It’s the end of another decade. Which destinations will be next on the short list for travelers as we enter into the next one?
We have the answer based on search data from our user base who come to Stride seeking an easy way to compare tours, read reviews, and find the perfect trip or tour package for their style and budget.
For this list, we are excluding continents and attractions (such as the Colosseum, Easter Island, or Angkor Wat).
Top Trending Countries for 2020
See what surprised us! These countries fell off the Top 10 list this year
Top Trending Regions and Cities for 2020
Biggest Change between 2018 and 2019
Here’s what's trending for 2020:
The Top 10 Trending Countries for 2020
1. Italy
Italy starts out our list remaining firm at number 1. There’s just something about Italy that beckons travelers, both young and old, year after year. Perhaps it’s the welcoming culture, the fascinating historical and archaeological sites, or the museums.
Or perhaps it’s the pizza and gelato! We may never know…
And once you’ve done the “Big 3” of Rome, Florence, and Venice, there’s so much more of Italy to explore! There’s the mountainous north, the rocky trails of Cinque Terre, and the ancient island of Sicily.
2. Ireland
Soaring into number 2 from position 10 last year is the beautiful Emerald Isle. Ireland is a great destination for hiking, nature, and history. Another country boasting a friendly culture and plenty of local gems to explore.
Ireland is the place to be if ducking into the pub for a pint after being out in the elements sounds like the perfect end to a busy day.
3. Israel
Another big jump onto the top ten is Israel which was in position 12 last year. This burst in popularity could be attributed to the fact that the massive annual music contest Eurovision was hosted by Israel in 2019. Travelers who visit Israel are treated to a unique combination of ancient monuments and vibrant modernity.
4. Spain
Remaining in the number 4 spot is Spain. This classic European destination attracts who are looking for delicious food, history, and a funky art and architecture scene with a legacy that includes Picasso, Dali, and Gaudi.
Travelers to Spain will notice enormous differences between the major cities and regions. It's ideal to travel on a tour where you can experience the full breadth of Spanish culture and see local gems beyond the beaten path.
5. Australia
The land down under with its expansive red center and idyllic beaches keeps it’s same spot as last year as well. There’s a lot to see in Australia, but the country’s massive size doesn’t always make travel planning easy - which is why traveling with a tour is an excellent option.
And if you’re up for something different check out Tasmania, the island off Australia’s west coast. While it is an Australian state, Tasmania very much has its own culture.
Australia is also commonly combined with New Zealand, and this is a popular tour itinerary for those who have the time.
Australia & New Zealand tours »
6. United States
Surprisingly, Iceland was bumped from number 6 to number 9 this year, replaced by the United States. As a travel destination, the United States has a lot to offer - for locals and international travelers alike.
From expansive and stunningly beautiful national parks, to cruises in Alaska, to exploring the delicious food and interesting history in the American south the United States is expansive with each region providing something different. Many of these options are popular for multigenerational travel.
There’s also the cross country trips which are popular among youth travel brands like Topdeck and Contiki. You’ll spend very little time in each stop but you’ll cover an impressive amount of ground.
Cruises in the United States are also growing in popularity. The rustic Columbia River and the historic Mississippi River both saw a huge increase in searches during 2019.
7. China
Falling a few spots from last year, interest in China as a travel destination remains strong. Specifically traveling on a guided tour to China is popular given the language differences and cultural nuances.
Tours in China often use local guides that will help you go further off the beaten path and discover local gems that may not be that easy to find as an independent traveler.
China can be a culture shock which is another great reason to visit with a guide and a small group tour. And there are many ways to visit from river cruises to rustic backpacking.
8. France
Falling one spot this year though still incredibly popular is France. This is the perfect destination for art lovers, history buffs, foodies and wine lovers.
One of the best things about visiting on a tour of France is the opportunity to get beyond the major cities and out into the countryside.
9. Iceland
An extremely popular destination for adventure travelers, Iceland fell a surprising 3 spots from 2018. Iceland sprang to the front of the pack over the past decade largely due to the television show Game of Thrones much of which was shot around the country.
Iceland’s small drop in popularity could be attributed to the show’s ending (in a less than stellar fashion among fans).
