The Top 10 Summer Travel Destinations Worldwide, According to Airbnb
This summer is expected to be one of the busiest travel seasons we’ve seen in a while. People are well into making plans to fly or drive their way to a well-deserved holiday. As many as 49% of people reported they plan to travel more in 2023 than they did last year, according to a Forbes survey, and nearly one-quarter said they will use this vacation to check off a bucket list destination or use it as an excuse for a romantic getaway.
And as the travel season gets underway, Airbnb has published the top 10 trending locales across the globe according to search. Whether it’s across the U.S. or internationally, one of these top 10 travel destinations is sure to evoke your sense of wanderlust and send you jet-setting off to your next vacation.
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10. Grindelwald, Switzerland
Grindelwald is a unique town located about 120 miles from Zurich with stunning views, mountaintops, and its popular tourist destination, Jungfraujoch, also known as the Top of Europe.
Jungfraujoch is the location of the highest railway station in Europe at an elevation of 11,332 feet and it is sometimes referred in Switzerland as the Top of the World.
The Gletscherschlucht Gorge, or Grindelwald Glacier Gorge, is another main attraction with rock galleries, whirlpools, and waterfalls with an elevated walkway to get close to the true beauty of it all.
The best time to visit the village is from June through September, with temperatures hovering around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
9. Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakesh is the perfect travel destination to become immersed in the local culture from shopping in its bazaars and enjoying traditional food to riding camels in the desert and viewing the city’s impressive architecture.
With its two royal palaces, five-star restaurants, endless resorts, and traditional houses — called riads — Marrakesh is often known as the city of luxury. Visit the Jardin Majorelle for its beautifully maintained gardens, the Jemaa el-Fnaa outdoor street market, and above all else, the Sahara Desert.
The best time to visit Marrakesh is March through April and September through November when the temperature is warm at 77 degrees Fahrenheit but not overbearingly hot. For those daring enough to visit in the summer, you can expect to encounter temperatures at roughly 98 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Rouen, France
Just an 80-minute train ride from Paris, Rouen boasts of impressive Gothic architecture, making it the perfect travel destination for history buffs. Major tourist spots include the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen which is the site of Joan of Arc’s resting place, the Church of Saint-Maclou, and the Palais de Justice (Palace of Justice) which houses the busiest appellate court in France.
The best time to visit the village is from June through August, with temperatures hovering around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Rome, Italy
Rome, also known as the Eternal City, is rich in history and architecture, playing host to The Vatican, and ruins dating back to the Roman Empire including the Pantheon, the Colosseum, and the Trevi Fountain where tourists gather to make a wish and toss a coin into the clear water.
Rome is perfect to visit any time of year, with warm weather in the summer and mild temperatures in the winter months as well.
6. Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville is home to the well-known Kentucky Derby and has been ranked as one of the top 10 foodie cities in the U.S. While this city may not immediately pop into your as a “bucket list” travel destination, visiting the area for the Kentucky Derby, which is held in early May each year, can provide a unique and fun-filled experience.
The city’s Bourbon distilleries can also be well worth the visit as they produce more than 95% of the world’s Bourbon supply and host tours that book up quickly. They also host several festivals and events with many lasting an entire month during the Kentucky Derby.
5. Gotland, Sweden
Gotland’s main town, Visby, is known as a Viking-era wonder and is a protected UNESCO World Heritage site. It brings the joy of history and the beauty of natural scenery together to bring tourists back to medieval times.
This town has been well-preserved dating back to the 13th Century, showing off its centuries-old ringmuren (The Visby City Wall) which was built between 1250 and 1288.
The best time to visit Gotland is in the Summer when restaurants, hotels, and farm shops open, and the weather hovers around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. London, England
London is a prime location for tourists who want to take a ride on a red, double-decker bus and visit the main attractions including Big Ben, the London Eye, or take a walk around Trafalgar Square.
Watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, visit the Tower Bridge, or Shakespeare’s cottage for a bit of history, and find yourself swept up into the unique and vibrant atmosphere.
The best time to visit London is from June through August when temperatures hover around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona’s Mediterranean atmosphere makes it ideal for travelers of all ages to enjoy its vibrant culture, delicious food, and famous landmarks. The city is known for its La Boqueria Market, the Picasso Museum, and the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, which will be the world’s tallest church when it is completed in 2026.
The best times of year to visit Barcelona is in April, May, September, and October when it is the least crowded and welcomes cooler weather. The hottest months are July and August, but temperatures will only reach 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Ksamil, Albania
Okay Sun Gods and Goddesses, this one’s for you. Travel to Ksamil for its crystalline waters, snorkeling, scuba diving, or just settle down to sunbathe on the sandy shores at one of the well-known beaches including Pasqyra Beach, Ksamil Beach, and Xhino Beach.
For hidden gems you can’t find anywhere else, head to the Blue Eye, a natural spring 150 feet deep located about 20 miles from Ksamil or travel to Butrint National Park, a historical site stretching back to the ancient Greeks. It was a staple of defense but also a vacation destination for the Romans, including Julius Caesar.
The best time to travel to Ksamil is during the summer months when the weather hovers around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
1. Kuta Utara, Bali
Night owls rejoice — with Kuta’s exquisite beaches and vibrant nightlife, it is considered to be the liveliest city in Bali. Tourists can not only enjoy the city’s sandy beaches but also its many hotels and bars. The main beach roads, Jalan Kartika Plaza and Jalan Pantai Kuta are lined with resorts, shops, entertainment spots, and a plethora of restaurants and bars.
The best time to travel to Kuta Utara is during the summer months from December through February when the average temperature is 88 degrees Fahrenheit.
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