These Are 2018’s Most Popular Travel Destinations

Every city we’ll be traveling to in the new year, according to Airbnb.

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In anticipation of the new year, it’s time to start mapping out all the cities you want to hit in 2018. Luckily for all indecisive travelers, Airbnb is taking some of the guesswork out with a new report. The vacation rental service recently released its predictions for 2018’s travel trends—including which cities will be the hottest destinations.

Want to learn more about the places you’re sure to see clogging up your Insta feed in the coming year? Here, a closer look at the top ten cities to travel to for 2018, and where you should stay whilst you’re there.

Tokyo, Japan

With so much to see and do in Japan’s busy capital, it’s no wonder this truly global city made the top slot. Take in some of the city’s rich history at the Sensō-ji Temple—Tokyo’s oldest—and the quieter Meiji Shrine. You could spend days strolling through the numerous gardens, including the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, the Rikugi-en Garden, and Koishikawa-Kōrakuen. Give your wallet a bit of a workout at the famous upscale Ginza shopping district, and don’t forget to stop by the Tsukiji Fish Market for a seemingly limitless array of traditional seafood.

WHERE TO STAY: To Save: Taitō-Ku Apartment; $80/night

To Splurge: Two Terrace Penthouse; $218/night

Paris, France

We’re perennially obsessed with all things French, and it looks like we’re not the only ones: The French capital secured the second top travel spot for 2018. If it’s your first time in the city, definitely check out all the big tourist sites such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral. For a more low-key take on the city, avoid the always-crowded Champs-Élysées in favor of more local shopping at any of Paris’ many vintage flea markets. The Broken Arm, a combined boutique and café, is a great way to spend a few hours; though if a more traditional café experience is something you had in mind, local Garance Doré recommends Télescope, Le Nemours, and the iconic Café de Flore.

WHERE TO STAY: To Save: Dream View Eiffel; $158/night

To Splurge: 2 Avenue des Champs-Élysées; $303/night

Osaka, Japan

Starting with the massive Kaiyukan Aquarium and ending with the insane variety of unique eats (it’s not nicknamed “The Nation’s Kitchen” for nothing) available in Osaka, you’ll never be bored on your trip. History buffs will love landmarks like the Osaka Castle and Shitennoji, the first Buddhist temple in Japan. Head to the lively Dōtombori neighborhood for an almost-endless supply of famed restaurants, photo opps, and shopping.

WHERE TO STAY: To Save:
Shin-Osaka Apartment; $98/night
To Splurge: Shinsaibashi Top Floor Suite; $361/night

New York City, USA

From holidays in the city to Instagrammable summer activities at every turn, New York City is one of those places with something going on 24/7. Visit any of the many museums and exhibits around the city, from the better-known MET and MOMA to Thursday evenings gallery-hopping in Chelsea (there’s free wine). Get your shopping fix in at the constantly-rotating selection of cool pop-up shops cropping up around the city before meeting up with friends for pre-dinner drinks at a cozy bar. And of course, Central Park is beautiful any time of year.

WHERE TO STAY: To Save: Lower East Side Apartment; $132/night

To Splurge: Lower East Side Loft; $350/night

London, England

Blending a global community with traditional British culture, London really is the best of both worlds. Start your day off with brunch at any of Notting Hill’s trendy eateries—we recommend either Daylesford or Granger & Co.—and spend the rest of the morning wandering around the area, taking in the colorful homes and Portobello Market. For the best city views, head to Primrose Hill. London has tons of free museums in which to soak up the city’s rich culture, so check out the Tate Modern or the British Museum before ending the day with fish and chips at a local pub. Or, if upscale dining is more your scene, Insta-famous restaurant Sketch is not to be missed.

