With summer here, everyone is itching to book the perfect getaway. But with a constant influx of travel messages it can be hard to pick the next it destination.
Thanks to our friends over at American Express Travel, we've received their proprietary booking data, and found the top international emerging summer travel destinations for the year. The top-ten list is based on year over year growth and future travel for June, July, and August 2018.
The Thief ushered in a new level of chic to the city's hotel scene, but it's the sprawling shopping districts (complete with some of Scandinavia's best design shops), Michelin-starred Nordic cuisine, and famously gorgeous people that make it a hot destination this summer.
As an older generation continues to deal with the terror under Dictator Pinochet, a younger generation is finding out what it means to be modern-day Chileans. What does this mean? A thriving new music and art scene, a revival of traditional Chilean culture, fantastic nightlife (yes lots of gay bars), and a people who appreciate living each day to the fullest.
You'll undoubtedly enjoy the sweet dessert wine, Port, when visiting this picture-perfect city on the banks of the Douro, but you'll stay for the local, artisan shops, vibrant restaurants, and its live-and-let-live attitude.
Few can deny that Colombia's popularity has skyrocketed in the past few years, and while many explore the bustling city of Bogota, leisure travelers prefer the beaches and nightlife of Cartagena.
“Cusco, a popular destination for travelers en route to Machu Picchu, Lima, and the Amazon, provides travelers with an unforgettable experience. Explorers are searching for off-the-beaten-path experiences near Cuzco, from the beautiful Maras Salt Flats to hiking the Salkantay Trek where you can hike high into the Andes," says Audrey Hendley, the president of American Express Travel and Lifestyle Services.
“The particularly breathtaking city of Quito, which sits high in the Andes, is one of Ecuador’s UNESCO World Heritage sites and the perfect place to begin to explore the country. The city itself is a cultural destination, rich in Incan heritage, with the awe-inspiring views and the Pacific Coast's quaint fishing towns and beaches. Quito offers easy access to the Galápagos Islands and the natural wonders of the Amazon as well as a unique opportunity to walk the equatorial line.”
It's hard to deny the tourism pull factors for this Eurasian city, and while it may be experiencing a murky poltical climate, the city continues to attract people for its historical significance.
The little town of 27,000 people may surprise you as one of the top destinations this year, but it's filled with hidden gems that make it a must-book destination. It sits just off of Highway 97 between the Deschutes and the Ochoco national forests and is ideal for outdoor lovers, foodies, and shoppers who dig artisinal goods.
With low prices, a mix of old-world charm, and an emerging art scene, travelers are flocking to the Polish capital.
“Croatia has gradually gained momentum and is becoming one of Europe’s up-and-coming places to summer, offering island hopping with the chance to explore the Adriatic coast and experience the Balkan beauty. The climate is at its most pristine in July and August with increased excitement during those months. We have found that travelers to this region are increasingly excited to explore Croatia’s countryside, from the Plitvice Lakes to Dubrovnik, with charming villages rich in history, adventure sports, pristine national parks, and eight UNESCO World Heritage sites,” says Audrey Hendley, the President of American Express Travel and Lifestyle Services.
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