Hottest Destinations of 2018, According to Airbnb
GettyGangneung, South Korea
It’s really no surprise that Gangneung made the top spot. Booking demand increased 2,175 percent in the last year alone for the eastern South Korean city, all because of the Olympics. In February, Gangneung's stadiums will host men's hockey, curling, speed skating, and figure skating competitions.
GettyBournemouth, U.K.
Second place, Bournemouth on England's southern coast, saw a 353 percent increase in booking demand. That's more than triple the annual bookings for the British seaside city, which regularly hosts festivals like the Arts by the Sea festival and the Bournemouth Air festival.
GettyEdmonton, Canada
Edmonton saw a 284 percent increase, likely because the outdoorsy city in central Alberta serves as a popular access point for the Canadian Rockies.
GettyIndianapolis, IN, United States
It was once known as "Naptown." But with a 256 percent increase in Airbnb bookings made over the past year, Indianapolis is a new Midwest hotspot. The city is home to one of Traveler's favorite brunch spots in the world, Milktooth, and plenty of young people who are imbuing the city with energy, ideas, and investment.
GettyDa Nang, Vietnam
Vietnam is holding its place as a Southeast Asia destination to visit, with two cities making it in Airbnb's top ten. Da Nang, a popular beach spot that's a short ride from other attractions like Hoi An, saw a 255 percent increase in bookings this year. Read more about Da Nang's revival here.
GettyColumbus, OH, United States
The only other U.S. city to make the top ten trending destinations list, Columbus saw a 254 percent increase in Airbnb bookings this year. Known widely as the home of Ohio State University, the state capital has plenty to share, especially when it comes to food, in its historic German Village and hip Short North neighborhood. And do not even think about leaving without trying one of America's best burgers.
GettyFamagusta, Cyprus
Also known as Gazimağusa, the city on the east coast of Cyprus saw a 234 percent increase in bookings. The Mediterranean city is known for its 16th-century ruins (like the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque) and pristine beaches.
GettyBilbao, Spain
The mind-boggling architecture popping up post Gehry's contributions is reason enough to visit Bilbao, Spain's northern port city. And visit, people have: The city tied with Famagusta for increased booking demand, a whopping 234 percent. Read our hit-list here before you join those discovering Bilbao.
GettyHanoi, Vietnam
Shopping and street-food sampling should be first and second on your to-do list in Hanoi, where Airbnb bookings have increased by 212 percent in the last year.
AlamyMatinhos, Brazil
South of São Paulo on the Atlantic coast, Matinhos is the only South American destination to make Airbnb's list. Known for its surf and beaches, the town offers a relaxing break from city life and saw a 209 percent increase in bookings made in 2017.