From the rise of astrotourism Unpleasant coolingand sleep tourism to AI itineraries, the travel trends of 2024 combined a little bit of everything. While 2025 will inevitably bring forth a range of even more exciting ideas and destinations, there’s nothing like a new year on the horizon to make us feel nostalgic – and in that spirit, we’ve delved into the archives of the internet to discover the countries that you couldn’t stop searching for over the past 12 months. From Egypt to Malta, here are the most Googled travel destinations of 2024 – and the best hotels to book while you’re there.
5. Egypt
Egypt was once the preserve of culture vultures, but as many five-star hotels have moved into the country in recent years, it has become one of the most popular destinations to visit if you are guaranteed sunshine. Head to Sharm El Sheikh for pristine beaches along the Red Sea, before delving into the history of Alexandria – a city founded by Alexander the Great and a hive of archaeological monuments – or traverse the capital Cairo for a real taste of Egypt. The latter is located right on the Nile River and is dotted with famous mosques, madrasas, hammams and fountains. No trip to Cairo is complete without a visit to Giza: one of the Seven Wonders of the World, with three tall pyramids built in the 26th century.e century BC, as well as the Great Sphinx.
Where to stay: Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis
Since opening in February, Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis has built a trusted reputation in the capital by combining five-star luxury with renowned historic culture. Offering the epitome of Egyptian elegance, the hotel is located in the vibrant Heliopolis district (Ancient Egypt), close to the main Presidential Palace and the Great Egyptian Museum. Book one of the 252 rooms and suites for panoramic views of the city and beautiful botanical gardens, and dine in a variety of restaurants including Brasserie Ayda, serving an eclectic Mediterranean-inspired menu, the ‘mythical-yet-modern’ Bar Raa, and the signature Peacock Lounge for a twist on the traditional afternoon tea.
From €315 per night.
4. Italy
Thanks to its varying terrain, it offers an abundance of escapes. We are therefore not surprised that Italy has been ranked in the most Googled destinations of 2024. After all, there is so much to discover, see and do that you will not be able to experience the glamor of the country. Milan, the rolling hills of Tuscany, the snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes of the Dolomites, ancient luxury on Lake Como, the coastal luxury of the Amalfi Coast and the history of Rome in one trip. That said, we recommend checking off all of the above – plus Venice, which is unfortunately sinking rapidly due to climate change. Famous for its 150 canals, this floating city is a historical, architectural and cultural wonder that has played a role in European empires, inspired literary works by Shakespeare and plays host to Hollywood at the Venice Film Festival every summer. With 400 beautiful bridges and waterways lined with 16e and 17eWith its palaces and squares spread across Venice’s 118 islands, don’t miss St. Mark’s Square in the center of the city, which acts as the epicenter for the city’s surrounding historic sites, museums and galleries. However, the best way to see the sights is via a gondola on the Grand Canal. Bellissimo.
Where to stay: St Regis Venice
Art lovers will be amazed by its location in a prime location on the Grand Canal and a stone’s throw from St. Mark’s Square. Saint Regis from the moment they step off the jetty, and even further once they are inside the four great walls, decorated with only the very best Venetian artwork. Glamor and grandeur are the common threads throughout, especially in the marble ballroom, the enormous library, the Carita of Paris spa and the decadent dining offering overseen by Italian chef Giuseppe Ricci. Gio’s Restaurant and Terrace, which takes its name from the San Giorgio Church directly opposite, is the place for beef carpaccio with horseradish, homemade pasta dumplings filled with Vicentina-style cod and lagoon sea bass in anchovy sauce.
From €802 per night.
3. Malta
Image: Shutterstock
We can’t get enough of Malta – and neither can you. This small but mighty island ranked ninth among the most Googled destinations of 2023 and has risen six places in 2024 – and also reported huge tourist numbers, with more than 355,000 visitors in October alone. Located between Sicily and North Africa, Malta offers mild temperatures all year round, but also centuries of history, especially in the capital Valletta, dotted with 16ecentury palaces and cathedrals. When you’ve had enough of city life, head to the beaches of Għajn Tuffieħa Bay and family-friendly Mellieħa Bay, or head to the surrounding azure waters on one of the many bookable boat trips that sail towards the sister islands of Gozo and Comino.