WHERE TO STAY To Save: Cosy Garden Flat; $110/night

To Splurge: Chelsea Mews House; $345/night

Rome, Italy

Whether you’re using it as a base from which to explore the rest of Italy or looking to see as much as possible of the Italian capital, Rome is a must-visit. Skip the lines at the Colosseum and the crowds at the Trevi Fountain (or if you absolutely have to see them, go as early as possible) and instead opt for a more under the radar take on the city. Villa Ada and Villa Borghese are two absolutely beautiful gardens to spend time wandering through—or rent bikes—to burn off some of the inevitably massive amounts of gelato you’re sure to consume. And speaking of gelato, the absolute best in Rome is Giolitti, right by the Pantheon. Climb the Spanish Steps for great views of the city, and end the day ingesting enough carbs to make an Italian grandmother proud. Try San Marco or Da Giggetto for a sit-down meal, and any hole-in-the-wall bar for a slice of pizza to-go.

WHERE TO STAY To Save: Per Me Suite; $108/night

To Splurge: Piazza Navona Attic; $303/night

Orlando, USA

We’re going to go ahead and assume that if you’re booking a stay in Orlando, it’s probably with the intention of visiting either the Disney or Universal theme parks. But if you get tired of them, there’s plenty more to do: Unwind from the craziness with a walk through the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve or a boat ride through the nearby Winter Park. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art has the biggest collection of Tiffany’s products. Head to the Orlando Premium Outlets for some seriously discounted shopping, and end the day at IceBar Orlando for a drinking experience like no other.

WHERE TO STAY: To Save: Kissimmee Apartment; $75/night

To Splurge: Lake House with Pool; $299/night

Miami, USA

Turns out, Florida is quite the popular travel destination. Soak up the sun on the beach or beat the crowds at Soho Beach House and The Standard Spa—chic hotels with equally enviable pools. There’s no shortage of dining options, from brunch spots (see a full list of our favorites here) to more authentic Cuban cuisine in Little Havana. Head to Wynwood to check out the art scene—and snap a ’grammable pic of the street art—and partake in an Art Walk every second Saturday of the month. For a less stylish but just as memorable Miami experience, take a boat tour of the Everglades.

WHERE TO STAY: To Save: Central Miami Apartment; $95/night

To Splurge:   Luxury Waterfront House; $800/night

Sydney, Australia

Be sure to hit up Bondi Beach at least once during your visit, because whether you’re a surfer or not it’s famous for a reason. The nearby Bondi Icebergs Pool is equally famous (and worth checking out). For some non-water activities, visit Wendy’s Secret Garden and take in the lush greenery and views of the Harbour. Stop by Carriageworks Farmers Market to sample a taste of local goods from farmers and artisans, then pack up your snacks and head to the Royal Botanical Gardens to enjoy your feast al fresco. Outdoorsy travelers should also look into the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, which takes a while but offers worthwhile views if you feel like exercising on your holiday.

WHERE TO STAY: To Save: Potts Point Studio; $71/night

To Splurge: The Moo Project; $454/night

Lisbon, Portugal

A strong case could be made for going to Lisbon only for the food. Seriously. O Prego da Peixaria is the best spot to get a traditional Portuguese steak sandwich (called a “prego”), and be sure to spend an afternoon wandering around the Mercado da Ribeira, an indoor food fair with tons of local vendors. And it’s worth standing in the long line at Pastéis de Belém to get a box of the world-renowned egg tarts. In non-culinary reasons to visit Lisbon, the MUDE museum of design is a must for any fashion aficionados, the Belém Tower offers sweeping views of the entire city, and the Jerónimos Monastery is a beautiful architectural feat that is basically Hogwarts come to life.

WHERE TO STAY: To Save: Downtown Lisbon Attic; $85/night To Splurge: Bairro Alto Apartment; $484/night

See more travel stories:

This Is Where (and How) Everyone Will Be Vacationing in 2018 Our Top Holiday Destinations That Won’t Break the Bank Where to Go for a Quick Trip Out of NYC

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Elly Leavitt

Writer and Editor

Elly enjoys covering anything from travel to funky design (tubular furniture, anyone?) to the latest cultural trend. Her dream apartment would exist on the Upper West Side and include a plethora of mismatched antique chairs, ceramic vessels, and floor-to-ceiling bookcases—essential to her goal of becoming a poor man’s Nora Ephron. You can probably find her in line at Trader Joe’s. You will never find her at SoulCycle.