From the rise of astrotourism to coolcationing, and sleep tourism to AI travel itineraries, 2024’s travel trends combined a little bit of everything. While 2025 will inevitably bring an array of even more exciting ideas and destinations to the fore, there’s nothing like a new year on the horizon to make us feel nostalgic – and, in that spirit, we have delved into the internet’s archives to discover the countries you couldn’t stop searching for during 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 reserve of culture vultures, but as many five-star hotels have moved into the country in recent years, it has emerged as one of the most popular destinations to visit for guaranteed sunshine. Head to Sharm El Sheikh for pristine beaches fringing the Red Sea, before diving into the history of Alexandria – a city founded by Alexander the Great and a hive of archaeological monuments – or traversing the capital of Cairo for a true taste of Egypt. The latter is situated directly on the River Nile and is dotted with famous mosques, madrasas, hammams and fountains. No trip to Cairo is complete without visiting Giza: one of the Seven Wonders of the World, featuring three tall pyramids built in the 26th century BC, as well as the Great Sphinx.
Where to stay: Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis
Having opened in February, Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis has built a reliable reputation in the capital for combining five-star luxury with its famous historic culture. Offering the epitome of Egyptian elegance, the hotel is located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Heliopolis (ancient Egypt), close to the main presidential palace, and the Grand Egyptian Museum. Book one of the 252 rooms and suites for panoramic views across the city and its beautiful botanical gardens, and dine at a variety of restaurants including Brasserie Ayda which serves an eclectic Mediterranean-inspired menu, the ‘mythical-yet-modern’ Bar Raa, and the signature Peacock Lounge for a twist on traditional afternoon tea.
From £315 per night.
4. Italy
Offering a cornucopia of escapes thanks to its varying terrain, we’re unsurprised Italy has ranked in the most Googled destinations of 2024. After all, there’s so much to explore, see and do, that you will not be able to experience the glamour of Milan, the rolling hills of Tuscany, the snowy peaks and glacial lakes of the Dolomites, age-old luxury in Lake Como, the coastal luxury of the Amalfi coast and the history of Rome all in one trip. That said, we’d recommend you tick off all of the above – plus Venice, which is sadly sinking at a rapid rate at the hands of climate change. Famous for its 150 canals, this floating city is a historical, architectural and cultural marvel that has played roles in European empires, inspired literary works by Shakespeare and hosts Hollywood every summer at the Venice Film Festival. Featuring 400 picture-perfect bridges and waterways fringed with 16th and 17th-century palaces and piazzas across Venice’s 118 islands, don’t miss St Mark’s Square at the centre of the city, which acts as the epicentre for the city’s surrounding historical 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
Occupying a prime position fringing the Grand Canal and a stone’s throw from St Mark’s Square, art aficionados will be wowed by St Regis from the moment they step off the jetty, and even further once they’re inside its four grand walls adorned with only the very best Venetian artworks. Glamour and grandeur is a running theme throughout, especially in the marbled ballroom, huge library, Carita of Paris spa, and 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 to go for beef carpaccio with horseradish, homemade pasta dumplings filled with Vicentina-style codfish, and lagoon seabass in anchovy sauce.
From £802 per night.
3. Malta
We can’t get enough of Malta – and clearly, neither can you. Having ranked ninth in 2023’s most Googled destinations, this small but mighty island has jumped up six places in 2024 – and also reported bumper tourist numbers, with more than 355,000 visitors recorded in October alone. Situated between Sicily and North Africa, Malta offers year-round balmy temperatures but also centuries worth of history, especially in the capital city of Valletta, dotted with 16th-century palaces and cathedrals. Once you’ve had enough of city life, make a beeline for the beaches at Għajn Tuffieħa Bay and family-friendly Mellieħa Bay, or take to the surrounding azure waters on one of the many bookable boat trips that sail towards sister islands Gozo and Comino.
Where to stay: Iniala Harbour House
Positioned within the heart of Valletta on the prestigious St Barbara Bastion, Iniala Harbour House offers some of the best birdseye views in the city. Comprising four palatial houses to create a 23-key five-star hotel, Iniala takes luxury seriously, having tapped into the gastronomy nous of the award-winning chef Simon Rogan to create a two Michelin-starred restaurant, Ion. Elsewhere, discover a 24-hour gym, glamorous cocktail bar, original artworks from both renowned and up-and-coming Maltese and Gozitan artists, and spa treatments at Essensi Spa. It doesn’t get much better than the Deep Sleep treatment: a body scrub with essential oils and massage designed for frequent travellers and light sleepers. Andddd, 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 break, Greece offers travellers just about everything they’d need for a stand-out stay. From the food – think Greek salads, gyros and spanakopita in spades – to the laidback lifestyle (including that all-important mesi meri nap at midday), we’d recommend starting any trip in the capital of Athens before island-hopping to the likes of Mykonos, Santorini and Milos. Famously one of the busiest cities in the world, attracting more than 10 million tourists per year, marvel at Athens’ impressive architecture of the Acropolis, the Temple of Hephaestus, the Ancient Agora of Athens, and the Panathenaic Stadium (the world’s only marble stadium) before hiking Mount Lycabettus – the highest point in Athens – to be rewarded with a panoramic view of the city below.
Where to stay: One&Only Aesthesis
Situated in Glyfada – the undiscovered gateway to the Athens Riviera – One&Only Aesthesis opened last year as the brand’s second European outpost (hot on the heels of its widely-acclaimed One&Only Portonovi in Montenegro), and is just 30 minutes from the Greek capital. Reviving the Athenian glamour synonymous with the 1960s, this five-star property offers the best of both worlds, occupying an enviable position between a private beach and pine-clad forest reserve. Rooms have been designed with al fresco living in mind, while the first Guerlain spa in Greece blends French expertise and Hellenic rituals to create a one-of-a-kind wellness experience. If you prefer learning about the capital from a local, head to the concierge desk to pick up One&Only’s Secret of Aesthesis guide, where you can choose from a bespoke sailing experience through the waters beyond, or a classical jewellery class harking back to traditional Greek fashion.
From £330 per night.
1. Turkey
A newcomer on Google’s most researched travel destinations for 2024, we think it’s high time Turkey got the attention it deserves. There’s plenty to discover when planning a trip here, given its one of the largest countries in Europe featuring mountainous regions, balmy beaches and bustling cities. It would be an injustice to not stay in Istanbul – a city which has been inhabited as far back as the 6th century BCE, and one that has played pivotal roles in history, from serving as the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, to forming part of both the Ancient Greek and Roman realms.
Venture south through Ankara to reach Cappadocia, famous for its honeycomb-hued villages of fairytale-like huts and castles, as well as flurries of hot air balloons floating overhead. Even further south from there, you’ll find Bodrum, dubbed as the Turkish Riviera. Boasting azure waters and sandy shores that can easily rival Cannes, this slice of Turkey’s southwest coast is home to Bodrum Castle – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World completed in the 4th century BC – countless beaches, and the uninhabited island of Orak ready for you to explore.
Where to stay: The Bodrum Edition
Now entering its eighth year, The Bodrum Edition encapsulates everything a well-heeled traveller would want from the Turkish Riviera. Located a stone’s throw from Yalikavak Marina, the boutique 110-key hotel features views of the Aegean Sea at every turn, especially at the infinity pool and exclusive beach club that fringes the sandy shore. Unwind at the state-of-the-art spa, which includes a salon, Turkish hammam, and fitness centre – and when dinner calls, pick from the Michelin-starred Kitchen by Turkish chef Osman Sezener (expect plates of Aegean octopus with fava 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
