Where Are We Going Next? A Look at Google’s Top Trending Travel Destinations

After years of postponed vacations and border restrictions, travel is back in a big way. If you’ve been feeling the itch to explore, you’re not alone. In fact, this year has seen a huge surge in travel-related searches. With more countries lifting COVID-19 rules and flights getting easier to book again, people are dusting off their passports and making plans.

So, what’s everyone looking up?

Google’s annual Year in Search report gives us a peek into what’s on travelers’ minds. More specifically, their Google Flights data reveals the top 10 trending destinations that have seen the biggest rise in interest over the past year. But before we dive into the list, let’s clear up one important point.

“Most Searched” vs. “Top Trending”: What’s the Difference?

At first glance, these two terms might seem like they mean the same your plate thing. But they actually point to different kinds of traveler interest.

  • Most Searched: This means the destinations people searched for the most over the course of the year. Think of it as a popularity contest—New York, Paris, or London might show up here every year, simply because they’re always in high demand.
  • Top Trending: This is a little different—and a bit more exciting. These are the places that saw the biggest surge in interest compared to last year. They may not have been the most searched overall, but their popularity spiked in a noticeable way. This is where you can spot new travel trends and hot spots gaining steam.

In other words, while “most searched” tells us what’s always been popular, “top trending” shows us what’s catching fire right now.

The Top 10 Trending Destinations on Google Flights

Now let’s get to the fun part. According to Google’s latest data, here are the top trending travel spots based on searches on Google Flights:

  1. Cancun, Mexico
  2. Miami, Florida
  3. London, England
  4. New York City, New York
  5. Las Vegas, Nevada
  6. Orlando, Florida
  7. Los Angeles, California
  8. Tokyo, Japan
  9. Boston, Massachusetts
  10. San Juan, Puerto Rico

Let’s break that down a bit.

A Tale of Two Travel Styles: Beach Escapes vs. City Adventures

One thing is clear from this list—travelers are craving foods you eat either sun-soaked beaches or lively city experiences.

🌴 Beach Destinations on the Rise

  • Cancun has seen a huge surge in searches. With its turquoise waters, all-inclusive resorts, and relaxed travel restrictions, it’s no surprise this Mexican hotspot is high on people’s lists.
  • Miami combines sunny beaches with vibrant nightlife, art, and culture—perfect for those wanting both relaxation and fun.
  • San Juan gives travelers a Caribbean experience without needing a passport. It’s warm, beautiful, and full of history.

These beachy picks reflect a growing desire for tropical getaways—places where you can unplug, recharge, and soak in some much-needed Vitamin D.

🏙️ Urban Energy Is Back

On the flip side, big cities are also making a major comeback.

  • London and Tokyo saw spikes in searches, likely due to loosening travel restrictions and reopened borders. These global cities offer rich culture, endless dining, and one-of-a-kind shopping.
  • New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Boston are American cities with serious staying power. Each one offers something unique—from Broadway and bagels to casinos and concerts.

Travelers seem to be craving variety, energy, and the ability to dive into a new experience—especially after years of staying closer to home.

Why These Trends Matter

What makes this list so fascinating is that it’s a reflection of how we’re feeling.

  • After long periods of uncertainty, people want to feel alive again. That might mean sipping coconut water on a beach—or wandering through museums and busy markets.
  • Travel is no longer just about checking places off a list. It’s about reconnecting—with ourselves, with others, and with the world.

Seeing a city like Tokyo spike in interest shows us how hungry people are for adventure. And the rise of places like San Juan and Boston shows that travelers are also seeking culture, history, and unique experiences—sometimes without even leaving the country.

Where Should You Go Next?

If you’re dreaming of your next vacation but aren’t quite sure where to go, this list can help you get inspired.

  • Want something laid back? Think beach towns like Cancun or Miami.
  • Prefer something fast-paced and full of options? Try cities like New York, London, or Tokyo.
  • Looking for something different but still close? Puerto Rico is calling.

And remember: “Top trending” doesn’t mean overcrowded, it’s just foods. It just means interest is rising. So if a destination on this list speaks to you, it might be the perfect time to go—before everyone else catches on!

Travel Is Back—And So Are We

After a few tough years, it’s clear that wanderlust is alive and well. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone planning your first big trip in a while, there’s something exciting about seeing the world open up again.

Google’s Year in Search trends give us more than just data—they give us a glimpse of collective dreams. Where we want to go. What we want to feel. And how we’re choosing to live again.

So, where will you go next?

Wherever it is, here’s to safe travels, new experiences, and finding joy in the journey. ✈️🌍

After years of postponed vacations and border restrictions, travel is back in a big way. If you’ve been feeling the itch to explore, you’re not alone. In fact, this year has seen a huge surge in travel-related searches. With more countries lifting COVID-19 rules and flights getting easier to book again, people are dusting off…

After years of postponed vacations and border restrictions, travel is back in a big way. If you’ve been feeling the itch to explore, you’re not alone. In fact, this year has seen a huge surge in travel-related searches. With more countries lifting COVID-19 rules and flights getting easier to book again, people are dusting off…