2023’s top travel destinations according to TikTok

Now that 2023 is upon us, we’re all probably still recovering from Christmas celebrations, but if January’s getting you down, then don’t worry. We’re here to give you all the travel inspiration you need, to make 2023 your best year yet.

By analysing TikTok data, we’ve created a list of hotspots you need to add to your travel bucket list. Whether you’re a ski bunny or a theme park superfan, you’re planning a romantic honeymoon or looking for a budget city break, read on, as we’ve got it covered…

Bangkok is the place to go for 2023

Out of everywhere in the world, one city reigned supreme, and that’s Bangkok, according to TikTok! So, what makes it such a special place to visit?

1. Bangkok, Thailand

With a huge 107,700,000,000 hashtags on TikTok, Thailand’s capital comes out firmly on top of our list of places to go in 2023, with more than double the amount of mentions of the next destination on the list

A vibrant city with bustling streets, Bangkok truly is a city that never sleeps, and if you love mixing equal parts culture with nightlife, then this is the destination for you. Make the Grand Palace one of your first stops, with its ornate architecture, before heading to Chatuchak Market for some retail therapy, and ending your day with a relaxing boat ride down the Chao Phraya river.

2. Singapore, Singapore

The third Asian city to make it onto our list, Singapore boasts 46,000,000,000 hashtags on TikTok. Famed for being one of the cleanest cities in the world (and one of the most expensive), you could easily wile away the days at the infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands – which just so happens to be the largest rooftop infinity pool in the world.

However, you’d be missing out on a lot of sightseeing if you did that! Start by checking out the Gardens by the Bay with its treetop walk and waterfall, head to the zoo to see all the different types of animals, before spending your evening sampling the many dishes at one of the hawker markets.

3. Paris, France

There’s no way the city of love wasn’t going to be featuring on this list, and with an impressive 43,300,000,000 hashtags, it’s made it into fourth position. Ideal for visiting in summer, with its outdoor café and bar nightlife, or in winter with its twinkling lights and cute ice rinks, Paris truly is the perfect place to visit year-round.

Of course, you have to tick off the classic attractions first, like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Notre-Dame, but be sure to stroll around the pretty Luxembourg Gardens, enjoy some luxury shopping on the Champs-Elysées, home to many French brands including Saint Laurent and Celine, and enjoy one of the best macarons in the world, at Ladurée.

4. Dubai, UAE

With 34,100,000,000 hashtags, Dubai rounds off our top four, and whilst it’s most well-known for its flashy malls, hotels, and shopping, that’s not all there is to see (although you have to experience it while you’re there!).

Once you’ve had your fill of luxury shopping, extravagant brunches and wild pool parties, head to the spice souk where you’ll get to purchase everything from saffron to rosehip; explore the historical Al Fahidi neighbourhood, where you’ll be able to see what Dubai was like pre the Emirates forming, and enjoy a camel ride in the desert.

5. New York City, USA

Somewhere that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime, New York makes up our top five list, with 26,100,000,000 hashtags on TikTok.

Central Park, the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty are all places to visit on your first trip to the Big Apple; but just being in the city and soaking up the atmosphere is a great way to spend your time in New York. With so many independent shops, and quirky bars and restaurants, you could return to New York so many times, and never get bored!

The only European cities to make it into the top 10 are Istanbul (although technically, part of the city does fall into Asia!), which is a great place for people who love to experience new cultures, and Rome.

From the Colosseum to the Pantheon and Trevi fountain, Rome has so many major sights to tick off the list, alongside lots of great bars, restaurants and cafes to sample. Head over to Vatican City to see the Pope (and tick another country off your list at the same time!), or combine Rome into a larger Italian adventure, passing through Naples on your way to the Amalfi Coast.

The top 10 TikTok ski destinations

What better way to spend the winter than by hitting the slopes, filling up on plenty of raclette, and then enjoying some après ski until the early hours? If you’re considering booking a ski trip for 2023, then read on for some inspiration on where to go…

1. Innsbruck, Austria

Boasting over 200 trails that cover 500km, Innsbruck has rightfully made it to the top of our list of TikTok skiing destinations, with an impressive 347,200,000 hashtags.

Having hosted the Winter Olympics twice, its trails are better suited for beginners and intermediates. But, if skiing isn’t your thing, there are lots of hiking opportunities, as well as several ice rinks, and you can even go tobogganing at the Olympic ski centre.

2. Zermatt, Switzerland

Home of the Matterhorn – possibly the most iconic mountain in the Alps – it makes sense that Zermatt features so highly on our list, with 151,200,000 hashtags on TikTok. Often referred to as one of the best ski resorts in Europe, you’ll have your choice of three mountains, where there are several black pistes for seasoned skiers to try.

If you want some time off from skiing, then head into the fairy tale village of Zermatt, where you’ll be able to pick up plenty of traditional Swiss souvenirs like clocks and chocolate; or head straight to the bars for some après ski, with Hennu Stall one of the livelier venues in the area.

