You're viewing an email archive of Paradise Calling. 
Join free to receive the 5-min. newsletter, in your inbox & navigate your travels.

Double The Joy This Christmas!
Brighten someone’s inbox, forward this email to your friend →

TRAVEL LISTS / REPORTS

These Were The Most Googled Travel Destinations in 2023

In 2023, the travel landscape witnessed a fascinating trend among American adventurers, who exhibited a distinct preference for destinations that combined both proximity and international allure. The top-searched cities reflected this dual inclination, with a mix of domestic and international locales capturing the attention of eager travelers.

The top-searched cities overall - In 2023, American searchers prioritized travel to these 10 cities, predominantly favoring destinations within the USA, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, reflecting a preference for closer-to-home exploration.

• Las Vegas, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Orlando

The top-searched international cities - Cancún (Mexico), London (England), Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), Paris (France), Rome (Italy)

Excluding domestic options, the top-searched international cities by U.S. travelers in 2023 showcased a shift, maintaining allure in Mexico and the Caribbean while introducing a mix of iconic global destinations.

The top-searched countries - Finally, when it came to traveling internationally, these were the top 5 countries

• Mexico, Dominican Republic, United Kingdom, Canada, Italy

The international travel landscape in 2023 reflects a diverse tapestry of preferences among American travelers, with Mexico and the Dominican Republic capturing attention for their vibrant appeal, while the classic charm of the United Kingdom, the natural beauty of Canada, and the cultural richness of Italy round out the top choices, showcasing a desire for a mix of tropical havens, historical experiences, and scenic wonders.

• Tweet at us 💬

PARADISE MEMEING

Love the email ?
Your Friends will love it even more 💖.

THE TOP STORIES
Happening
Your Weekly Travel Roundup about the best of travels

Updates

1. The Spanish passport is now the best to have out of 199 world passports, the most recent update of the VisaGuide.World Passport Index. With passport-free access to 43 countries, & another 106 allowing visa-free entry for Spanish nationals.

2. UK Warns - Its Foreign Office changed its travel advice for travellers, warning that the higher threat level, issued on 12 December, “means that there is a real chance of a terrorist attack in the Netherlands”.

3. No Visa - “It shall no longer be necessary for any person from any corner of the globe to carry the burden of applying for a visa to come to Kenya,” - said President William Ruto. Famed for its scenic landscapes & vast wildlife preserves, all visitors will get an ETA hassle-free before landing. So pack your safari gear.

4. Christmas Strikes looms at France’s Railways - as the French rail union SudRail, (along with 3 other unions) have threatened to disrupt Christmas travels. Members are staging a joint strike action for pay dispute that could jingle all the way into New Year celebrations..

5. Madrid has hit the panic button - & has activated the ‘black level’ measure, due to the high influx of visitors to the city over the Christmas period. They're pulling out the big guns – drones, which will monitor the most congested streets from the sky.

6. Stamp your passport without breaking a sweat! Indonesia is considering Visa-free entry for travellers from 20 countries, excluding 9 ASEAN members which include - Australia, India, China, South Korea, UK, +13 more countries, set to be finalised by the end of the month.

Attractions

Do You Dig It ? - Grab your hard hat, Australia's got a new playground. Dig It, Australia’s mini-excavator park, located just an hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, this digger haven has been the hottest ticket since May. The real MVPs of the show – nine CAT 1.7 tonne mini excavators. Families wear hard hats and high vis gear while trying a range of skills, from digging up dirt, to using a claw to stack and move tyres, or using a hook. Following its success, Dig It is rolling out the red carpet for corporate groups. “We take delegates out of their comfort zones and ask them to operate a major piece of machinery, in a team environment, completing set tasks that look a whole lot easier than they are, while being outside, in a pretty fantastic part of the world.” says Kate Keegan, founder & director of Dig It.

Brand New Carnival - Back in '87, André Heller dropped the mic in Hamburg, Germany, when he revealed a park which was called the "fairground of sensations" & "the museum of the future.” Fast forward to now, & after shelling out a cool $100 million, Rapper Drake, is giving it second act – introducing "Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy.” There’s only 1 caveat, No rides on Basquiat's Ferris wheel or Haring's carousel – too fancy, too rare. Yes, you’ll only be able to get close to these pieces. Guests can walk through pieces like Salvador Dalí’s "Dalídom," a geodesic dome that is perhaps the coolest fun house you’ll likely ever get to go into. Images linked here.

World’s Largest Menorah - Boasting a towering height of 28 feet, a substantial width, & weighing a whopping 4,000 pounds, back in 2006, the Guinness World Records crowned this colossal candelabrum the largest in the world. You can see it in central park New York. A similarly large menorah standing at 32 feet high will be lit in Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza. Dubbed the largest menorah in Brooklyn, that ceremony will be commemorated with live music, gifts for children, and hot latkes. A free kickoff concert in Brooklyn will begin at 5 p.m. on Dec. 7. The Central Park menorah will be lit at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 7, Dec. 8, Dec. 9. Dec. 10, Dec. 11, and Dec. 14. It will also be lit at 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 12, and at 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 13.