There's also a growing concern surrounding the impact of tourism on Icelands impressive natural landscape. While you should not be discouraged from traveling to Iceland, the environmental impact is an important consideration. For this reason, tours are a highly recommended option.
10. Canada
Rounding out the list is the enormous country of Canada, which is new to the list rising 4 slots from spot 14 in 2018. Canada is great for outdoorsy travelers of all stripes.
You can do hardcore rockclimbing or hiking but you can also stay at beautiful rustic resorts and participate in easy hikes and wildlife viewing excursions. There’s also cycling, kayaking, whale watching and many other outdoor adventures to be had.
On the flipside, there’s the quaint historic towns of the maritimes in Eastern Canada. Places like Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island attract many travelers looking to explore at an easy pace.
Notable Changes from Last Year's Top 10
1. Egypt
Egypt was very popular last year, occupying the #3 spot. However interest fell off in 2019. The surrounding region has always been somewhat up and down when it comes to safety concerns and Egypt - commonly listed as a safer destination experienced it’s own unrest in 2019.
If you are interested in traveling to Egypt, it is highly recommended to visit with a guide and / or a tour group. Travelers looking for that “off the beaten path” feel should consider a local or regional operator such as Look at Egypt tours or Travelous - both of which specialize in the area.
2. Japan
Japan held the #9 spot in the beginning of 2019, falling to #12 by the end of the year. Japan has consistently been a popular travel destination, popular for history buffs and those curious to explore Japan’s quirky and often mind boggling modern culture in cities like Tokyo.
It’s an attractive country for it’s seasonal beauty (the cherry blossoms in the spring are a huge draw) and zen buddhist culture.
It’s difficult to say why interest in Japan waned in 2019, but we predict it will find a spot back on the top 10 soon.
3. Morocco
Another surprising drop from last year is Morocco, which fell 5 spots from position 8 to position 13. This exotic yet accessible country is popular as a sort of “gateway” to more adventurous travel. There’s a lot of European influence in Morocco and the culture is welcoming. You can cater your experience depending on how adventurous you want to be.
Again, safety concerns may be a reason that Morocco slipped out of the top 10, but there’s no way to know for sure. The Top 10 this year consisted of what some might call less adventurous destinations - indicating that the world is a bit on edge when it comes to international travel going into 2020.
Top Trending Cities & Regions for 2020
Popular Cities and Regions saw fewer changes year over year than countries.
1. Machu Picchu
Staying firmly at number 1, Machu Picchu remains one of the most popular attractions for travelers of all ages.
Part of this is probably due to the fact that it can be visited in numerous ways. You don’t have to hike the grueling 3-4 days on the Inca Trail if you don’t want to. You can take a bus up from Aguas Calientes and save your calf muscles the soreness. Or if you think the Inca Trail is too overcrowded for your taste, you can hike one of the longer and lesser known treks: Salkantay or Lares.
Machu Picchu has faced difficulty as it tries to balance popularity with conservation. If you are hiking the Inca Trail be sure to plan well in advance. The trail only allows 500 people per day, including porters and guides. Booking with a tour company is highly recommended both for the comradery as well as sustainability.
2. Patagonia
Remaining at number 2, Patagonia continues to attract travelers eager to explore otherworldly landscapes and get in touch with nature.
Similarly to Machu Picchu the popularity of Patagonia could be due to the fact that while hardcore hiking is certainly a draw, it’s possible to visit in a more comfortable and less physically demanding fasion. Many Patagonia tour companies provide several kinds of trips from luxury to value.
3. Galapagos Islands
For wildlife lovers there could be no better destination than the Galapagos. The animals on the Galapagos are easy to observe up close as they are famous for having no fear of humans. This lack of fear is not due to captivity however - which means they behave as they would normally in their natural habitat.
There are many opportunities for outdoor adventure in the Galapagos including hiking and water sports. It’s also a very educational destination - whether you’re learning about Charles Darwin and his groundbreaking research in evolution or watching enormous tortoises as a naturalist guide explains their fascinating etymology.
See Galapagos tours & cruises »
4. Paris
Ahh Paris. The city of lights bumps up one spot from the previous year. Paris is a classic and everyone visiting France, especially for the first time, should absolutely see this stunning and historic city. From the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre, there’s no end of famous things to see. Visit with a tour to maximize your time and discover more hidden gems from a local perspective.
