These were the top flight destination searches on Google in 2023

18.12.2023 - 17:33 / thepointsguy.com / Willie Walsh

With busy airports, full flights and the ending of most travel restrictions, 2023 marked a return to travel, mostly as we knew it before the pandemic began. Nearly every peak travel period in 2023 broke air travel records, and it's showing no signs of slowing down. An estimated record-breaking 4.7 billion people are expected to travel in 2024, according to the International Air Transport Association.

"People love to travel and that has helped airlines to come roaring back to pre-pandemic levels of connectivity," Willie Walsh, IATA's director general, said in a news release.

Where are travelers going or looking to go? We turned to Google's Destination Insights tool to find out what places travelers were searching for the most in 2023. No surprise to us — five of the countries landed on TPG's list of the 16 best places to travel in 2024. If you're feeling some wanderlust and looking for inspiration on where to go in 2024, here's what we found.

Note: We searched for data from Jan. 1 to Dec. 11 for U.S. travelers looking for international trips by air. Puerto Rico ranked fourth using Google's tool, but since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, it is a domestic destination for U.S. citizens. So we've added in what was No. 11 on Google's tool.

This Central American country is well known for "pura vida," the simple way of life, and it comes in at No. 10 on the list. Thanks to the beaches, volcanoes, rainforests and wildlife, you can be active and adventurous, kick back and relax, or do some combination of the two in Costa Rica. New eco-resorts combine sustainability and luxury, and there are many hotel options for redeeming points. Also, flights from the U.S. to San Jose and Liberia are available from all of the major airlines.

Related: Epic wildlife and sustainable luxury define travel to Costa Rica in 2024

Spain has no shortage of great cities, with Barcelona, Madrid and Seville as highly sought-after destinations. Additionally, Spanish food is among the world's best, from tapas and gazpacho to paella and churros. Using Iberia Avios for business class from the U.S. East Coast to Madrid is one of the best sweet spots in points and miles. Start planning your trip by first figuring out the best time to visit.

Related: How to book Iberia flights to Spain (and beyond) using Avios

Jamaica is an ideal destination for travelers looking for a warm-weather beach vacation, from couples and families to singles and groups of friends. Many visitors stick to the all-inclusive resorts in Montego Bay or Negril, but the country offers lots of activities and sights to see, including visiting waterfalls and going river rafting.

Related: An insider's guide to what to see and do in Jamaica with a family

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