Art: Barcelona is the place to go to witness some of the finest Modernist architecture, including Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família. You'll also want to visit Gaudí's fascinating Güell Park. In Madrid, visit the Museo del Prado, with exhibits and works spanning 500 years of Spanish art.

Portugal

Why Portugal Is Trending as a Travel Destination

Portugal is also home to some of the most uniquely beautiful vineyards in the entire world. The vine-covered hillsides along the banks of the Douro River start at Porto on the Atlantic coast and weave inland past picturesque hillsides and farms. You’ll still find charming chapels and villages dotting the landscape.

Portugal's Port Wine

Three More Reasons to Visit Portugal

Exploring Faith: Visit Fátima, the most celebrated place of pilgrimage in Portugal. The Santuário de Fátima is a collection of Catholic structures and includes the Chapel of the Apparitions said to be built where the Virgin Mary made her first appearance to three shepherd children. The Sanctuary of Fátima also houses the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, the fourth largest Catholic Church in the world. 

Traditional Music: You'll also want to introduce yourself to Fado, as it's essential if you want a true Portuguese experience. A traditional music genre of Lisbon, Fado can be traced back to the 1820s. This expressive national song of Portugal is often called the soul of the culture's identity. 

Belém: In Lisbon, you're going to want to visit the area of Belém and the ancient Belém Tower. Erected to protect Jerónimos Monastery. The tower's fortress was initially set in the middle of the Tagus River is now on the riverbank. In the same area, you'll find the modern and quite remarkable Monument to the Discoveries - erected to honor Portugal's seafaring navigators, depicts 33 Portuguese explorers.

Italy

Why Italy Will Always Be a Trending Travel Destination

Italy is one of the top trending destinations year over year for a reason. If you've never been, you need to go. Almost every moment you're there, you find yourself experiencing life-long and much longed-for moments. The history of Rome, Tuscany's wine, the canals of Venice, the beauty of the Italian Lakes, sun-kissed Capri, Milan's fashion, the colors of Cinque Terre, the oranges of Sicily - It’s no wonder this romantic country holds so much allure and wonder for travelers around the globe.

Best Places to Visit in Italy

Three More Reasons to Visit Italy (as if you needed more convincing)

The “Big Three” Cities: In no particular order, as they are all incredible, the "Big Three" cities in Italy are Rome, Florence, and Venice. In Rome, you'll find the Colosseum, the ancient Roman Forum, the famous Spanish Steps, and (of course) Trevi Fountain. Florence is home to Michelangelo's David, the gallery of Piazza della Signoria, and Ghiberti’s recreated Gates of Paradise. There's almost no place in the world that compares to the magical city of Venice. The top famous Venice to-dos include a gondola ride, visiting include St. Mark's Square, and seeing the Bridge of Sighs.

Food & Wine: Italy does pasta and pizza like nowhere else. With hundreds of different styles paired with an array of sauces, finding your favorite combination can be quite an adventure. Sipping your way through the Chiantis, Proseccos, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Montepulcianos, you'll understand why Italian produce many of the world’s best wines. 

The Art: Among the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Sandro Botticelli, Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini Italian artists certainly made their mark on history and influenced generations after them. It's no wonder Italy is home to some of the world’s most prominent works. Michelangelo’s Pieta, Sistine Chapel, and his David are only a few of the marvels the country boasts.

Egypt

Why Egypt Is Trending as a Travel Destination

The Pyramids of Giza, the Nile, ancient temples, iconic antiquities, the Sphinx, there are so many reasons to visit Egypt. Travelers have been drawn here since the late 19th century. With some of the most famous sites and artifacts world-round, it's no wonder. Plus, the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is now the largest archaeological museum in the world.