3. Courchevel, France

One of the most luxurious ski resorts in the world, it’s home to three six-star hotels, and is renowned for its lavish parties and fine dining. So, if it’s extravagance and decadence you’re looking for in a ski resort, Courchevel is the place for you!

Shop at the likes of Hermes, Prada and Dior, and dine at the many Michelin-star restaurants. And, if you want to actually ski, there are plenty of runs to pick from, with Courchevel well-catered to beginners and intermediates.

One thing’s clear: Europe does skiing well, with nine of our ten destinations located here. Switzerland features another two times, with St. Moritz in fifth place, and Verbier in seventh. Austria also features heavily on the list, with Kitzbühel and St. Anton given notable mentions, and France’s Val D’Isere in ninth.

Park City Mountains in Utah is the only ski resort in the US to feature on our list, coming in 10th place with 49,500,000 hashtags. The largest resort in the states, it has more than 330 trails to choose from, which are known for being incredibly well-kept, and having great snow quality.

The top 10 TikTok theme park destinations

If you’re an adrenaline junkie who loves nothing more than being thrown around and upside down, then you’ll no doubt be looking for a holiday destination that incorporates some of the best theme parks in the world.

1. Disneyland Paris & Walt Disney Studios, Marne-la-Vallée, France

Perfect for little ones and grown-ups alike, it comes as no surprise that Disneyland Paris tops the list, with 2,300,000,000 hashtags on TikTok.

Disneyland Park is where you can explore Sleeping Beauty’s castle, fly with Peter Pan, and set sail with swashbuckling pirates; whereas at Walt Disney Studios, you’ll get to discover all things Pixar and Marvel. One thing’s for sure, it’s the most magical place in the world!

2. Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland & Disney California Adventure, California, USA

Disney doesn’t disappoint, with Disneyland California second on our list, with 1,300,000,000 hashtags.

Known as the happiest place on earth, here, you can set sail and sing along to ‘It’s a small world’, get yourself spooked at the haunted mansion, or watch all the dance shows at Disney California Adventure, with the likes of the holiday soldiers, the mariachi band, and much more.

3. Europa-Park, Rust, Germany

With 650,700,000 hashtags, Germany’s Europa-Park makes it into a very respectable third position of the best theme parks according to TikTok. Nestled in the Black Forest, it’s widely regarded as one of the most beautiful theme parks in the world, and boasts 15 European themed areas, which is home to 13 rollercoasters, 45 restaurants, and over 100 attractions.

And, if you’ve gotten bored of the rollercoasters, head to Rulantica, a water world right next door to Europa-Park!

Whilst the US might be renowned for its rollercoasters, it’s clear there are amazing theme parks all around the world. Italy’s Gardaland and Germany’s Phantasialand feature in fourth and fifth position, with Orlando’s Walt Disney World Resort rounding off the top five.

However, theme parks in Canada, Brazil and Japan all made it into the top 10, meaning no matter where you are in the world, there’s always time for a daytrip to a theme park.

The top 10 TikTok honeymoon destinations

If you’re ever going to splash out on a luxury trip to a far-flung destination, then it’s going to be for your honeymoon! For the perfect mix of romance, adventure, and good times, take a look at these destinations for 2023, as chosen by TikTok.

1. Costa Rica

Nestled between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica comes out on top for honeymooners, with a huge 21,200,000,000 hashtags on TikTok.

The great thing about this country is you can tailor your honeymoon to suit you: whether you prefer to stay in luxury hotels, or would rather trek and camp in jungles, Costa Rica has it all.

The beaches are pristine, the volcanos are vast, and the national parks are picturesque. Discover an abundance of wildlife – from turtles to sloths, toucans and so much more – and stay in some of the most unique accommodation in the world… a night away in a jungle lodge, anyone?

2. Jamaica

Crystal clear waters, pure white sands, and romantic sunsets: it’s clear to see why Jamaica is one of the best spots for honeymooners, and the 9,000,000,000 hashtags on TikTok backs that up.

Montego Bay and Negril Beach are both ideal options for honeymooners, but if it’s adventure you’re after, try rafting down the Rio Grande, or hiking the Blue and John Crow Mountains, where you’ll get to discover a range of flora and fauna, not to mention secret waterfalls that make for excellent photos.

3. The Maldives

Rounding off our top three list of the best honeymoon destinations is another classic: the Maldives. At 6,800,000,000 hashtags, this country has been popular for years, and shows no signs of slowing down.

Want to get away from it all? The Maldives is the answer. Located off the coast of Sri Lanka, the area of North Ari Atoll is home to some of the more exclusive resorts, which makes it extremely popular amongst honeymooners.

However, both Dhaalu Atoll and Thulusdhoo are great alternatives, each offering pristine beaches, exciting diving opportunities, and some of the best food you’ll ever try.

All of the honeymoon destinations on our list are outside of Europe, showing that long-haul holidays reign supreme.

If it’s a far-flung island you’re after, why not try Mauritius, Zanzibar, or Tahiti or Bora Bora in French Polynesia? Alternatively, if you’d prefer to head to the Caribbean, Aruba and Barbados feature highly; as does nearby Los Cabos in Mexico, with its 491,200,000 hashtags backing up its pristine beaches and thriving nightlife.

