Last week we announced the birth of the KAYAK 2015 Travel Hacker Guide, our very first interactive guide to planning your travel. And because we know how draining these dropping temperatures can be on your spirit, we’re bringing you a look at our Top Trending Beach Destinations* to get you through the chill. Sun worshipers, behold:
- Grenada, interest is up 31% versus last year
- Cartagena, Colombia, interest is up 21% versus last year
- Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, interest is up 14% versus last year
- Nantucket, MA, interest is up 12% versus last year
- Saint Lucia, interest is up 8% versus last year
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, interest is up 6% versus last year
- Fiji, interest is up 6% versus last year
- Turks & Caicos, interest is up 5% versus last year
- Cancun, Mexico, interest is up 4% versus last year
- Saint Martin / Sint Maarten, interest is up 3% versus last year
Need some tips on what to do beyond frolicking in the sand? Keep reading:
Grenada, a.k.a. the Spice Island, will tempt tourists with its sweet smells from their nutmeg export business. It saw a 31 percent increase in search activity compared to last year, earning it the top spot on our trending beach list. It offers white-sand beaches, great restaurants, snorkeling, hiking, and a cultural art scene, so it’s no wonder travelers are wising up to its potential as a great vacation spot. If you somehow get bored of the beach, the Belmont Estate is just an hour away. It attracts countless guests each year with plantation tours, food (of course) and a craft market.
Mexico makes an appearance twice on the top ten trending beaches list, but Puerto Vallarta outpaced Cancun, coming in at the number 3 spot. ‘Vallarta’ or ‘P.V.’ (as the locals call it) saw search activity increase by 14 percent year over year. It offers a vibrant mix of cobbled-street shopping in the city center, luxury hotels, and beaches while Cancun boasts access to both the striking ruins of Tulum and the modern bustle of nightclubs. No matter which Mexican destination you decide to visit, September boasts the lowest median airfare**, so save some vacation days for post Labor Day.
Fiji is made up of more than 300 small islands and was the most far-flung destination to land in our top 10. The South Pacific is a long plane ride away for those of us who are stateside, so consider travelling to Fiji in April or May when median airfare**is at its lowest. This archipelago is a mecca for the active traveler – snorkel, scuba, kayak (see what we did there?) and hiking are just a few things to do but locals recommend that thrill-seekers go diving in the famous Sawa-i-Lau, a dark underwater cave. Better not forget your waterproof flashlight.
Whether you’re just dreaming of temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, or planning your next getaway, visit the KAYAK 2015 Travel Hacker Guide to find out when to book, what it costs, and where to stay. Happy planning!
*Based on top 10 beach destinations with the greatest YoY Increase in click share
**Median Airfare for travel from the US and Canada
(Preview Photo Cred: istock.com/courtneyk)