Top Sites to Visit in Egypt

Three More Reasons to Visit Egypt

The GEM: If you're looking to visit Egypt for the ancient artifacts, you're in luck. The brand-new Grand Egyptian Museum houses the greatest collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt. To impress from the start, at its entrance stands a nearly 40-foot high statue of Egyptian King Ramses II. The GEM also boasts an incredible view of the famous pyramids. Most importantly, the museum is the first to have on exhibit all 5,000 objects found inside King Tutankhamun’s Tomb.

King Tut's Treasures: The artifacts from Tutankhamun's tomb are easily the most recognizable symbols of ancient Egypt. As one of the most famous archeological discoveries, the tomb was unearthed in 1922 after being sealed for more than 3,200 years. The remarkable tomb contained 5,000 artifacts including chariots, clothes, the gold coffin, gilded throne, weapons, and precious jewelry. The most iconic of all is the full-faced funeral mask depicting the boy-pharaoh himself.

The Valley of the Kings: The Valley of the Kings, is the site of the ancient pyramids that rise from the Sahara Desert. Originally cased in smooth white limestone, the three are named for the pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. The pyramid of Khufu, known as the Great Pyramid, is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Valley of the Kings is also home to the impressive Sphinx. As one of the most recognizable statues in the world, the Great Sphinx of Giza is over 4,621 years old.

France

Why France Is Trending as a Travel Destination

France pretty much has it all. Architecture, history, fashion, cuisine, wine, scenery - there's a reason France tops the list almost every year as a trending travel destination.

One of the top places to visit in France is Paris, of course. You'll want to see the iconic sites of Paris, including the Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacre Coeur Basilica, and drive the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. One of the best ways to experience Paris is to enjoy the leisurely café culture - offering everything you've ever thought it to be.

Ordering Like a Local at a French Bakery

Three More Reasons to Visit France

The Wine: Bordeaux to sample iconic blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot or Burgundy to find the world’s best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Oh, and of course, the Champagne, Champagne, Champagne.

The Art: For lovers of art - Paris is the museum capital of the world, with over 295 museums, including The Louvre Museum, The Palace Of Versailles, The Musée D’Orsay, Rodin Museum, and The Musée National Picasso-Paris. 

Historic Events: If you're a history buff, you're going to want to visit Normandy. Located in the region is Dunkirk, where the British army was pushed to the brink in 1940, and the D-Day landing beaches, where Allied troops began the campaign that would liberate Europe. As well, you can visit Mont-Saint-Michel, said to date back to as early as the 8th century. If you're feeling brave, take a walk 65 feet below the streets of Paris through the labyrinth of bones in the Catacombs of Paris.

Croatia

Why Croatia Is Trending as a Travel Destination

Croatia is famous for its sun-dappled cerulean waters, medieval cities, pristine landscapes, idyllic islands, and fortified towns of cobblestone and terracotta. Not to mention, the country has been a hub for winemaking for thousands of years. From historical sites to idyllic islands, forest villages, and modern cities, it's no wonder this country has seen recent popularity and is among the trendiest of holiday destinations.

Top Croatia Wine Regions

Three More Reasons to Visit Croatia

The Pearl of the Adriatic: Dubrovnik is known as "The Pearl of the Adriatic" for a reason. The city is famous for its red-brick roofs that perfectly contrast with the green-blue waters below. A once fortified city, the high walls still remain and travelers can and stand on the medieval ramparts for views over the coastline. The labyrinthine stone-paved streets inside the 16th-century bastions of the Old Town are great for an afternoon stroll. 

Plitvice National Park: One of Europe’s great natural wonders the 114-square-mile park is truly worth the visit. Travelers from across the world come to stroll through the park on wooden boardwalks that offer views of cascading waterfalls, bright green ponds, and the 16 interconnecting lakes.

Freshly-Caught Cuisine: Fresh seafood is always on the menu in Croatia. You'll find that even most restaurants offer a variety of fresh-caught options. Among the fish options, you'll find mussels, clams, and squid, and even lobster. One must-try delicacy is Crni Rižot. Translated roughly in English, it means "black risotto." It's a true treat and worth the trip.