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Summer is upon us, and now that travel restrictions have been dropped and international travel has picked up pace, Americans will be heading to the airport en masse with one goal in mind: jetting off to the next trendy sunny spot.
With multiple options at hand, and so many countries reinstating normality it’s hard to keep track of them all, we wouldn’t blame you if you’re yet to make up your mind as to where you’ll be heading this upcoming season. Luckily, AirBnB has got you covered.
As customary, the popular vacation rental platform has unveiled this year’s top 5 trending summer spots, and other than the usual summer classics, there have been a few surprises:
Gotland, Sweden
A scenic Swedish island in the Baltic Sea, Gotland ranks fifth on AirBnB’s yearly Trending Summer. As a summer destination, its worldwide searches already surpass more traditional summer hotspots like Marrakech in Morocco and the Eternal City of Rome in Italy.
Gotland’s charm lies in its rich medieval History: the small capital, Visby, is a fortified maze of cobblestone streets, home to some of the island’s main points of interest, such as the medieval St. Mary’s Cathedral and the centuries-old Visby Town Hall.
Other than a fascinating culture, Gotland offers guests both marine parks teeming with wildlife and spotless sandy beaches, though the water temperature may be less pleasant compared to that of the Mediterranean.
Overnight stays in local cabins are not as expensive as you might think, starting at just USD $56 on AirBnB.
London, England
A culturally diverse and cosmopolitan hub, the English capital is undoubtedly one of the most exciting city breaks not only in Europe but the entire world. Whether it’s taking a boat tour of the River Thames, going for a stroll in Hyde Park, or experiencing the Soho nightlife, tourists will find London has no shortage of attractions.
On AirBnB, it is the fourth most popular summer destination based on global searches between June 1, 2023 and August 31, 2023. The price of accommodation in London varies drastically depending on size, amenities included, and, most importantly, which borough.
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Although it is not exactly renowned for being an affordable city, there are still some bargains to be found in the metropolitan area of London that might fit your budget, with overnight rates for private rooms starting at USD $53 for upcoming dates on AirBnB.
Barcelona, Spain
The heart of the historical region of Catalonia, Barcelona is a tried-and-true summer classic. Straddling the sunny Mediterranean coast of Spain, it has your usual beach clubs and lively social scene, as well as an enviable host of cultural landmarks.
Gaudi’s creations are Barcelona’s most easily-recognized sights, with La Sagrada Familia, the world’s largest unfinished Catholic church, Park Güell, a municipal park dotted with the artists’ architectural masterpieces, an Casa Batlló, a distinguished house with an Art Nouveau exterior to name a few.
The medieval Gothic Quarter, with its centuries-old alleys, the Eixample District, jam-packed with stylish shops and upscale restaurants, and the LGBTQ-friendly beach in Sitges are also not to be missed.
Sadly, Barcelona is by no means a budget-friendly destination, largely due to its popularity among sunseekers, and the city’s well-publicized battle against overtourism, which is pushing prices up. AirBnB listings in the centrally-located Eixample range between USD $156 and USD $289 a night.
Ksamil, Albania
Proving it is no longer a hidden gem after it went viral on TikTok, Albania takes the runner-up slot on AirBnB’s summer chart with the lovely, quaint seaside town of Ksamil.
Lining the Southern Adriatic Coast, Ksamil boasts an up-and-coming tourist scene, a tranquil sea, and ancient heritage.
The archaeological zone of Butrint, encompassing the ruins of the legendary Greco-Roman city, is only 5km to the South, while the beautiful Blue Eye, a karst hole with a depth yet to be established, and out of which the clearest blue waters spring out of, is a short 40-minute drive away on the road to Gjirokaster.
Out of all destinations on this list, Ksamil is definitely the most budget-friendly, with prices for an entire apartment starting from a shockingly-cheap USD $22 per night on AirBnB.
Kuta Atara, Bali
The number one trending summer destination of 2023 on AirBnB, Kuta Atara is a surfer’s paradise in Southern Bali, Indonesia.
Initially established as a fishing village, it underwent profound changes in the wake of Bali’s surge in popularity, and it’s now a major resort destination hosting millions of visitors every year.
A long sandy strip bounded by an azure ocean, Kuta Beach is the top-rated natural attraction in the region, while Waterbom Bali is the most frequented water park, featuring towering slides and other water attractions.
With rates for private villas starting at USD$128 per night, this lively town makes for an extremely affordable beach getaway.
Read the full AirBnB 2023 Summer Release report here.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Marina
Monday 15th of May 2023
Ever good the información