How many times did YOU plug the following words into the search bar?
Google has released its annual “Year in Search” report for 2019, which provides a look at queries that had a high spike in traffic across the U.S. on the search platform in 2019 as compared to 2018. In other words, searches that were “trending.” The results show that you were potentially planning your honeymoon, doing research on an adventure complete with many neon lights, and/or simply day-dreaming about the ultimate bachelorette party.
The top trending searches that started with “Trip to…” concluded with the following destinations:
Maldives
A favorite honeymoon spot of ours, it’s amazing how effective swaying palms and white sand are at setting the mood, not to mention its delicious restaurants and resorts, which include the Six Senses Laamu—it has an on-beach movie theater!—and the Anatara Kihava Maldives—which houses an underwater restaurant (Sea) and the world’s first underwater wine cellar.
Japan
This searched location sort of makes sense as its capital, Tokyo, will be taking center stage next year when it hosts the 2020 Summer Olympics. With its dazzling, neon-drenched streets and unique dining experiences, Tokyo also made our 2020 Go List. Yokohama, another Japanese location we’re currently obsessed with, is home to two ramen museums (yes, you read that right: ramen museums) that are both must-sees and are just a 20-minute train ride from Tokyo!
Recommended Fodor’s Video
Bora Bora
Also on our Go List, Bora Bora, complete with expensive bungalows and status as an A-list celebrity getaway spot (which could explain its ranking on this list), is breathtaking. Though, just because it’s upped its luxury game doesn’t mean there aren’t great, affordable options when it comes to stays there; we’re looking at you, Rohotu Fare Lodge. Additionally, more and more flights from the U.S. to Tahiti are being offered.
Las Vegas
Between the bachelorette shenanigans, flashy casinos (with palatial buffets), and the iconic live shows (including Celine Dion’s, whose residency ended this year!), what’s not to love about Sin City? If you’re having trouble answering that question, remember that there are plenty of great under-the-radar experiences to be had if you’re overwhelmed by the bright lights and loud noises. For the science nerds, The National Atomic Testing Museum on the East Side has over 3,500 artifacts on display ready to be gawked at and a trip to Sin City Smash—with its “Destruction Therapy”—is perfect if you’re looking to release any pent-up stress.
Rounding out the top 10 are Mexico, Alaska, New Orleans, California, New York, and Costa Rica (in that order). If you’ve already visited one or more of these “trending” destinations and are still looking for a place to use some of that well-earned PTO in the coming months, you really should check out our Go List, which includes sunny California (Palm Springs) and bustling New York City!