Posted on Thursday, 12 January 2017

Each year, travel destinations fall in and out of favour with travellers for all manner of reasons. Burgeoning music scenes, the quest for peace and quiet – and even geopolitical events – have all shaped travel trends over the last 12 months.

Flight site Skyscanner has compiled a list of destinations that have seen big increases in visitors from 2015 to 2016. The reasons for their rise in popularity are as diverse as they are fascinating.

Here's an overview of the top 10 trending destinations.

Malta

Malta has always been a big favourite among Britons seeking beautiful beaches and sunny weather, but this Mediterranean island now also offers a range of top cultural – and especially musical – attractions. Chief among these is the dance capital, Paceville, which will play host to Annie Mac's Lost and Found festival this year. Flight searches for Malta rose by 59% between 2015 and 2016.

Asturias

This northern Spanish principality is worlds away from the crowds of the Costa del Sol – a key reason why it has seen flight searches increase 108%. Take a dip in the Cantabrian Sea or enjoy a trek in the Picos de Europa National Park; sample amazing Spanish food and dazzling festivals. But be quick – this unique, mountainous location won't stay secret for long!

Barbados

With an increase in flight searches of 39 per cent, more people than ever are discovering the glamour of Barbados. This Caribbean hot spot is now more affordable than you might think, but you can still enjoy a bit of star-spotting in places like St Lawrence Gap, with its buzzing nightlife.

Cornwall

This south western English county has always been a 'staycation' favourite, but more people than ever are drawn by the area's dramatic moorlands, picturesque fishing villages and Mediterranean-rivalling beaches. And superb foodie meccas such as Rik Stein's famed restaurant makes Cornwall a great place for those who love fantastic cuisine. Flight searches have gone up 21 per cent.

Romania

Romania offers a huge variety of experiences, from skiing, hiking and horse riding in the bucolic countryside, to exploring the vibrant cities. The land of the brooding Carpathian Mountains continues to attract more people each year, aided by new flight routes from Blue Air and Ryanair.

Okinawa

Japan may not be everyone's idea of a beach-lover's paradise, but sub-tropical Okinawa boasts some incredible coastal caves and stunning undersea coral gardens. Affordable air fares from the UK and a number of new hotels on the islands have made Okinawa increasingly popular with regular travellers.

Ras Al Khaimah

For those seeking a more genuine Middle Eastern experience, Ras Al Khaimah, of the United Arab Emirates, is a great alternative to high-rise Dubai. The hilltop Dhayah Fort and the abandoned fishing village of Jazirat al-Hamra are among the biggest pulls in the locality, aided by lower hotel prices compared to the big smoke.

More information on the Skyscanner travel trends: https://www.skyscanner.net/news/inspiration/travel-trends-where-to-go-in-2017/

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