Australia, Hawaii Top List of Desired Destinations

Everyone has a bucket list, but according to Travel Leader’s Group, a lot of you are dreaming the same. One of North America’s largest travel agencies conducted a survey to determine the most desirable destinations for travelers and the results were clear: Americans want to go FAR away for their next vacation.

How far? Australia for international travel and Hawaii for domestic travel topped the lists for the 2,000 survey takers looking to take a trip in 2020. Also making the lists: the United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, Greece and Alaska for those looking to stay within the USA for their vacation. 

Australia and Hawaii, What’s the Appeal? 

Travel Leaders Group CEO Ninan Chacko explained why the results may have come out like they did. 

“Australia is on everyone’s bucket list, and a favorable exchange rate makes travel to the U.K. attractive, so we’re not surprised to see these two destinations take the top spots on this year’s consumer travel wish list,” said Chacko. “Canada is also becoming increasingly popular for adventure travel and its natural beauty.”

According to a press release issued by the travel agency, the most popular international destinations were as follows: 

1.       Australia
2.       United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales)
3.       Canada
4.       Italy
5.       Greece
6.       Ireland
7.       European River Cruises
8.       Caribbean Cruises
9.       French Polynesia
10.     Mediterranean Cruises

It’s interesting to note that cruising was named by those responding to the survey with a European river cruise being the most popular, followed by the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. Cruising has grown immensely over the years and it points to the continued growth of an already blossoming industry. 

RELATED: 5 Bucket List Cruises to Experience

For those who don’t have the desire to travel abroad, the Hawaiian islands topped the list of bucket list travel destinations with California coming in at number two. The full list is below: 

1.       Hawaii
2.       California
3.       Alaska
4.       Florida
5.       Colorado
6.       New York
7.       Maine
8.       Arizona
9.       Montana
10.     Washington D.C.

Americans clearly have no allegiance when it comes to states in the North, South, East or West as all corners of the United States are represented on the list. 

The Solo Travel Bug 

Not everyone travels the same way, and for those who like to go it alone, there’s a list of top destinations with the top two states in a tie for number one, Florida and California. 

“Travelers continue to express interest in solo trips. There are growing options offered by travel suppliers for individuals who enjoy traveling on their own,” said Chacko. “We see more cruise companies offering single fares and more tour operators developing programs to entice solo travelers with special interests.”

How People Choose Their Vacation 

According to the survey, the top five most important things when picking a vacation were: Cultural (65 percent), Nature/Outdoors (49 percent), Beach/Pool (40 percent), Active Adventure (38 percent) and Culinary (34 percent). Special sites/attractions (59 percent) are one of the most remembered elements of a vacation after spectacular scenery (80 percent).

And when it comes to the cost, North Americans are most likely to spend more on sightseeing/tours (74 percent), special meals at restaurants (51 percent) and luxury accommodations (35 percent).