Looks like we’ve entered the era of smaller, lesser known destinations

We are approaching the finish line for 2024. And what better time to start planning next year’s adventures than now! The options are endless and overwhelming. If you want to start trimming down your choices, Skyscanner recently released its list of 10 most popular places to travel in 2025.

According to the Scotland-based search aggregator and travel agency, these destinations have seen the biggest increases in searches over the past 12 months. Despite data coming mostly from US travelers, it helps to see what the travel trends are and derive inspiration from them, especially since most of the places on the list are lesser known, making for less stressful and more relaxing getaways.

After analyzing tens of thousands of data points, one trend emerged: “smaller, alternative destinations” are growing in popularity with travelers looking to explore beyond the mainstream.

Let’s get to know these places to inspire to book a flight to a few of these off-the-beaten-track destinations for some well deserved R&R.

1. Grand Turk Islands, Turks and Caicos

Thanks to social media, Turks and Caicos has become an “it” luxury destination. Photos from Unsplash

Perhaps for many of us, we only hear of Turks and Caicos when we watch Miss Universe (or is it just me?). This archipelago of 40 or so islands in the Atlantic Ocean has seen a huge 528% increase in searches according to Skyscanner, and the British territory has got social media to thank for its surge in popularity. With celebrities like the Kardashians, Biebers, and Drake singing the stunning chain of islands praises, Turks and Caicos has become an “it” luxury destination.

2. Quepos, Costa Rica

A secluded beach in Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio National Park

This is another destination that perhaps the average Pinoy traveler wouldn’t be familiar with, but one which saw a 462% increase in searches per Skyscanner. This quiet town is the gateway to Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio National Park, home to a thick rainforest, white-sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. It’s also home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including capuchin monkeys and hundreds of bird species. If you’re into the great outdoors and would like to go someplace a little lesser known, this could be your next favorite place.

3. Trømso, Norway

The northern lights as seen from Trømso are a magnificent sight to behold. Photo from Flightgift

Is seeing the enchanting northern lights part of your travel wish list? You can see them in their full splendor at this emerging Nordic destination. Tromsø is the largest Norwegian city north of the Arctic circle and is simply breathtaking. Being isolated and surrounded on all sides by swathes of wilderness means minimal light pollution and more magnificent northern lights! It’s a bustling city, too, which means there’s something to do for everyone despite its relative isolation. With +129% increase in online searches, looks like Trømso’s going to be attracting more tourists in the next few years—we suggest going there as soon as you can!

4. Tucumán Province, Argentina

Tucumán Province is rich in history, culture, and scenic landscapes.

Known as the “Garden of the Republic,” the province is the place to be if you want to immerse yourself in what makes Argentina, well, Argentina. Tucumán Province is rich in history, culture, and scenic landscapes. Its capital San Miguel de Tucumán is historically significant, being the place where Argentina declared independence in 1816. Nature lovers will have the time of their lives in the valleys of Tafí del Valle, while adventure seekers will delight in the ancient ruins of Quilmes. Love food? The flavors of the region’s Yerba Mate culture will fill you up after a day of exploring.

5. Krabi, Thailand

Krabi is the setting for the hit HBO series *The White Lotus*‘ third season.

Looks like this popular resort town in southern Thailand has become even more famous, thanks largely to being the setting of the highly anticipated fresh season of HBO’s hit series The White Lotus. Skyscanner data agrees, with Krabi enjoying a 77% increase in searches. Famed for its beaches, coral reefs, jungles, and lively backpacking scene, the capital of the eponymous province is tropical paradise defined—you may want to try a slice of it, too.

6. Luang Prabang, Laos

Looking for a place that blends spirituality and natural beauty? Luang Prabang is the place to go.

Criminally underrated, Laos is finally getting the attention it so richly deserves. Per Skyscanner data, its main tourist draw, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, has seen a 75% increase in online searches. Situated at a valley where the mighty Mekong meets the gentler Nam Khan river, Luang Prabang gives weary travelers that unique blend of spirituality and natural beauty. If you’re looking to travel at an unhurried pace coupled with rich cultural experiences sans the hordes of tourists, we recommend booking your flight now.

Travel that’s rooted in nature

7. Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp is known for being a creative city that’s ideal for millennial and Gen Z travelers.

Unbeknown to many, this city can rival Paris, Milan, or London when it comes to art and creativity. Long regarded as Belgium’s capital of cool, fashion-forward millennials and Gen Zs may want to visit this city for its fashion district that boasts trendy boutiques and designer stores. Antwerp’s Zurenborg neighborhood is especially popular among the younger crowd for its hip cafes, bars, and Art Nouveau architecture. With its timeless old world charm, you’ll never run out of spots for Instagrammable shots. What more can young travelers ask for?

8. Suva, Fiji

Sacred Heart Cathedral, built in 1902, stands in the center of Suva, Fiji.

Fiji doesn’t usually make it to bucket lists, but a 70% increase in online searches is a sign that interest is starting to pick up on this tranquil south Pacific island. Its capital Suva blends laid back island vibes with a lively urban scene. Colo-i-Suva Forest Park, meanwhile, has hiking trails, swimming holes, and waterfalls aplenty for nature lovers to enjoy.

9. Rotterdam, the Netherlands

Rotterdam’s modern market hall. The city boasts some of Europe’s most cutting-edge architecture.

Rotterdam may not be top of mind when planning a trip to the Netherlands. Nevertheless, this forward-thinking city with its bold, cutting-edge architecture, pulsating nightlife, and passion for design and innovation sure is worth a spot in your itinerary. Markthal’s market hall is foodie paradise, while the Cube Houses are Instagram worthy. Fan of all things hip and trendy? Rotterdam’s artsy Witte de Withstraat has a smattering of chic cafes and bars. The city is bike-friendly, too, making it not only easy to explore but also appealing to those looking for sustainable travel destinations.

10. Pago Pago, American Samoa

An eroded volcano in Pago Pago, American Samoa. Photo from Wikimedia Commons

Where is Pago Pago? And where is American Samoa? I’m quite certain you have the same questions in mind. Pago Pago is one of the world’s least visited national parks, which makes it an ideal option for those looking to experience nature’s majesty sans the madding crowds. It has picturesque hiking trails, immaculate beaches, and virgin forests, it might as well be paradise on earth. Remote, serene, and majestic, Pago Pago is the ultimate place for disconnecting—your boss’ email will not find you here.