On a mission to explore coral reefs, distinct cuisines, and vibrant cultures, many travellers seek one-of-a-kind holiday destinations that not only bring them closer to the world, but also give meaning to the term ‘global citizen’. Since New Zealand is situated in the southern hemisphere, many of the places of interest are located in the Pacific Ocean and surrounding areas.
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking your next destination from a lot of 195 countries on our beautiful planet! Leave alone the commonplace destinations and gear up for some travels that will leave you both spellbound and wanting for more.
Whether it’s the nearby coral reefs of Noumea or the food trail and busy streets calling out to you from farther off Indian cities, there are abundant ways in which you can get a taste of the yet to be explored parts of the world. KAYAK has made it easier and come to the rescue with an exhaustive list of cities that are most likely to be on a more hungry-for-authenticity kind of traveller’s list. Based on your search for travel destinations that are unconventional, here are some tasteful suggestions for your holiday expeditions.
The KAYAK “Better-Now-Than-Later” Report of Trending Holiday Destinations
Zurich, Switzerland
The picturesque city of Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, is known for its 17th-century architecture, Altsadt or Old Town, and the gorgeous Lake Zurich. Zurich also has a reputation as the leading financial centre of the world and the wealthiest of all cities. The famed Grossmünster cathedral and Fraumünster church are the two famous landmarks that distinguish the city from the rest. A melting pot of culture and modernity, Zurich is a great jumping-off point for travel around central Europe and of course, the wonders of the Swiss Alps, a skiier’s paradise.
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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as it was earlier known, is a city steeped in Vietnamese culture that is slowly coming to terms with itself alongside the remnants of its past. As the city wakes up to the smell of hot coffee with a shot of condensed milk, enjoy a serving of bánh mì, a breakfast sandwich, to start your culinary adventure. Walk the thriving streets, visit the War Museum, and shop at Ben Thanh market to stock up on souvenirs for your family back home!
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Hanoi, Vietnam
The juxtaposition of street hawkers with city restaurants serving gourmet dishes is commonplace in the capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi. With The Red River that flows along the settlements, the city displays traditional pagodas alongside French and Chinese influences that can be felt even now. Hanoi at its best can be experienced at the Old Quarter with street vendors, two-wheelers, tourists, and shops selling local fares!
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Dublin, Ireland
The homestead of illustrious authors such as James Joyce and Oscar Wilde, the beautiful city of Dublin is all about its Victorian architecture, the famed St. Stephen’s Green Park, and of course a large number of Irish pubs. Etched piece by piece in stories and tales, Dublin is steeped in deep and rich history, cultural heritage, and celebrated art. In a city serving Jameson on tap, tour the distilleries and enjoy a hot glass of Irish coffee to live like the locals. If you truly want to see Dublin, a Ulysses walking tour will help you truly map the city word by word!
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Port Vila, Vanuatu
The capital of Vanuatu, a Pacific island nation, Port Vila is a laidback town on Mele Bay where you can take a yacht out onto the water for memorable day trips or explore the town with its bustling markets, newly discovered café culture, and local shops. Nearby Iririki, a private island leased by Australian owners, allows you plenty of adventures like rappelling or abseiling and snorkelling!
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Cebu, Philippines
Slowly peeling away from its Spanish colonial past, Cebu Island in the Philippines is the second-largest after Luzon and is home to Spanish relics like the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, beaches with pristine white sand, and a mouth-watering culinary scene. Adventure lovers will also have their plates full since Cebu island is famous for its exemplary shark diving sites in Malapascua and Moalboal.
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Shanghai, China
With its dazzling skyline, the Oriental Pearl Tower, and The Bund waterfront, Shanghai will keep sightseers busy, while as the fashion capital of China, it is also sure to please shopping addicts. A day in Shanghai is non-stop action, with shopping on Nanjing Road, grabbing some food from street hawkers, and getting lost inside the many markets that give way to hundreds of little stores selling clothes, stationery, and other items. One thing is sure in Shanghai – you’ll never get bored.
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Hyderabad, India
Home to the famous Charminar and Karachi bakery, Hyderabad or ‘Cyberabad’ is known as the technical centre of India for it houses many head offices of IT bigwigs like Google – but there’s plenty else going on in this city. When you’re done gorging on fruit rusks from the bakery, head to Hussain Sagar lake for a scenic ferry ride along the monolithic Buddha Statue. Dine in style at The Waterfront restaurant overlooking the beautiful lake for a feast you won’t forget. Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on the famous biryani from Paradise!
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Chennai, India
With its striking Marina beach, beautifully ornate temples, and a distinct culture, Chennai (previously known as Madras), is a city in the south of India known for its splendid people, South Indian heritage, and thriving community. Stirrings of its colonial past can be felt in the Victorian architecture that crops up along the streets and at the same time, the city’s own culture has successfully established itself for an intriguing mix of past and present. A visit here is sure to live long in the memory, with delicious South Indian delicacies to warm your palate as well as a warm, welcoming local population.
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Noumea, New Caledonia
Since New Zealand is set well away from other parts of the world, save yourself some travel time and take a trip to Noumea, a beautiful seaside city in New Caledonia, a French territory in the Pacific Ocean. An amalgamation of Kanak and French heritage, this stunning city exudes a uniquely French charm and elegance. Surrounded by azure and turquoise waters, Noumea is home to rows of French restaurants and roadside cafes, beaches like Anse Vata with powder-white sand, and the exuberant Place des Cocotiers, a famous landmark for both tourists and locals.
Find cheap flights to Noumea* Book cheap hotels in New Caledonia*
*Data is based on survey carried out 2/10/2017 – 11/10/2017 surveying 2,100 respondents across 7 APAC markets,, including (in alphabetical order) Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan, aged between 21 and 45, who have booked hotels or flights online in the last 6 months and had been on holiday.
**The report filtered out the top 30 most-searched destinations by New Zealand travellers on nz.kayak.com in during the search period 1/1/2018 – 10/8/2018 for any travel dates between 1/1/2018 – 31/12/2018, and ranked the rest of the destinations by highest year-on-year growth on searches.
