Top 10 Trending Destinations Around the World

As a well-known destination for both spring breakers and A-list travelers in need of a getaway, Cabo San Lucas has definite vacation cred. The beaches here range in temperament, from the serene waters of the Sea of Cortez and Lover's Beach (Playa del Amor) to the kickin’ waves of Zippers, a surfing paradise. If you care to romp with locals, head to the coves and rock formations of the Cannery beaches. Kids will have a blast communing with the local animals by swimming with dolphins or taking a camel ride through the Desert Park Natural Reserve.

Known as the Hawaii of China, Sanya’s miles of coastline, tropical climate, and upscale resorts make it a go-to beach destination for many travelers. But, it’s the city’s Buddhist temples, coconut plantations, fruit-sorbet stands, and fishing port that keep them coming back.

Staggering beauty and outdoor thrills await in the resort town of Queenstown, which is also known for its Hobbits—much of the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed in the area. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Queenstown for the kayaking, bungee jumping, jetboating, white-water rafting, hiking, and skiing. More mild-mannered adventurers can take a quiet cruise through nearby Milford Sound, part of the Fiordland National Park World Heritage area, or sample South Island pinot noir from one of the region's 75 wineries.

Kas may be known as Turkey's premier scuba diving destination, but with its ancient ruins, oceanside restaurants, and bougainvillea-covered houses boasting Ottoman-style balconies, the seaside town offers more than just underwater pursuits.

Like all of the US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas offers plenty of opportunities to lounge on the beach, splash in the sea, or amp it up with water sports. It also boasts a bountiful duty-free shopping scene—just be prepared to brave the cruise ship crowds. The capital Charlotte Amalie swells with Danish colonial architecture and pirate legend; shiver ye timbers at Blackbeard’s Castle, then work up an appetite by climbing the historic 99 Steps, constructed from the ballast bricks of 18th-century Danish ships.

Colombo is the gateway to Sri Lanka for most travelers—but don’t be tempted to simply pass through this diverse and interesting city. Take a train ride along the coast to Mount Lavinia, a popular beach, or explore the Talangama Wetland, which several TripAdvisor travelers say is the perfect place to take a break from the bustling city streets.

Amman's layered history is reflected in its diverse people and varied architecture, as the city is home to a multidenominational and multicultural population. And even within the midst of the ultra-modern commercial center, there’s evidence of Amman’s ancient roots, from colorful souks and Roman ruins to cultural museums and monuments which paint a picture of the region’s history.

Get to Matera quickly, because it’s still relatively undiscovered by foreign tourists, and make a beeline for the Domenico Ridola National Museum. However, Matera’s real claim to fame—and the reason it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is the extensive series of cave dwellings (i sassi) southeast of town, first inhabited by Benedictine and Basilian monks. There, you’ll see individual cells, chapels, and even some churches, many adorned with Byzantine decorations and frescoes.

Just two hours north of London by rail, the city of York holds 1,900 years' worth of history in its ancient walls. The Romans built the city in 71 AD, and the Vikings captured it in 866 AD. Stop by the Yorkshire Museum and Gardens for a look at what the Romans and Vikings left behind (they must have packed light when they left). From there, move on to the York Castle Museum for a not-so-quick overview of the most recent 400 years.

New Delhi is at once chaotic and calm, a complicated city where cows often wander the shanty-lined streets. The 17th-century Red Fort is a mass of domes and turrets, while Chandni Chowk is an exercise in friendly haggling. Jantar Mantar features larger-than-life sundials and astronomical instruments that are still used to predict the weather. Travelers and locals flock to the India Gate, the national monument of India that honors the soldiers who died in World War I and the Third Afghan War.