Better Now Than Later – Top Ten Trending Destinations to Hit While They’re Hot

When it comes to travel destinations, we all have our all-time-favourites, but that shouldn’t deter us from exploring new locations and experiences! No matter the type of traveller you are, it is always good to be inspired by novel cultures, meet new friends and discover new cuisines. At KAYAK we are excited by how exhilarating and inspiring your journeys can be, so we have analysed data from millions of searches to gain an insight into what’s driving our users, and where they’re most interested in travelling.

Be ready to set trends, as our report for Hong Kong travellers – novices and veterans alike,  reveals the top ten emerging cheap holiday destinations that deserve a top spot in your bucket list. Now you can avoid the crowds at ‘Instagram hot spots’, and have a blast on your next holiday – maybe somewhere your friends haven’t been to yet!

10. Rome, Italy
Year-on-year Search Growth: 54%

Rome is one of the most exciting destinations in the world. The Italian capital has it all, nightlife, shopping, fine dining, and entertainment, whilst being world renowned for its array of historic landmarks.

Find cheap flights to Rome* Book cheap hotels in Rome*

9. Penang, Malaysia
Year-on-year Search Growth: 60%

There is no better description of Penang other than “a cocktail of eastern cultures”. At its heart is the diverse, cosmopolitan George Town, Penang Island’s main city and an urban centre that delivers old-world Asia in spades. Explore Penang’s spectacular art scene, and hear the locals’ stories on their long history and their myriad of cultures.

Find cheap flights to Penang* Book cheap hotels in Penang*

8. Manchester, United Kingdom
Year-on-year Search Growth: 66%

After London, Manchester is the most visited English city for overseas tourists. It’s also sometimes the unofficial “capital of the North”. Apart from its two massive football clubs, the vibrant arts scene, stellar shopping and fine dining, celebrity appeal, and its LGBT scene are all part of the city’s charm.

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7. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Year-on-year Search Growth: 74%

Siem Reap is the capital city within the Khmer kingdom of Cambodia. The city thrived between the 9th and 15th centuries when most of its incredible complex of stone buildings were constructed. Siem Reap is home to many unique treasures like the Terrace of the Elephants, a must-see on your visit and part of the walled fortifications of the Angkor Thom temple complex.

Find cheap flights to Siem Rep* Book cheap hotels in Siem Rep*

6. Jeju, South Korea
Year-on-year Search Growth: 80%

Seoul has long been one of Hong Kongers’ absolute favourites when it comes to short trips, so why not change things up a bit and  visit Jeju Island on your next visit to Korea? Jeju is fast becoming the go-to island destination in South Korea thanks to its breathtaking beaches, scenic cliffs, local delicacies, and welcoming local population.

Find cheap flights to Jeju* Book cheap hotels in Jeju*

5. Kagoshima, Japan
Year-on-year Search Growth: 84%、

A smoking volcano, a reputation as Japan’s friendliest city, and a proud samurai past all add up to making Kagoshima an inviting destination. As well as being home to Saigo Takamori, a samurai legend, this Kyushu castle town also played an important part in the Satsuma Rebellion of the late 19th century.

Find cheap flights to Kagoshima* Book cheap hotels in Kagoshima*

4. Haikou, China
Year-on-year Search Growth: 146%

While Hong Kongers are always heading for Shenzhen, Beijing and Shanghai for their travels to the Mainland, further South, Hainan’s capital, Haikou sports a tropical climate that is attracting much attention.  There are national parks with wildlife, and mountainous landscape owing to the region’s volcanic cluster rock.

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3. Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Year-on-year Search Growth: 148%

A trip to Phnom Penh promises an experience of the cultural renaissance, numerous art galleries, and a thriving live music scene. Ancient sites like the Hindu temples at Phnom Chisor are easily within reach. Cambodia’s modern history is more sobering, but the city has since risen from the ashes to take its place among the hip capitals of the region, with an alluring cafe culture, and a world-class food scene.

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2. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Year-on-year Search Growth: 154%

The Old Centre and the Canal Ring are a must for history lovers, as are the world-class museums and galleries. If cafes, coffee shops, and bars are of limited appeal, the city also boasts spacious parks, like Vondelpark in the centre of the city, and Oosterpark, close to the Eastern Docklands.

Find cheap flights to Amsterdam* Book cheap hotels in Amsterdam*

1. Moscow, Russia
Year-on-year Search Growth: 328%

Thanks to the past summer’s football matches, Moscow is in the limelight! Sometimes known as ‘The Third Rome’, Moscow continues to surprise tourists with its world-class architecture and history – the perfect combination of contemporary mixed with historic. Beautiful buildings can be seen everywhere from the Moscow Business District to Red Square, while the city also boasts a plethora of delicious Russian food options.

Find cheap flights to Moscow* Book cheap hotels in Moscow*

*Data is based on survey carried out 2/10/2017 – 11/10/2017 surveying 2,100 respondents across 7 APAC markets,, including (in alphabetical order) Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan, aged between 21 and 45, who have booked hotels or flights online in the last 6 months and had been on holiday.

**The report filtered out the top 30 most-searched destinations by Hong Kong travellers on KAYAK.com.hk in during the search period 1/1/2018 – 10/8/2018 for any travel dates between 1/1/2018 – 31/12/2018, and ranked the rest of the destinations by highest year-on-year growth on searches.