Cities take the top spots but the beach and rural destinations rank high in the top ten holiday destinations for 2022.

Travellers worldwide have begun to seek new experiences to mark 2022, the start of hopefully a brighter new year. The top holiday hotspots remain popular cities but in a recent study by Agoda, travellers are also “escaping” into nature with rural and beach destinations climbing up the charts. The one thing that remains unchanged – travellers are still choosing luxury to welcome the New Year.

Top Holiday Hotspots NYE 2021

Travellers Head to Beach Resorts, Coastal Destinations and Mountainous Terrains

Aside from the popular capital cities in Asia, travellers are venturing into world-class beach resorts in Goa (India), Bali (Indonesia), Cebu (Philippines), Pattaya (Thailand) and Jeju Island (South Korea). The adventurous partygoers are leveraging on the relaxed restrictions to visit Penang, the food capital of Malaysia. Surprising new coastal destinations that made it into the charts include Batam (Indonesia), Andaman and Nicobar Island (India), Kenting (Taiwan). For the scenic lovers, they are travelling to mountainous terrains in Khao Kho (Thailand), Bohol (Philippines) and Ninh Binh (Vietnam).

The Desire for an Extravagant Post-Covid Holiday

Travellers are investing in self-care in the post-pandemic era and opting for lavish options to celebrate New Year’s Eve. According to research from travel booking site Agoda, travellers are opting for 4- and 5-star luxury hotels in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea and Vietnam. In Taiwan and Thailand, it is observed that travellers are upgrading to luxury hotels instead of the traditional option for 1- to 3-star hotels.

After a two-year hiatus, travel is resuming during the New Year’s Eve celebration with domestic travel as the main source of business. Apart from big cities with traditional celebrations, travellers have an ongoing desire to explore the world or seek refuge in natural sanctuaries. The natural appeal of stunning beaches, scenery and the freedom of open space remains wildly alluring. When travellers are finally given the chance to spend on travel, they are splurging with posh and plush options.