Based on the most (global) Google searches, the travel company, Kuoni has compiled a list of international events and festivals, as well as natural phenomena that promise “to etch unforgettable memories into the minds of travellers”.
Some of the events have amassed millions of annual searches, placing them at the top of Kuoni travel bucket lists, as once-in-a-lifetime encounters.
The Top 10
- Manhattanhenge in New York City, USA: With over 1.3 million annual global searches Manhattanhenge is the most searched-for must-see travel experience overall. Also known as the Manhattan Solstice, this rare sunrise and sunset align perfectly between the streets of New York City, giving those who have gathered the perfect sun shot amongst the sky-high buildings of Manhattan.
- Venice Carnival in Venice, Italy: Over 1.2 million annual searches, the Venice Carnival is a yearly festival attracting visitors from all around the world. Running for two weeks just before Lent, it mainly features captivating masquerade costumes and masks, something that has been a tradition for many years. The celebration also involves numerous balls, light shows and musical performances, making for an unforgettable Italian experience.
- Rio Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Over 7 million searches, the pre-Lent celebration of Brazil’s vibrant Rio Carnival sees millions of people taking to the streets to party. The festival has been running since 1723 and is considered one of the biggest in the world. Its famous parade involves floats and dancers, with several samba schools from Rio de Janeiro offering their best dancers to put on a show for the eager audience.
- Day of the Dead in Mexico: 645,060 searches, celebrated across the whole of Mexico, the Day of the Dead (Día de Muerto) usually takes place at the beginning of November. Whilst its name might sound a tad ominous, it is a much joyous occasion, allowing people to remember the deceased and celebrate their memory.
- RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London, UK: 613,530 annual global searches, the quintessentially British event attracts all those keen to celebrate beautifully designed gardens and impressive plants. Dominating the London borough of Chelsea, RHS Chelsea is held annually in May providing inspiration for all who attend and watch the show on tv.
- Golden Week in Japan: 410,230 searches, usually occurring end of April/beginning of May, just after cherry blossom season when the weather is a little warmer, the Golden week spells a series of four holidays closely spaced together which means that there is plenty to see and do around the country.
- Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, USA: over 150k searches, the international balloon fiesta has been running since 1972 and sees around 600 balloons take to the sky, putting on an impressive colourful display for the visitors below.
- Northern Lights in Lapland, Finland: 146,770 searches, the Northern Lights is considered one of the most magical and ethereal natural wonders on the planet. Whilst a clear view is never guaranteed, seeing them in Lapland is a must see.
- Oktoberfest in Munich: 142,270 annual global searches, held in Munich every year and is one the world’s largest beer festivals, attracting millions of visitors from all around the world who descend upon the city from mid-September until early October.
- Obon Festival in Japan: 115,900 annual global searches, also known as the ‘Bon Festival’, this annual Japanese holiday commemorates and celebrates deceased ancestors, who are believed to return at this time to visit their living relatives. Beautiful paper lanterns are hung to help guide the spirits home and Obon dances are performed.
Other horticultural related events appearing in the Top 20 global annual searches includes the Cherry Blossom in Kyoto (13th with 74,260 searches) and the Migration of Monarch Butterflies in Mexico (17th with 34,520 searches).