The top 10 TikTok budget destinations in Europe

Travelling to a new destination doesn’t have to be expensive. Booking flights with budget airlines and visiting cities that have a lower cost of living is an easy way of keeping your costs down, whilst being able to discover somewhere new.

If you want to spend a long weekend overseas without spending too much, then take a look at these budget European city breaks.

1. Budapest, Hungary

With an impressive 2,600,000,000 hashtags, Budapest easily makes it to the top of our list of budget European destinations. Perfect to visit in either summer of winter, whenever you visit, you need to head straight to one of the outdoor spas for some much-needed relaxation, before climbing the hill to Buda Castle, to admire the views over Pest.

Budapest itself is home to an incredibly rich history: the House of Terror, and the Shoes on the Danube are both must-sees to understand the struggles Hungary has faced. And when the evening draws in? Try out the many ruin bars for cheap drinks and an unforgettable experience.

2. Warsaw, Poland

Poland’s capital comes in second place, with 1,500,000,000 hashtags, and whilst often overshadowed by Krakow, has so much to offer. Full of history, head to the Uprising Museum and the POLIN Museum of the History of the Jews, which is located in a former ghetto.

The Old Town is incredibly beautiful, and it looks so charming, you’d never know it was rebuilt in the 1940s and ’50s; but if it’s communist architecture you’re after, then look no further than the Palace of Culture and Science. At 237 metres tall, you’ll be able to see it looming over you pretty much wherever you are in Warsaw; and it houses cinemas, theatres, museums, and a viewing deck.

3. Istanbul, Turkey

For an east-meets-west experience, Istanbul is the perfect city; and with 1,300,000,000 hashtags, it’s proven to be popular on TikTok. The Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar should all be at the top of your list; with the bazaar one of the oldest – and largest – covered markets in the world, selling everything you could possibly imagine; from spices to jewellery and carpets, and much more.

Whilst you’re in Istanbul, set some time aside to catch a whirling dervish show, and hop across the bridge to the Asian side, so you can tick off two continents in one go!

The top 10 TikTok safest European cities

Of course, one of the things that features highly on a lot of travellers’ lists – especially solo travellers and families – is safety. If you want to visit a new city, and know that it’s safe for tourists, then take a look at these recommended destinations.

1. Munich, Germany

With the third lowest crime index score on our list, and the third highest safety score, Munich has come in top place, with a huge 2,900,000,000 hashtags on TikTok. Germany’s second biggest city has a completely different vibe to Berlin, and boasts beautiful architecture in abundance, as well as plenty of palaces, and art galleries just waiting to be explored.

Experience Bavarian hospitality at its finest at one of the many beer halls, complete with their own oompah bands; and spend a day wandering the city, gazing at the many awe-inspiring buildings, including the Neues Rathaus in Marienplatz, and Asam Church.

2. Zurich, Switzerland

Switzerland is renowned worldwide for how safe it is, and Zurich is no exception. Plus, with 1,900,000,000 hashtags on TikToks, it’s cited as one of the places to visit in 2023.

Situated by the border of Germany and Liechtenstein, Zurich may be well-known for its finance industry, but the first thing you need to do is head to the banks of Lake Zurich, where you can enjoy a scenic walk by the waters, or you could even catch a boat ride.

You should also take some time to wander around Altstadt, which is more commonly referred to as the Old Town, and is home to some of the best bars and shops in the city; or head to Zurich-West, where you’ll get to marvel in the industrial architecture.

3. Prague, Czech Republic

Visit Prague and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into a gothic fairy tale, with its cute cobblestone streets and imposing architecture.

Old Town Square, aka the heart of the city, is the best place to start, and will make you want to add to the 1,800,000,000-strong hashtags on TikTok, as you make your many followers jealous with all your content!

Watch the astronomical clock as it strikes on the hour, then head on over to Charles Bridge where you can see artists selling their wares, before heading up the winding streets towards the castle.

Switzerland features several times on this list, with Basel and Bern making it into the top 10 safest cities. Helsinki champions Scandinavia, whereas plenty of central and eastern European cities also come out on top.

Timisoara and Cluj-Napoca are just a four-hour drive away from each other, so can easily be combined into one trip, whilst you get to stop at many other Romanian towns on the way. In fact, if you end up in Timisoara, you’re right by the borders of both Hungary and Serbia, so you could easily extend your trip and tick another country off the list!

Now you’ve had all the travel inspiration you could possibly need, the only thing left to decide is where you’re going to book for 2023. In fact, we reckon this is the year to tick several destinations off your travel bucket list!

Once you’ve booked your flights, don’t forget to sort your airport parking, so you can lock in the best deals. We operate all over the country, with parking at Heathrow and other London airports, as well as airports across the midlands and the north.

And, for extra peace of mind, why not book your airport transfers too, so you can head straight to your hotel at the other end, and be one step closer to enjoying your next holiday?

Methodology

Looking4.com collated a list of popular destinations for each category, we then compared number of used hashtags across TikTok and user intent for each to curate the list of top destinations per category.