These are the surprising top trending destinations for spring on Airbnb

Fancy an Easter break but in need of some inspo? If you want a holiday a little off the beaten track this year then Airbnb has unveiled its top trending destinations for spring 2019 – and there are a few surprises.

The online booking site says it is seeing a trend towards lesser-known, under-the-radar oases and rich cultural centres over the usual beach holiday destinations among its users. 

It compiled a list of 10 of the destinations where the percentage increase in bookings for the period March 1- April 1, 2019 was highest compared to the same period last year. 

10. Guadeloupe, Guadeloupe

As travellers increasingly search for lesser-known, secluded paradisical settings, the palm-tree lined islands of Guadeloupe are proving popular among Airbnb users, with bookings up 157 per cent – and we can see why. 

9. Cologne, Germany

For something a little closer to home, why not consider a weekend break in Cologne, a cosmopolitan city on the Rhine River in western Germany, where bookings are up 164 per cent.

It’s known for it’s rich medieval history and architecture, the star of which is the famous cathedral (above). 

8. Williams, Arizona

This year the Grand Canyon celebrates 100 years since it’s designation as a national park and bookings in Williams, known as the gateway to the national park, are up some 315 per cent. 

7. Vladivostok, Russia

The port town of Vladivostok in Russia is where some travellers begin their journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway, and it’s also experiencing a surge in interest this year, with bookings up 323 per cent. 

6.  St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

St. Thomas is the most cosmopolitan of the three US Virgin Islands, according to the tourism board. It’s known for snorkelling, diving, golf and picture-perfect beaches, and according to Airbnb, bookings are up by 338 per cent. 

5. Dapa, Philippines

The tropical resort of Dapa in the Philippines is also in high demand this spring, with the site reporting bookings are up 380 per cent year-on-year. 

4. San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan, is one of two Puerto Rican destinations to make this list, travellers are again heading to the island as it recovers from the devastation of Hurricane Maria. Bookings in the capital are up some 392 per cent.

3. Santos, Brazil

Santos, located in the Brazilian state of São Paulo, is also trending, with bookings up by 432 per cent since last year. The coastal city is know for its spectacularly wide beach. 

2. Carolina, Puerto Rico

Carolina is the second most trending city on Airbnb’s travel list for spring 2019, with growth of 643 per cent. It’s located just outside of San Juan, the other Puerto Rican city to make this list. 

1. Monterrey, Mexico

It might not be an obvious choice when you think of spring break in Mexico, but according to Airbnb, bookings are up a whopping 678 per cent in the country’s third largest city. Monterrey is an industrial hub, but is also known for its food, culture and nightlife.