Where to stay: Iniala Harbor House
Located in the heart of Valletta on the prestigious St Barbara Bastion, Port House of Iniala offers some of the best birding perspectives in the city. Comprised of four palatial homes to create a five-star, 23-star hotel, Iniala takes luxury seriously. She has tapped into the gastronomy of award-winning chef Simon Rogan to create a two-Michelin star restaurant, Ion. Elsewhere, discover a 24-hour gym, a glamorous cocktail bar, original artwork from both renowned and emerging Maltese and Gozo artists, and spa treatments at the Essensi Spa. It doesn’t get much better than the Deep Sleep treatment: a body scrub with essential oils and massage designed for frequent travelers and light sleepers. Endd, relax.
From €341 per night.
2. Greece
Whether you’re dreaming of an idyllic island escape (we’ve rounded up the best Greek islands to visit here) or a cultural city trip, Greece offers travelers just about everything they need for a standout stay. From the food – think Greek salads, gyros and spanakopita in spades – to the laid-back lifestyle (including that all-important mesi meri nap around midday), we recommend starting any trip in the capital of Athens before heading to islands goes hopping Mykonos, Santorini and Milos. Known as one of the busiest cities in the world, attracting more than 10 million tourists a year, admire the impressive architecture of Athens: the Acropolis, the Temple of Hephaestus, the ancient Agora of Athens and the Panathenaic Stadium (the only marble stadium in the world). world) before climbing Mount Lycabettus – the highest point in Athens – to be rewarded with panoramic views of the city below.
Where to stay: One&Only Aesthesis
Located in Glyfada – the undiscovered gateway to the Athenian Riviera – One&only aesthetic Opened last year as the brand’s second European outpost (following in the footsteps of Montenegro’s critically acclaimed One&Only Portonovi), it is located just 30 minutes from the Greek capital. Reviving the Athenian glamour, synonymous with the 1960s, this five-star hotel offers the best of both worlds, in an enviable location between a private beach and a pine-clad forest reserve. The rooms are designed with outdoor living in mind, while the first Guerlain spa in Greece combines French expertise and Hellenic rituals to create a unique wellness experience. If you’d rather learn more about the capital from a local, head to the concierge desk to pick up One&Only’s Secret of Aesthesis guidebook, where you can choose from a tailor-made sailing experience through the waters beyond, or a throwback classic jewelery course in traditional Greek fashion.
From €330 per night.
1. Turkey
As a newcomer to Google’s most researched travel destinations for 2024, we believe it is high time that Turkey gets the attention it deserves. There is plenty to explore if you plan a trip here, as it is one of the largest countries in Europe with mountainous regions, balmy beaches and bustling cities. It would be unfair not to stay indoors Istanbul – a city that was already inhabited in the 6th centurye century BC, and one that has played a crucial role in history, from serving as the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, to being part of both the ancient Greek and Roman empires.
Head south through Ankara to reach Cappadocia, famous for its honeycomb-colored villages with fairytale huts and castles, as well as flurries of hot air balloons floating overhead. Even further south you will find Bodrum, also called the Turkish Riviera. With azure waters and sandy beaches that easily rival Cannes, this part of Turkey’s southwestern coast is home to Bodrum Castle – one of the Seven Wonders of the World completed in the 4th century.e century BC – countless beaches and the uninhabited island of Orak are waiting for you to explore.
Where to stay: The Bodrum Edition
Now entering its eighth year, The Bodrum edition encompasses everything a well-heeled traveler would want from the Turkish Riviera. The 110-key boutique hotel is steps away from Yalikavak Marina and offers views of the Aegean Sea from everywhere, especially from the infinity pool and the exclusive beach club on the sandy coast. Unwind in the state-of-the-art spa, which includes a salon, Turkish hammam and fitness center – and when dinner calls, choose from the Michelin-starred cuisine of Turkish chef Osman Sezener (expect plates with Aegean octopus with broad bean dip and slow-cooked beef rib with truffle mushrooms) or Japanese-inspired delicacies at Inari.
From €578 per night.
Read more: The best new luxury hotels opening in 2025
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