Deals

• Crazy Price Drop Alert - For Hotel Rooms (Luxury, Mid & Upscale) In Singapore

• For Only $111 - Private Airplane Trips Uber Style

• Save Money On 16 Travel Products

• Tweet about it 💬

📰 Read

• Found The Most Beautiful Outdoor Cinema

👁️‍🗨️ Watch

 • Gondola Flips In Water Full of Tourists, The Reason Might Not Shock You. 

😲 React

 • Never Drink Coffee Served On Planes, Flight Attendant Tells Why.

MY TRAVEL BUCKETLIST

More Than Sun and Sand

📍 Varadero Beach, 🇨🇺 Cuba

Over 22,000 Excellent Tripadvisor Reviews

Picture this: 20 kilometers of the finest white sand you'll ever sink your toes into. Consistently ranked among the world's top beaches. With an average temperature of 25-30 degrees Celsius, this tropical paradise boasts a vibrant coral reef ecosystem, & an impressive lineup of water activities, it's no wonder Varadero is a paradise calls more than a million beach lovers & adventure every year. Dive in and let the exploration begin!

Hit the Beach, Obviously: Let's start with the obvious – the pristine, powdery sands of Varadero Beach. Grab a towel, slather on some sunscreen, and soak up that Caribbean sunshine. Bonus points if you can build a sandcastle that puts all the others to shame.

Water Adventures Galore: Feeling a bit adventurous? Try your hand at water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, or even paddleboarding. The turquoise waters are calling your name!

Cave Excursion: Explore the nearby Cueva Saturno, a natural cave with a crystal-clear cenote inside. It's like your own secret oasis – refreshing and Instagram-worthy.

Snorkeling Extravaganza: Dive into the crystal-clear waters and discover a vibrant underwater world. Varadero is a snorkeler's dream, with colorful coral reefs and an array of marine life. Don't forget your underwater camera!

Cayo Blanco Day Trip: Take a boat ride to Cayo Blanco, a pristine island near Varadero. White sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and a delicious seafood lunch – it's a day trip that ticks all the boxes.

Varadero Golf Club: Fancy a round of golf with a view? The Varadero Golf Club offers a challenging course with breathtaking ocean vistas. Even if you're not a pro, the experience is worth it.

Dance the Night Away: Varadero's nightlife is as hot as the Cuban sun. Head to a local club, sip on a Cuba Libre, and let the salsa rhythms take control. Trust us; your hips will thank you later.

Here are 2 other destinations that complement your beach experience:

• Cienfuegos, the Pearl of the South: A bit further down the coastline, Cienfuegos awaits, boasting its title as the "Pearl of the South." This city combines French elegance with Caribbean flair, evident in its neoclassical architecture and palm-lined boulevards. Wander through Parque José Martí, sail the peaceful Cienfuegos Bay, and immerse yourself in the city's unique blend of cultures.

• Viñales Valley, Nature's Canvas: For nature enthusiasts, a trip to Viñales Valley is a must. Located to the west of Varadero, this lush region is known for its dramatic landscapes of limestone mountains and tobacco fields. Take a horseback ride through the valley, explore the mysterious caves, and soak in the laid-back atmosphere of this UNESCO-listed natural treasure.

Your itinerary could look something like this:

✔️ DAY 1-3

• Day 1: Varadero Beach Bliss - Morning: Soak in the sun at Varadero Beach, Afternoon: Water activities at Coral Beach, Evening: Sunset stroll on Varadero Pier

• Day 2: Cienfuegos – Pearl of the South - Morning: Explore Palacio de Valle, Afternoon: Wander through Parque José Martí, Evening: Savor seafood at El Palatino

• Day 3: Viñales Valley Nature Retreat - Morning: Visit Viñales Botanical Garden, Afternoon: Horseback ride in Viñales Valley, Evening: Sunset at Mirador Los Jazmines

Recent Review - Varadero Beach is one of the most amazing and beautiful beaches in the world. The water is crystal clear. No seaweed. No rocks. No nothing but gorgeous blue water. The sand is like walking on powder. It's a beach like nothing I've been to. I can only say that it's the best beach ever!

This itinerary is a general guide, you’re free to choose activities based on your preferences, travel pace, and local conditions. Be sure to check weather conditions & consult with local guides for the most accurate information.

• Tweet about it 💬

Your Friends Deserve
A Ticket To Paradise!
Plan your next escape together, forward this email to your friend →

TRAVEL & BEYOND
Staying Connected with the world beyond your travels..

1. E3 Is Dead, Officialy.

2. Kung Fun Panda Announces New Trailer For Upcoming Film.

3. Captain Raymond Holt dies after brief illness at 61.

GUESS THE PLACE

This Country is home
to the Most Active Volcanoes

- - D - - - - I -

Last week’s answer to:
The Most filmed location in the world - New York

• With 532 movie credits, Central Park in New York City, is the most-filmed location in the world.

How Was Todays Newsletter ?

• ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great

• ⭐⭐⭐ Meh - was ok.

• ⭐ Not interesting to me.

If you think it was great , please consider sharing it on social media below.
This helps me keep motivated to create the best travel newsletter for you.

THANK YOU - We are constantly trying to better the newsletter.
Your feedback would be much appreciated. Click here to ▶ Provide Feedback