Skyscanner reveals the popular new holiday spots for 2018 – with Romania, Dubrovnik and BRISTOL all making the list
Skyscanner looked at which destinations have increased in popularity the most and where the biggest drops in fares were
WHILE most of us are still busy getting Christmas presents ready, some early birds have already booked their holidays for next year.
If you're stuck for some travel inspiration, it could be worth following the crowd for a break with a difference in 2018 - with Bristol, Dubrovnik and Victoria Falls in Zambia all tipped as ones to watch.
have which holiday spots will be popular next year, by looking at which destinations have increased in popularity the most and combining that with the drop in average flight price.
Hayley Shearer, Growth Manager at Skyscanner said: “Using our comprehensive flight database we can detect the destinations which are gaining in popularity and decreasing in flight price."
Read on to find out where the you should be sunbathing next summer...
Agadir, Morocco
44 per cent increase in popularity
11 per cent drop in Average Flight Prices
Average Flight Price: £193.16
300 days of sunshine a year makes Agadir a reliable holiday destination.
The varied city allows tourists to do everything from relaxing on the beach, to checking out the Suq al-Had market and walking to the ruins of the Agadir Kasbah.
Air Arabia also recently announced a new route from Manchester Airport to Agadir starting in October 2017, making it even more accessible than ever.
With down 11 per cent year on year, this family destination is likely to become even more popular.
Flights from £53 return and .
Victoria Falls, Zambia
48 per cent increase in popularity
16 per cent drop in Average Flight Prices
Average Flight Price: £848.63
, home to one of the natural wonders of the world, have increased by 48 per cent over the last 12 months.
2018 could see even more tourists flock to one of the seven wonders, following rumours that it could be a honeymoon destination for Harry and Meghan.
The royal couple-to-be previously visited Victoria Falls during their three-week stay in Africa.
Flights from £460 return and in the spring.
Victoria, Seychelles
7 per cent increase in popularity
2 per cent drop in Average Flight Prices
Average Flight Price: £686.24
While this destination hasn’t increased as much as others in the popularity stakes, thanks to British Airways the Seychelles is going to become even more accessible next year with direct flights from Gatwick in early 2018.
More competition between airlines often leads to better deals so fares could yet come down.
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Cluj-Napoca, Romania
67 per cent increase in popularity
17 per cent drop in Average Flight Prices
Average Flight Price: £129.17
With its burgeoning arts scene and its authentic off-the-beaten-track feel, it’s no wonder more travellers are wanting to discover the delights of Romania’s second largest city.
Over the last 12 months there has been a 67 per cent increase in flights (the largest increase of our trending destinations) - and average fares have dropped by 17 per cent too, 2018 could see even more city breakers venturing to Dracula region.
One of the reasons travellers visit Cluj is Transylvania - but it also has has a lively bohemian feel, with plenty of cafés, bistros, and restaurants in the city’s old centre.
It is also home to the Transylvania Film Festival (25th May – 3rd June), which showcases both Romanian and international productions in a variety of theatres and open-air spots throughout the city.
and.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
20 per cent increase in popularity
14 per cent drop in Average Flight Prices
Average Flight Price: £180.41
With top-notch restaurants, two new five-star hotel openings, famous filming locations and island tours available just off the coast, it’s not hard to see why Dubrovnik is growing in popularity.
Filming for the new James Bond movie is due to take place in January - and it also featured in both the new Star Wars film and the last three series of Game Of Thrones.
Ornate arches, baroque splendour and ancient medieval lane give the whole city the feel of a historical drama.
Beyond the walls of Dubrovnik lie some of the Adriatic’s most beautiful beaches, woodland and island scattered seas.
and .
Hartford, Connecticut
79 per cent increase in popularity
29 per cent drop in Average Flight Prices
Average Flight Price: £485.25
Connecticut isn't the most obvious US holiday spot, but over the last 12 months, Skyscanner has seen a 79 per cent increase in flight traffic and average flight prices down 29 per cent.
As well as the breath-taking autumn leaves, Hartford also has a new ‘billion-dollar’ district full of great entertainment, hotels and a new state of the art science museum.
Norwegian Air also made the city more accessible launching a new route from Edinburgh in June this year.
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Almeria, Spain
21 per cent increase in popularity
8 per cent drop in Average Flight Prices
Average Flight Price: £139.05
Almeria has already seen an increase of 21 per cent in popularity this year, but this relatively undiscovered corner of Andalucía will become more accessible with British Airway's new direct flights from Heathrow in March 2018.
Almeria is home to great boutiques, lovely beaches and a fantastic nature reserve, but it is also one for Game of Thrones fans.
The area was used during the shooting of seasons five and six of Game of Thrones - for the land of the Dothraki, Meeren and the House Martell.
and hotels from .
Koahsiung, Taiwan
29 per cent increase in popularity
6 per cent drop in Average Flight Prices
Average Flight Price: £661.40
One of Asia’s hidden gems, Kaohsiung has been growing in popularity (29 per cent) and Skyscanner expects this will continue well into 2018.
From the city’s fascinating night markets for street food and shopping to the culture hub for art and music, Kaohsiung offers something for everyone.
Those who want a bit more of nature can indulge in the new Eye of the Mountain’ skywalk and the city's two swimming beaches.
With flight prices down 6 per cent, shaving £93.78 off the average flight price for a couple, Koahsiung is more affordable than travellers might think.
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Bristol, UK
26 per cent increase in popularity
7 per cent drop in Average Flight Prices
Average Flight Price: £88.47
With the pound declining and staycations on the rise, Bristol's hub of culture and creativity could be just the place for a city break.
The city was voted the UK’s best place to live in 2017 for the third time in four years.
Whether it’s the murals left behind by Banksy that attracts visitors or the great nightlife, Bristol certainly packs it all in.
from various UK airports plus , there is even more reason to visit this English gem.
Toulouse, France
51 per cent increase in popularity
40 per cent drop in Average Flight Prices
Average Flight Price: £92.65
With , saving a couple over £120, as well as , Toulouse is a great value location for 2018.
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The relatively big city has a small historical centre, allowing tourists to walk to all the most beautiful sights and attractions with ease.
For a stress-free weekend break, explore the churches of the old town, the monasteries and museums of modern to Egyptian arts.
Alternatively, stroll along the Canal du Midi or along the Garonne River from the St Pierre Bridge.
Flights from £9 return.