If you’ve ever wondered, "Where’s everyone heading these days?", you’re in luck. The travel trends of 2024 reveal exactly what Americans are Googling — and planning to explore. Welcome to Trading Destinations, your insider guide to the top spots U.S. wanderers are eyeing.
1. The Gili Islands, Indonesia: Tropical Paradise on the Rise
Led by Google’s Year in Search 2024 data for U.S. users, the Gili Islands — a trio of serene isles off Lombok — emerged as the most trending travel query. The appeal? Pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back vibes that promise paradise without the Bali crowds Condé Nast Traveler.
Why Americans are drawn: Those craving a peaceful escape (but still Instagram-worthy) are increasingly choosing the Gili’s quaint atmosphere, snorkel-ready reefs, and palm-fringed sunsets. With villas, yoga classes, and beach bars aplenty, this getaway offers tranquility and charm.
2. U.S. Hotspots: Washington D.C., Miami & Asheville
Also featured in Google’s 2024 trending list are Washington, D.C.; Miami; and Asheville (NC) Condé Nast Traveler. Whether it’s politics, beaches, or mountains and arts, these cities tick distinct boxes:
- Washington, D.C. offers historic monuments and vibrant cultural scenes.
- Miami brings sunny beaches, nightlife, and diverse cultures.
- Asheville, rebounding from recent storms, charms with mountain trails, breweries, and art galleries.
3. Island Escapes: American Samoa, Canary Islands, Azores & Turks & Caicos
Top trending travel aspirations also include dreamy island destinations like American Samoa, Canary Islands, Azores, and Turks & Caicos Google Trends. These offer:
- American Samoa: Remote U.S. territory with unspoiled nature and strong Polynesian culture.
- Canary Islands & Azores: European islands with volcanic landscapes, ocean views, and mild weather.
- Turks & Caicos: Caribbean luxury with powder-soft sands, coral reefs, and upscale resorts.
Ideal for beach lovers, adventure seekers, and vacationers seeking serenity or luxe relaxation.
4. International Favorites: Turkey, Greece, Italy, Egypt & More
Zooming out, the most Googled countries globally in 2024 included Turkey, Greece, Italy, Egypt, Portugal, Cyprus, Mexico, and Croatia Condé Nast Traveler+3CN Traveller+3VJV+3.
- Turkey led the pack, with tourists drawn to Istanbul’s cultural crossroads, ancient ruins, and seaside escapes Google Trends+14The Wise Traveller+14CN Traveller+14.
- Greece followed with its sun-drenched islands and myth-rich history.
- Italy, Egypt, and Portugal offered rich heritage, art, and culinary delights in equal measure.
These longstanding favorites still spark wanderers’ imaginations and searches across the U.S.
5. Trending Island & City Stops: Tenerife, Ibiza… and New York
The “most‑searched” cities and islands in 2024 also featured Tenerife, Benidorm, Lanzarote, Symi, Fuerteventura, Ibiza, New York, Mallorca, Sardinia, and Ikaria The Wise Traveller+1.
- Iberian gems like Tenerife and Ibiza remain classics for party-goers and beach-seekers.
- New York continues to draw attention—perfect for city slickers craving culture, food, and skyscraper views.
- Ikaria, Greece made the list for its idyllic, healthy-living reputation as a “Blue Zone” CN Traveller.
6. Domestic Weekend Getaways & Family Favorites: Upstate NY, Sedona, and More
Looking to keep it local? Google reports the following as top weekend getaway searches in the U.S. (trending into 2025):
- Upstate New York
- Joshua Tree (CA)
- Sedona (AZ)
- Charleston, SC
- Las Vegas (NV) Google Trends
And for family-friendly “things to do,” searches surged for:
- Nashville, Asheville, Green Bay, Indianapolis, and Portland Nomad+10Google Trends+10Travel + Leisure+10.
7. Global Travel by Americans: United Kingdom, Canada & Japan
Based on actual travel behavior (not just searches), Americans in 2024 frequently journeyed to:
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Japan
- Indonesia
- Italy en.wikipedia.org+11Nomad+11nypost.com+11
Why? The U.K. and Canada offer familiarity, short flights, and major attractions. Japan, having reopened fully, enticed with culture, food, and novelty. Italy remains a perennial love thanks to art, pasta, and landscapes.
8. Trends in Bleisure Travel
A fascinating trend: bleisure travel — combining business with leisure. U.S. travelers often sweeten work trips with some relaxation — especially in:
- Honolulu, Miami, Orlando, Las Vegas, New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Fort Lauderdale en.wikipedia.org
Up to 52% of international and 42% of domestic U.S. trips included some leisure elements en.wikipedia.org — so if business calls, don’t forget to stay a little longer for fun.
Final Thoughts
Whether your readers want serene beaches, trending hotspots, domestic escapes, or quick bleisure mixes, there’s something in the 2024-mid-2025 data for every kind of traveler. From the tropical Gili Islands to artsy Asheville, family-friendly Nashville, and bleisure-friendly Miami — Trading Destinations delivers both what Americans are searching for and what they’re actually doing.