Google’s annual Year in Search report, released on December 10, 2024, highlights the year’s most prominent sports, news, and pop culture trends, including the top trending travel destinations. With over 8.5 billion daily searches, Google’s data provides a glimpse into what captivated people’s attention throughout the year. The report identifies the destinations that saw a surge in interest during 2024 compared to 2023, offering valuable insights for travelers planning their next adventure.
The top trending travel destination for 2024, based on U.S. search data, is the Gili Islands in Indonesia. This idyllic archipelago comprises three small islands—Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air—situated near Lombok, the quieter neighbor of Bali. Known for their unspoiled beauty and serene atmosphere, the Gili Islands have captured the imagination of many travelers seeking a peaceful retreat.
Several U.S. cities also made their way onto the list, with Washington, DC, Miami, and Asheville, North Carolina, being notable entries. Asheville, a vibrant mountain town known for its art and culinary scenes, has drawn increased attention as it rebounds from the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Additionally, Banff, a picturesque mountain destination in Alberta, Canada, secured sixth place in the rankings.
In Europe, Amsterdam emerged as the sole city to make the U.S. list. This reflects a growing preference among travelers for cooler destinations amidst rising temperatures and overcrowded summer hotspots in Southern Europe. Amsterdam’s canals, history, and charm continue to attract significant interest.
The rest of the top 10 trending destinations showcase a strong preference for island getaways. American Samoa, a U.S. territory comprising seven South Pacific islands and atolls near Fiji, captured attention with its natural beauty. The Canary Islands, located off the northwest coast of Africa, also featured prominently, as did Portugal’s Azores and the Caribbean’s Turks and Caicos.
Google’s report goes beyond overall trending destinations, delving into specific categories such as babymoon and honeymoon destinations, solo vacations, and national parks. Each category reflects unique preferences and trends in travel planning for 2024.
Top Trending Destinations of 2024:
- Gili Islands
- Washington, DC
- Miami, FL
- Amsterdam
- Asheville, NC
- Banff
- American Samoa
- Canary Islands
- Turks and Caicos
- Azores
Trending U.S. National Parks
Nature enthusiasts also focused their searches on national parks, with destinations like Crater Lake National Park in Oregon and Mount Rainier National Park in Washington garnering significant attention. Other trending parks include Kobuk Valley National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park in Alaska, as well as Isle Royale National Park in Michigan. The list highlights a mix of iconic and lesser-known parks, reflecting the public’s growing interest in exploring the great outdoors.
Top-searched U.S. national parks of 2024:
- Crater Lake National Park
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Kobuk Valley National Park
- North Cascades National Park
- Isle Royale National Park
- Gateway Arch National Park
- Gates of the Arctic National Park
- Acadia National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Grand Teton National Park
Babymoon Destinations
For those planning a relaxing getaway before welcoming a new addition to the family, babymoon destinations have seen a significant rise in searches. Key West, Florida, topped this category, followed by serene locations such as Ojai, California, and Maui, Hawaii. Other popular babymoon spots include Sedona, Arizona, Palm Springs, California, and Turks and Caicos, which also featured in the overall trending list.
Top babymoon destinations of 2024:
- Key West, FL
- Ojai, CA
- Maui, HI
- Turks and Caicos
- San Diego, CA
- Sedona, AZ
- Scottsdale, AZ
- Palm Springs, CA
- New Orleans, LA
- Bermuda
Honeymoon Destinations
Honeymooners also contributed to travel trends, with Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and the Big Island of Hawaii emerging as top choices. Internationally, Madeira in Portugal and Mallorca in Spain captured the hearts of newlyweds. Banff in Canada and Turks and Caicos appeared once again, emphasizing their broad appeal across different travel categories.
Top honeymoon destinations of 2024:
- Jackson Hole, WY
- Big Island, HI
- Madeira
- Banff
- Islamorada
- Puglia
- Mallorca
- Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
- Grand Cayman
- Turks and Caicos
Solo Vacations
Solo travel saw a surge in popularity as individuals embraced independent exploration. Bali topped the list for solo travelers, known for its vibrant culture and scenic landscapes. Glacier National Park and Machu Picchu offered adventurous options, while Savannah, Georgia, and Puerto Vallarta provided a blend of charm and relaxation. Amsterdam reappeared, highlighting its versatility as a destination for various travel styles.
Top destinations for solo vacations in 2024:
- Bali
- Glacier National Park
- Machu Picchu
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Savannah, GA
- Puerto Vallarta
- Deadwood, SD
- Amsterdam
- Badlands National Park
- Jekyll Island, GA
Google’s Year in Search report not only captures the destinations trending this year but also provides inspiration for future travel plans. For those eager to stay ahead of the curve, Google’s data points to emerging hotspots before they become overcrowded. Whether seeking natural beauty, cultural experiences, or tranquil retreats, 2024’s trending destinations reflect diverse interests and priorities among travelers.
For more ideas on where to go next, Google encourages exploring its recommendations for 2025. As the travel landscape evolves, one thing is clear: people are eager to discover new and exciting places, making the world feel both larger and smaller at the same time.