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For the fifth year in a row (we know you’re counting), we’re releasing our 2020 Travel Hacker Guide. Because there’s no better way to start a new decade off than by planning an epic trip.

Our Travel Hacker Guide gives you the information you need to confidently plan your trips this year. From where to go and when to book to what to expect and how much to spend, you can discover new destinations or plot out the best time to visit old favorites. And for the first time, we’ve said goodbye to our list of the year’s most popular destinations in favor of finding travelers those hidden gems and solo-worthy excursions that take you away from the crowds and into new experiences. We’ve added the top Under-the-Radar Destinations and top Solo Travel Destinations, alongside our Trending Destinations and Wallet-Friendly Trips lists.

Check out some of our biggest travel insights for 2020, and start planning your next getaway with the tips and tools you need to get started.

  • Hawaii is hot as the Big Island ranks #1 on this year’s trending list: Flight searches are up 84% compared to last year, likely due to added flight routes, with more air carriers flying directly into Kona.
  • Mexico continues to trend, but a different city is stealing the limelight: Mexico City (2019’s #1 trending destination) fell off the top 10 trending list this year, replaced by the beach town of San Jose del Cabo.
  • Travel south to save: Looking to save a few dollars in 2020? Domestic destinations including Dallas, Tampa and Albuquerque all make this year’s list of Wallet-Friendly Trips. Want to flex your passport? Check out Guadalajara, Mexico, to keep your trip within budget.
  • Make the most with a 2-in-1 vacation: Already planning to visit Buenos Aires? Why not extend the trip for a few days to check out Cordoba, Argentina, with a quick direct flight, allowing you to check out this historic backdrop and happening nightlife. Other under-the-radar cities like Port Elizabeth, Tbilisi and Santa Maria are just a jaunt from major international airports, making them the perfect extension to your international trip.
  • Put away the down-jacket for some spring skiing: For the third year in a row, Denver and Salt Lake City make our Wallet-Friendly Destinations list. Even better – data shows that one of the cheapest months to travel there is April, so sneak in those last few weeks of spring skiing.
  • Singles are flocking to Colombia: Bogota and Medellin top the list for best destinations for solo travelers with 84% of flight searches being for parties of “one.” With a burgeoning nightlife and easy and affordable flights within the country, these two cities are great spots to explore and meet other solo travelers.
  • Travel and dining just go together: Which is why we’ve added to this year’s Guide an expanded “Where to Eat” section – featuring must-try dishes, what you can expect to spend and local restaurant suggestions (powered by OpenTable) so you can get your tastebuds ready for your trip.

For the full list of the year’s top destinations, as well as best times to fly, check out our 2020 Travel Hacker Guide.

 

Methodology

To see how we came up with the above insights from our guide, head here.