It’s 2018, the year you vowed to travel more. But where do you go? We’re here to help. These are some of the most searched travel destinations on travel websites like Kayak. From Seattle to San Fransico, you’re bound to find your next travel destination on this list!
5. Seattle, WA
Seattle, a city on Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest, is surrounded by water, mountains and evergreen forests, and contains thousands of acres of parkland. Washington State’s largest city, it’s home to a large tech industry, with Microsoft and Amazon headquartered in its metropolitan area. The futuristic Space Needle, a 1962 World’s Fair legacy, is its most iconic landmark.
Hacker Tip – While the city’s Space Needle gets a facelift (renovations are expected to complete in 2018), head to Volunteer Park and climb the Water Tower. You’ll be treated to 360-degree city views.
4. San Francisco, California
San Francisco, in northern California, is a hilly city on the tip of a peninsula surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. It’s known for its year-round fog, iconic Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars and colorful Victorian houses. The Financial District’s Transamerica Pyramid is its most distinctive skyscraper. In the bay sits Alcatraz Island, site of the notorious former prison.
Hacker Tip – San Fran’s electric combination of startups and tech giants can be overwhelming. Book a relaxing hour in the communal bath at Kabuki Springs & Spa.
3. Denver, Colorado
Denver, the capital of Colorado, is an American metropolis dating to the Old West era. Larimer Square, the city’s oldest block, features landmark 19th-century buildings. Museums include the Denver Art Museum, an ultramodern complex known for its collection of indigenous works, and the mansion of famed Titanic survivor Molly Brown. Denver is also a jumping-off point for ski resorts in the nearby Rocky Mountains.Hacker Tip – Try to prepare yourself for the city’s high altitude. Some tricks to keep your body in check include eating foods high in potassium, drinking lots of H2O and watching your alcohol intake.
4. Orlando, Florida
Orlando, a city in central Florida, is home to more than a dozen theme parks. Chief among its claims to fame is Walt Disney World, comprised of parks like the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, as well as water parks. Another major destination, Universal Orlando, offers Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter straddling both.
Hacker Tip – We know why you’re here, so we won’t play dumb. But if you need a break from theme parks, take an afternoon to walk around — and picnic in — Lake Eola Park.
5. New York, New York
New York City comprises 5 boroughs sitting where the Hudson River meets the Atlantic Ocean. At its core is Manhattan, a densely populated borough that’s among the world’s major commercial, financial and cultural centers. Its iconic sites include skyscrapers such as the Empire State Building and sprawling Central Park. Broadway theater is staged in neon-lit Times Square.
Hacker Tip – Want to enjoy some art without spending money? Head to the galleries of Chelsea and the Lower East Side. See ground-breaking art without paying admission.