Japan's Ishigaki Island has been named the top trending destination for 2018 by TripAdvisor. Photo / Getty Images
Japan's Ishigaki Island has been named the top trending destination for 2018 by TripAdvisor. Photo / Getty Images
As global travel booms, it can be tricky to find a quiet corner of the world.
But savvy holiday-makers still discover interesting spots along the road less travelled - including a little-known Japanese island called Ishigaki, which is now deemed the coolest place to be - and be seen - this year, according to TripAdvisor.
The Japanese island tops this year's TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards for 'Destinations on the Rise', based on positive traveller feedback and increased booking interest. For inspiration for your next trip, scroll down to see the travel site's top 10 trending destinations worldwide, and in Europe.
1. ISHIGAKI, JAPAN
A jungle waterfall on Ishigaki Island. Photo / Getty Images
Ishigaki, an island in Japan's Okinawa Prefecture, tops the list.
Home to a varied landscape including sandy beaches, rare coral, mountains and mangrove forests, it's easy to see why it's such a popular spot.
Also great for food lovers, Ishigaki - which means stone wall - is known for its soba noodles, called Yaeyama soba, made of flour instead of the more traditional buckwheat.
The average hotel price is $212 per night, while the lowest to be found is $162.
2. KAPAA, HAWAII
Kayakers on the Wailua River in Kapaa, Hawaii. Photo / Getty Images
This little-known haven is one of Hawaii's most up-and-coming places.
A small town nestled at the base of Kauai's Nounou Mountain, tourists seem to love its diverse array of hotels, shopping centres and restaurants. It's also popular with watersport fans, thanks to options for kayaking and water skiing.
The average hotel price here is $344 per night, with the Aston Islander on the Beach hailed as the best-value: from $245 per night in June.
3. NAIROBI, KENYA
Nairobi is known as the safari capital of Africa. Photo / Getty Images
Known as the safari capital of Africa, Nairobi is also an energetic, modern city that serves as a fascinating introduction to both wildlife and nightlife.
Music clubs pulse with life, shops and markets bustle, and a mélange of restaurants will tempt your palate in this former Maasai watering hole. Top sights include the Karen Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre and the black rhinos of Nairobi National Park.
Tourists can stay here for roughly $149 per night, which makes it seriously cost-effective.
4. HALIFAX, CANADA
Buildings along the Halifax waterfront. Photo / Getty Images
As the capital of Nova Scotia, Halifax is a port city known for its maritime history.
But, these days, it's also well known for its culinary scene as well as a strong craft brewing culture. To prove it, the city officially has more pubs and clubs per capita than almost any other in Canada.
In addition to a wide variety of drinking options, holiday-makers can expect hotel prices from $197 per night, with prices as low as $119 in June.
5. GDANSK, POLAND
Gdańsk is a port city located on the Baltic coast. Photo / Getty Images
Known as one of Poland's most beautiful cities, Gdańsk is a port city located on the Baltic coast.
The centre of the city boasts Long Market - one of the main tourist attractions with its colourful facades, shops and restaurants.
Interestingly, Gdańsk is a hub for the world's amber trade and most boutiques throughout the city sell it, making Gdańsk the ideal destination for those who have a particular fondness for the precious fossilized resin.
6. SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA
The National Theatre in San Jose, Costa Rica. Photo / Getty Images
San Jose del Cabo is located on the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula and boasts beautiful beaches and stunning colonial architecture.
Not to be confused with its sister town, Cabo San Lucas, which is known for its wild nightlife, San Jose del Cabo offers a much more relaxed pace.
Here, the average annual San Jose hotel price is $91 per night, with the Boutique Hotel Casa Orquideas being a popular choice.
7. RIGA, LATVIA
Riga's Art Nouveau centre has won Unesco World Heritage Site designation. Photo / Getty Images
The Latvian capital and the largest city in the Baltics, Riga is a fascinating mixture of proud Latvian tradition and influences from various neighbouring countries.
Riga's Art Nouveau centre has won Unesco World Heritage Site designation.
The Old City has an abundance of bars and restaurants and can easily be explored on foot while the New Town is easily reached by an efficient and modern bus and tram network.
8. ROVINJ, CROATIA
Rovinj is a Croatian fishing port on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula. Photo / Getty Images
Rovinj is a Croatian fishing port on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula.
The old town, a beautiful tangle of steep cobbled streets and piazzas, sits on a cliff face, with houses packed closely together right down to the seafront. Located south of the old town is Lone Bay, one of the area's pebble beaches.
The fourteen islands of the Rovinj archipelago set just off the mainland are perfect for an afternoon of exploration.
9. NERJA, SPAIN
Nerja is nestled along southern Spain's Costa del Sol. Photo / Getty Images
The resort of Nerja is nestled along southern Spain's Costa del Sol.
Its seafront promenade, Balcón de Europa, offers stunning views of the Mediterranean and surrounding mountain and, below it, travellers can find sandy beaches and cliffside coves.
One popular attraction at the seaside town is Cueva de Nerja, a cave that boasts unusual stalactites and stalagmites, also known for its Palaeolithic paintings.
10. CASABLANCA, MOROCCO
Morocco, Casablanca. Photo / Getty Images
Casablanca is a port city and the commercial hub of western Morocco.
Fans of architecture will be in heaven at the sight of the mix of Moorish style and European art deco buildings. The city is also home to Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco.
The city also has a thriving art and culture scene – many of Casablanca's historic Art Deco villas have been reborn as galleries and museums.
