Five destinations that are simply rocketing this summer
LONDON, June 21 — Desperate to go somewhere cool this year? To find out what’s hot this summer season, Relaxnews took a look at Kayak’s destination data, based on millions of flight and hotel searches from its global network of websites.
Hamburg is a great nautical destination. — Picture courtesy of Jens P. MeyerThe zeitgeist, it seems, is firmly in Germany this year — here, the top five yearly gainers:
1. Palma de Mallorca, Spain (+666 per cent)
The bustling streets of Palma are a refreshing alternative to the beach resorts that cram the coast. After seeing the cathedral and visiting the museums, visitors can settle down to a meal in one of Palma’s charming outdoor cafes or simply lose themselves in the winding backstreets of the Mallorcan capital. Ryanair launched six new flights last month — so perhaps best to go before it gets even busier.
2. Hamburg, Germany (+395 per cent)
Hamburg is Germany’s unsung hero, a northern port town which seems almost Scandinavian in atmosphere. The port festival in May brings in well over a million visitors, but despite a cooler clime than the rest of Germany this makes a superb destination all year round. Don’t miss a trip round one of the old “museum ships” or the beach clubs in the summer.
3. Dusseldorf, Germany (+272 per cent)
Dusseldorf is small and charming, as well as being easily accessible from the Netherlands and Belgium. High-end shopping abounds here, making it a hub for luxury lovers, although there’s plenty to do on the cultural side too. The Japanese gardens are a particular highlight and home to the only Japanese temple in Europe.
4. Berlin, Germany (+220 per cent)
Germany’s ever-changing capital gives the country a hat-trick in upcoming destinations. Berlin is chic and wild in equal measures, always up for a party despite the creeping gentrification which is changing some of the better-known suburbs. Still, for history, music, art, media, food, drinking and fun, it’s a world-class destination.
5. Tenerife, Spain (+ 212 per cent)
The natural beauty of Tenerife can be lost among the faceless hotels, but this Spanish island has been undergoing something of a renaissance of late. Hiking the volcanic scenery or trekking the ancient forests may not be everybody’s cup of tea, but it’s a reminder that the Canaries don’t have to be about sun, sea and sand. The island boasts two UNESCO World Heritage sites thanks to Mount Teide and its national park, both a magnet for anyone interested in the great outdoors. — AFP-Relaxnews
