To reveal the world’s must-see travel experiences, luxury holiday company Kuoni has analysed Google data from 210 countries to discover the most searched-for rare travel experiences – those that occur twice a year or less. From wandering colourful and bustling streets at exotic city festivals to experiencing dazzling natural wonders, the results reveal what unique experiences travellers are most interested in around the globe.
The Must-See Travel Experiences Around the World
Manhattanhenge, also known as the Manhattan Solstice, is being searched for more than any other experience analysed. The setting or rising sun aligns with the east-west streets within the main grid of Manhattan, creating a ‘skyrise tunnel’ which leads to the golden sun framed beautifully at the end. This phenomenon occurs just twice a year; May 28th and July 13th is when the sunset aligns, while December 5th and January 8th is when the sunrise version takes place.
Italy’s historic Venice Carnival is second on the must-see list. The 10-day fiesta has taken place annually since the Middle Ages. It involves costumes with elaborate and beautifully crafted masks worn throughout.
Rounding off the top three is Brazil’s Rio Carnival. Every year, millions of people flock to the streets of Rio to experience the annual carnival of impressive and ornate floats, dancers and colourful outfits. Vibrant celebrations occur each year in the days leading up to Lent, with samba parades, street parties and glamorous balls all on offer.
Day of the Dead (Día de Muerto) in Mexico ranks fourth, and like Rio Carnival, it also draws in massive attendance. However, this festival gathers families to honour their ancestors in celebration. Within homes, alters to the dead are set up so that spirits can find their way back to their families, while on the streets, parties with giant papier-mâché skeletons act as a reminder that death is simply a part of life that is a shared experience for all.
The UK hosts London’s Chelsea Flower Show (fifth), a five-day botanical experience featuring avant-garde floral displays. Japan’s world-famous Golden Week follows in sixth place. Known locally as Ōgon Shūkan, Golden Week takes place each spring in Japan and is the nation’s longest string of public holidays. Food festivals and art exhibitions are available, from a Pikachu afternoon tea to Wisteria that can be viewed at the Ashikaga Flower Park.
Rounding off the top 10 rankings are Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, one of the world’s largest hot-air balloon celebrations (seventh), a trip to the mystical Northern Lights in Lapland (eighth), the world’s largest beer festival Oktoberfest (ninth) and finally Obon Festival in Japan in 10thplace.
Find the full study at: Kuoni.co.uk
