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Bali Declared 2023's Trendiest Destination by Skyscanner

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 12:34 GMT by Travel + Leisure
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Skyscanner’s Trendiest Destination Report: What 2023 Travelers Loved Most

In late 2023, Skyscanner released the most-anticipated travel data set of the year, teasing its findings on the “trendiest destination” that stole travelers’ hearts in 2023. The report is an exhaustive look at how millions of search queries, booking patterns, and even social‑media chatter paint a portrait of where people were headed, why they were going, and what they were looking for in a vacation or a longer stay.

Below is a comprehensive digest of the Skyscanner report—what the data say, why the numbers matter, and how they can help you plan your next getaway. The summary is drawn from Skyscanner’s own article on Travel + Leisure (https://www.travelandleisure.com/skyscanner-trendiest-destination-11867606) and includes follow‑up links the original article provided to deeper insights into each destination.

1. Skyscanner’s Methodology: The Numbers Behind the Trend

Skyscanner aggregates real‑time data from over 10 million daily searches, covering flights, hotels, car rentals, and visa requirements. The “trendiest” label is awarded to destinations that combine search volume, average cost, and safety—the three variables that most strongly influence a traveler’s choice. Safety is measured by a composite score based on local COVID‑19 protocols, crime rates, and health infrastructure. The report also factors in “travel sentiment,” extracted from reviews and social‑media chatter, to gauge how excited the public feels about each place.

In short: if people are searching for a destination, can find an affordable price, and feel safe there, Skyscanner says it’s a winner.

2. The Big Winner: Bali, Indonesia

Bali tops the chart as the trendiest destination of 2023. Its reign is no fluke—it has consistently ranked high in Skyscanner’s lists for the past decade, but the data show a sharp uptick this year.

Why Bali?

The article points out that Bali’s allure is a blend of luxury on a budget and authenticity that keeps travelers returning. The “trendiest” tag indicates that Bali is not only popular but also perceived as the best value‑for‑money destination for 2023.

3. Top‑10 Trendiest Destinations in 2023

While Bali is the headline, Skyscanner’s report also lists the top ten destinations that ranked high across all metrics. The full list (in alphabetical order) is:

1. Bali, Indonesia – The overall champion.
2. Portugal (Lisbon & Porto) – Affordable European cities with a relaxed vibe.
3. Mexico (Cancun & Playa del Carmen) – All‑inclusive resorts and vibrant nightlife.
4. Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh & Hanoi) – Rapidly developing infrastructure and cultural depth.
5. Spain (Barcelona & Madrid) – Iconic architecture and dynamic culinary scene.
6. Iceland (Reykjavík & surrounding areas) – Natural wonders and a clean, safe environment.
7. Thailand (Chiang Mai & Phuket) – Beaches, temples, and the famous Thai hospitality.
8. Turkey (Istanbul & Cappadocia) – Cultural crossroads and unique landscapes.
9. Greece (Athens & Santorini) – Ancient history coupled with breathtaking islands.
10. Italy (Rome & Florence) – Timeless art, architecture, and gastronomy.

Each destination on this list has an average daily cost ranging from $80 (Vietnam) to $140 (Portugal). Skyscanner’s safety index scores them all above 7.0, ensuring that travelers can enjoy these places with a high degree of confidence.

4. Deep Dives: What Makes Each Destination Stand Out

Below are a few of the destinations highlighted in the article, with specific elements that Skyscanner says contributed to their popularity.

Portugal

• Economic Value: Average daily cost ~ $110 USD. Affordable dining, wine, and public transport.
• Cultural Experiences: Lisbon’s historic trams, Porto’s port wine cellars, and the fado music scene.
• Modern Infrastructure: Reliable public transport, free Wi‑Fi in many areas, and a welcoming expat community.
• Safety: One of the highest safety scores (9.2/10).

Mexico

• All‑Inclusive Packages: Skyscanner notes that over 70 % of searches for Cancun were for all‑inclusive deals—this format appeals to families and millennials.
• Nightlife & Culinary Scene: From beach clubs to high‑end Mexican restaurants, there is something for every palate.
• Cultural Heritage: Mayan ruins, colonial architecture, and vibrant street art.

Vietnam

• Rapid Development: Modern hotels, improved roadways, and an increasing number of English‑speaking staff.
• Authentic Street Food: Markets in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi attract travelers with inexpensive, high‑quality meals.
• Unique Landscapes: Ha Long Bay and the terraced rice fields in Sapa.

5. Skyscanner’s “Safe Travel” Insight

The Travel + Leisure article includes a link to Skyscanner’s “Safe Travel” resource—an interactive map that shows live safety scores for each country. Travelers can filter destinations by safety ratings, price ranges, and travel style. The article highlights that safety is the single most significant factor that drove destination popularity in 2023. Skyscanner's own data indicates that a 10 % improvement in safety perception can increase search volume by as much as 15 %.

6. Practical Takeaways for the Next Trip

1. Use Skyscanner’s “Best Time to Book” Tool – By comparing historical data, you can find the cheapest time to travel to your favorite destinations.
2. Check the “Safety Score” – Ensure your destination remains high on the safety index before booking, especially in countries with evolving political climates.
3. Look at “Average Daily Cost” – Use this as a rough budget guideline—most travelers in the 2023 report spent between $80–$140 USD per day.
4. Consider Travel Sentiment – Skyscanner aggregates traveler reviews to highlight “must‑do” experiences in each destination. These are great for crafting itineraries that match current traveler mood.
5. Book in Advance for Trendy Spots – Because trending destinations attract more travelers, booking early can secure better rates and availability, particularly in Bali and Portugal.

7. Final Thoughts

Skyscanner’s “trendiest destination” report does more than simply rank a handful of places; it gives travelers a data‑driven roadmap of where the world is headed. In 2023, Bali's blend of culture, nature, and affordability made it a clear winner. Yet destinations across Asia, Europe, and the Americas also rose to prominence, each offering something unique and backed by strong safety and price metrics.

For travelers, the report is a useful compass: use it to narrow down options, understand what drives popularity, and plan smarter trips that align with budget and safety. Whether you’re looking to surf in Bali, explore the ancient streets of Lisbon, or unwind on the pristine beaches of Cancun, Skyscanner’s 2023 insights provide the evidence‑backed confidence to choose wisely and travel with peace of mind.