Most people use Google every day, and when we look at travel trends, the search data from Google is an excellent way to get an idea of the places that people are interested in exploring and visiting.
Some cities will rise to the top of these search results due to many different factors including, affordability, access, and even historic political changes that will transform a once closed-off country into the hottest destination for tourists.
The company recently revealed the 5 most Googled cities in the world this year, so if you’ve been looking for a new holiday destination, you may want to consider one of the top 5 places to visit:
Havana
It’s no surprise that Cuba is become hugely popular amongst travellers, and President Obama was the first US president to visit the country since the 1920s, signalling to Americans that there has been a major thaw in the relationship.
What does this mean for Canadian travellers? Expect to see McDonalds and Marriotts in the country soon, along with many more North American tourists as the first commercial flights and pleasure cruises have departed for the United States for Cuba, and the Four Points Havana will be opening in the city in the near future.
Mexico City
Mexico City is quickly becoming the place to go in Central America, drawing expats and tourists from around the world. While the beaches in Mexico have always been a huge draw for tourists, the capital is luring visitors with its food, architecture and history, and while you’ll still need to keep your wits about you, the city is much safer than most people would expect.
Reykjavik
Icelandair greatly helped Iceland attract people to the country in the 1960s, when it offered a free stopover for those travelling between Europe and North America, allowing passengers to spend a few days in Reykjavik without paying more on their fares.
Now, Iceland has transformed and become one of the most popular destinations for tourists, both in the off season, when visitors come to see the Northern Lights and take part in adventure travel, and during the summer season when you’ll find ideal weather for strolling and plenty of arts festivals. Google’s data revealed that female travellers in their 20s and 30s are the most likely look for trips to Iceland, maybe because it’s such a safe destination.
Tokyo
Food obsessed and technologically advanced Tokyo is a favourite for many travellers, however Japan has set a huge goal of doubling their tourist numbers by 2020 and updating and improving infrastructure (including “invisible” trains that blend into their surroundings). While you should definitely spend a few days in Tokyo, it makes sense to get out and explore some of the other great parts of Japan as well.
The data released by Google showed that the people searching for information on Japan are men between 24 and 35 who love technology.
Toronto
That’s right, one of the most Googled places to visit is located in our own backyard. Toronto has launched a program via Air Canada, making it easier for tourists to visit from the east coast of the United States, and the great exchange rate for Americans has also made it appealing for tourists- as is Toronto’s great reputation for excellent food. If you’re looking for a quick weekend away, Toronto is a great option.
