This time of year can be a bit horrible, we know.
That daily commute seems a lot worse when its dark, wet and cold outside.
It might be the perfect time to book yourself some time away for next year – and if you are looking for somewhere a bit different, Airbnb have just released their list of top destinations for 2019.
The list, which is based on booking, searching and wish list growth data, focuses on more off-the-beaten-path regions, cities and towns to explore.
A spokesperson for the company said: Ranging from a vehicle-free island off the coast of southeastern Chinas Xiamen, to the site of Woodstocks 50th anniversary celebration next year, weve found that most of our trending destinations are places where the increased “healthy,” more sustainable and authentic tourism will benefit residents and travelers alike, promoting emerging locales like Accra, Ghana; supporting environmental sustainability in places like Calabria, Italy; and offering the chance to help rebuild communities after natural disasters, starting with the top-trending destination on our list: Kaikoura, New Zealand.
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Kaikoura, New Zealand
295% year on year increase in bookings.
210% year on year increase in searches.
This coastal town was heavily damaged by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2016 but it is making a comeback – train and transportation services have been rebuilt and now it has the largest increase in bookings and searches on Airbnb.
Its popular with whale and seal watchers looking to spot some of the notable spem whale population.
Xiamen, China
283% year on year increase in bookings.
Xiamen is a port city surrounded by islands, including Kulangsu, a pedestrian-only, vehicle free island.
Puebla, Mexico
240% year on year increase in searches.
206% year on year increase in wish list inclusion.
Despite an earthquake in 2017, bookings and searches for Puebla have increased.
Its just two-hours from Mexico City and provides an alternative to the typical Mexican beach vacation and trip to the capital city.
Normandy, France
229% year on year increase in bookings.
120% year on y ear increase in searches.
With the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings next year, bookings and searches for this area in Northern France have increased.
Only a two-hour train ride from Paris, locals and travelers can experience the regions lush landscapes, architectural gems, and Route du Camembert, the trail named after the popular cheese.
Great Smoky Mountains, U.S.
191% year on year increase in bookings.
190% year on year increase in searches.
Home to Americas most visited national park due to its central location, general ease in getting there, and affordability, the Smokies are calling.
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Two of the parks most iconic trails (among the 800 miles of trails to choose from) are reopening after a wildfire two years ago.
Nature-lovers can also revel in the varied plants and animals in the area as its part of UNESCOs International Biosphere Reserve and be interested to know its also home to the biggest black bear population in the eastern U.S..
Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
188% year on year increase in bookings.
176% year on year increase in wish list inclusion.
Not to be confused with the capital city of the same name, the province provides a string of beaches and forests and towns like Tigre, characteristic of its Puerto de Frutos, or bustling craft market.
Accra, Ghana
163% year on year increase in bookings.
120% year on year increase in searches.
The capital city of Ghana is emerging as a global destination, with Makola Market offering its must-see colorful bazaar and the Labadi and Kokrobite beaches along the Gulf of Guinea boasting an exciting nightlife.
Mozambique
156% year on year increase in bookings.
160% year on year increase in searches.
Visit Mozambique for the nature – coral islands, marine and national parks.
The Indian Ocean surrounding the islands is home to 2,000 types of colorful fish prime for watching by scuba diving or snorkeling. Animal lovers can further rejoice in Mozambiques pink flamingos, Nile crocodiles and dolphins.
Outer Hebrides, Scotland
147% year on year increase in bookings.
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170% year on year increase in searches.
A series of beautiful but rugged natural islands, the Outer Hebrides provide a spectacle from the moment you arrive.
Barra Airport is an attraction as its one of the only commercial airports in the world where the planes land on a beach.
Wakayama Prefecture, Japan
128% year on year increase in bookings.
Described at Japans spiritual heartland, Wakayama Prefecture has 52 temples on holy Buddhist grounds in Koyasan, where travelers and locals can go to experience meditation, Buddhist gardens and vegetarian cuisine.
The area is particularly popular in July during the Nachi Fire Festival – a 1,700-year-old event and considered one of the most sacred festivals in Japan.
Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley, U.S.
100% year on year increase in bookings.
130% year on year increase in searches.
This is the location of the original Woodstock festival and with the 50th anniversary taking place in 2019, many famous musicians and groups are rumoured to be performing.
Santa Catarina State, Brazil
Over 100% in year on year increase in books
140% increase in year on year increase in wish list inclusion.
This state is known for both its beaches and its mountains. With bookings surging in cities such as Joinville (216%), Itajaí (166%), and Blumenau (134%), its apparent that travelers are seeking a side of history to accompany their panoramic mountain views.
Batumi, Georgia
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200% increase in searches.
Batumi is the second-largest city of Georgia, with a beautiful coast and year-round moderate climate.
The Black Sea resort has a lively promenade and an old town district to explore as well as beaches and ski resorts.
Winnipeg, Canada
140% year on year increase in searches.
Winnipeg is home to the first museum dedicated entirely to the evolution, celebration and future of human rights.
Pondicherry, India
140% year on year increase in searches.
Pondy as it is known, is a few hours drive from capital Chennai but you can enjoy scuba diving or visit the Pichavaram Mangrove Forest.
Uzbekistan
165% year on year increase in wish list inclusion.
With new investments in air travel, high-speed rail connections, simplified visa requirements and 300 days of sunshine, you can understand why its had the fastest year-over-year growth with bookings.
Its also home to Samarkand, a major city on the Silk Road and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Calabria, Italy
100% year on year increase in wish list inclusion.
Right at the tip of Italy, sits Calabria but it is one of the countrys least-visited regions, but it has mountains, national parks, medieval villages, an expansive coastline, and a laid-back, rustic vibe.
Andalucia, Spain
Over 100% year on year increase in wish list inclusion.
Spains hill region on its southern coast is best known for the picturesque Spanish cities of Granada, Córdoba and Seville.
The area is loved for its architecture: the Alcázar castle in Seville, the capital city; Córdobas Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral; and Granadas Alhambra palace.
Taiwan
Over 100% year on year increase in wish list inclusion.
Though Taipei remains a tourist favorite with night markets aplenty, the eastern districts of Daxi and Yujing are appearing on more wish lists this year over last.
Daxi, a relatively small town, has an increasing variety of historic and culinary attractions, making it a worthwhile day trip or two if youre visiting the capital city.
If you want a more remote experience, head to Yujing with its mango farms and hot springs.
Additionally the southeastern coastal city of Taitung attracts ancient treasure-seekers with relics recovered from buried Neolithic slate coffins, and part-time birders along the many lakefront paths.
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