5. London
Commonly visited in tandem with Paris is the sprawling city of London. Sensory overload can be an issue in this historic and vibrant city. There’s so much to do and so many different kinds of London to experience. Be sure to check out lots of different itineraries to narrow down the parts of London you don’t want to miss.
6. Alaska
Rising up one spot, Alaska is a great destination for outdoor active travel as well as cruises. Wildlife lovers will certainly enjoy the opportunity to spot an amazing array of animals in America’s “Last Frontier”. Whale watching is popular and you may even see a bald eagle or a brown bear.
7. Mississippi River
Those looking for a casual and fun river cruise to explore a historic and beautiful area of the United States should absolutely check out the Mississippi River.
This enormous and significant river is a cultural icon, and a great way to be introduced to the US. River cruises along the Mississippi are often aboard a traditional turn of the century river boat, but if you’re used to fancy European river cruises, don’t expect that kind of experience here. It’s a laid back environment as you sail through old town America getting a unique glimpse into the past.
See all Mississippi River Cruises »
8. Canadian Rockies
A new destination on the list this year, the Canadian Rockies are perfect for outdoorsy travelers looking to get back to nature. Known especially for bright blue lakes, such as Lake Moraine and Lake Louise, the Canadian Rockies are a perfect family or couple getaway.
Banff National Park is the main draw in this region - there are several places to stay and no end to fun activities.
9. Rome
The ancient city of Rome remains in the number 9 spot from last year. An ideal destination for history buffs and foodies, Rome, like Paris, should absolutely be a stop for first time travelers to Italy.
Visit famous sites like the Colosseum and Forum before breaking away for an espresso at one of Italy’s infamous coffee bars. Then of course it’s time for some pizza perhaps in view of impressive Trevi Fountain or the Spanish Steps - both of which have been used in countless films.
10. Antarctica
Rounding out the list is enigmatic Antarctica. Last year the interest in visiting the snow and ice covered continent was markedly higher as it slotted in at number 4.
Getting to Antarctica is not easy but the journey is part of the appeal for those that go. Sailing - albeit sometimes rough - waters is a staple of Antarctica travel and cruises that visit are comfortable but not usually luxurious. This is adventure cruise travel at its best - with utilitarian ice piercing hulls a necessity - not fancy dining rooms.
Wildlife viewing is one of the best parts of visiting Antarctica. There’s walrus, whales, seabirds and of course thousands and thousands of penguins!
See all Antarctica tours and cruises »
Top 5 Biggest Jumps 2019 vs 2018
These locations saw the biggest growth over the previous year.
1. The Holy Land
This region in the Middle East includes the countries Israel, Jordan, and the Palestine Territories. Tours that visit the Holy Land commonly have a strong focus on religion and pilgrimage. If you are interested in a more secular view of this part of the world, consider a broader Middle East tour.
2. Columbia River
Like the Mississippi River, another river cruise in the United States that has grown in popularity is in the Pacific Northwest. The Columbia River is ideal for wildlife & nature lovers as well as history buffs. Much of the cruise route follows the same path that Lewis & Clark took on their famous expedition through the Louisiana Territory.
See all Columbia River cruises »
3. Mississippi River
The Mississippi not only soared into spot #7 in our Top 10 Trending Cities & Regions for 2020, it’s also a region that jumped 206 spots over the previous year. Attractive to international and local travelers alike, the Mississippi region is a great destination for families, foodies, and history buffs.
This journey gives you a glimpse into the complicated past of the American south while also highlighting everything great about the region today.
4. Camino de Santiago
The walk through Spain along the Camino de Santiago has been around for centuries. While it has traditionally been a religious pilgrimage, these days the Camino attracts a wider range of travelers on spiritual journeys.
Most Camino de Santiago tours are self guided, with the operator providing assistance with accommodations and meals.
See all Camino de Santiago tours »
5. Black Sea
Bordered by Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, and Georgia, The Black Sea in Eastern Europe beckons adventurous travelers looking for a different way to explore this unique area of the world. Small Ship cruises on the Black Sea are a great way to dive into different cultures, cuisines, and histories of these countries.
