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According to this list, Europe had the most searched-for destinations in 2018, with five destinations in the top 10 and one in third place. The United States also had three cities on this list.
Italy
Italy is the final destination on the list of most searched-for places. A leading tourist destination, Italy recorded 52.4 million visitors in 2016. This country is the birthplace of European culture, the starting point of the Renaissance – a movement that produced many outstanding geniuses such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Dante… and left behind many iconic architectural works.
In addition, Italy boasts stunning coastlines and mountainous regions, as well as the world's most rich heritage sites. Italian cuisine is also one of the reasons that attract tourists to visit this country. Furthermore, Italy is considered a "giant kitchen," possessing irresistible dishes and culinary secrets refined over generations.
Paris
Not only this year, but in previous years as well, the City of Lights, Paris, has consistently ranked among the world's most searched-for destinations. In 2017, over 33.8 million people visited Paris, as it is a leading global shopping and cultural center. The Airbnb rental market in Paris is also recognized as the largest in the world.
Popular tourist attractions here include: Notre Dame Cathedral (12 million visitors in 2017), Disneyland (11 million people), Versailles Palace (7.7 million people), Louvre Museum (6.9 million people), Eiffel Tower (5.9 million people)...
Iceland
Iceland lies within the Arctic Circle, formed by volcanoes belonging to an active underwater volcanic mountain range.
The center of the island is a cold, highland region. Iceland's more than three hundred thousand inhabitants live primarily along the coast, with nearly half residing in the capital, Reykjavík – a thousand-year-old city whose name means "Bay of Mist". True to its name, the city has a dreamy, somewhat ancient feel, and most of its architecture is simple and charming.
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The Bahamas comprises over 700 islands of varying sizes and is known as the "Pig Island Paradise." It is famous for its beautiful, unspoiled scenery and incredibly romantic natural landscapes.
Tourists visiting the Bahamas often frequent Gold Rock Beach in Lucayan National Park. This beach was once a filming location for the famous "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie. Scuba diving is also a popular activity for visitors to the Bahamas. The seabed here boasts incredibly rich flora and fauna. Besides coral reefs and stunning underwater caves, it is also home to rare marine creatures such as stingrays, sea turtles, dolphins, and sharks.
Tourism accounts for 60% of the Bahamas' GDP and provides employment for half of its population. In 2012, the Bahamas attracted 5.8 million visitors from around the world.
Ireland
Ireland is considered one of the countries with the best living conditions and was recently ranked 5th globally in the Human Development Index. Tourism is a major contributor to the country's economy. The city welcomed 9 million visitors in 2017, approximately 1.8 times the country's population.
Ireland has become a highly sought-after destination thanks to its famous historical landmarks. Popular attractions include: Samuel Beckett Bridge, Dublin Castle, the Guinness Brewery in Dublin, and the Harland and Wolff shipyard – the birthplace of the legendary Titanic, which sank off its maiden voyage in 1912.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas – the world's hottest entertainment city, famous for its opulent casinos, all-night entertainment, luxurious restaurants, and expensive shopping districts. One of the reasons this city made the list of most searched-for destinations in 2018 is because Las Vegas boasts a world-class tourism industry. It is home to the highest number of AAA diamond-rated hotels in the world.
Bora Bora
Bora Bora is an island in French Polynesia, a French overseas community in the Pacific Ocean. Bora Bora is famous for its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand beaches. This beautiful island is often referred to as a paradise for beach tourism in the Pacific. The island's economy relies heavily on tourism.
Many resorts here are built on motu – meaning small islands in Tahiti – surrounded by small lagoons. The accommodations in these resorts are mostly single-story wooden bungalows built directly over the water, with varying quality and prices, from basic and inexpensive to luxurious.
Scuba diving is a major recreational activity on this island. Sharks and stingrays are also the two main species inhabiting this area. Because the sharks in this area are not considered dangerous, tourists often hire scuba diving services to observe them or participate in feeding them.
New York
This is the most populous city in the United States. Tourism is a vital economic sector here. New York has seen growth in both international and domestic tourist numbers in recent years, reaching a record 62.8 million visitors in 2017.
This city is a melting pot of diverse cultures, arts, architecture, history, and entertainment. Key destinations include the Empire State Building, Ellis Island, Broadway theaters, museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and other attractions such as Central Park, Washington Square, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, the Bronx Zoo, the New York Botanical Garden, and upscale shopping along Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue. Notable events include the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade, the Tribeca Film Festival, and free shows in Central Park. The Statue of Liberty – one of the most iconic symbols of the United States – is a must-see for any visitor to the city.
New Orleans
The city of New Orleans in Louisiana, USA, consistently ranks among the most sought-after destinations in the United States and the world. In 2004, the city welcomed 10.1 million tourists. Before Hurricane Katrina struck, the city had 265 hotels with 38,338 rooms in operation.
In a 2009 online survey by Travel + Leisure, New Orleans consistently ranked number one in 10 different travel categories.
New Orleans has always attracted visitors with its vibrant energy and strong sense of community. Besides being the birthplace of the famous Dixieland jazz genre, the city also boasts stunning and sophisticated architecture, deeply influenced by French and Spanish cultures.
Spain
It's no surprise that Spain is on Google's list of most searched destinations. Spain's tourism industry is the third largest contributor to the country's economy. Spain consistently ranks as a top holiday destination and is also the second most visited country in the world.
This country also boasts a rich and diverse culinary scene with uniquely prepared dishes, best enjoyed with fragrant wines. Beautiful beaches and magnificent castles showcasing Christian architecture are always captivating. Spain during festival season is also incredibly vibrant and alluring, with flamenco dances and thrilling bullfights.
