14 Long Weekends in 2019: Airbnb got you sorted with trending destinations within 8 hours


Fly to India, Japan, China and Taiwan to discover unfrequented gems that are quietly growing in popularity

As we welcome 2019, Airbnb is looking ahead for Malaysians’ travel planning for the new year. Based on a combination of Airbnb search, booking and wish list growth data*, Airbnb forecasts the growing interest in more off-the-beaten-path regions, cities and towns for Malaysians to explore within eight hours of flights.
Ranging from a vehicle-free island off the coast of South Eastern China’s Xiamen, to Wakayama Prefecture, a humble region adjacent to Osaka that is deemed to be Japan’s “spiritual heartland” with 52 temples on holy Buddhist grounds in Koyasan, Airbnb found that most of the trending destinations allow travellers to both explore the authentic side of a country and  be part of its sustainable tourism ecosystem.

Travellers who are keen to find saffron-coloured colonial villas and charming shops should look no further than Pondicherry, otherwise known as the French capital of India. Referred to as “Pondy” and a few hours’ drive from the state capital of Chennai, the best time to visit this coastal town is between the months of November and February for moderate climates.

Malaysians who’ve been to Taiwan or even first-timers could consider venturing out into Daxi and Yujing, with both locations appearing on more wish lists this year over last. Daxi, a relatively small town, has an increasing variety of historic and culinary attractions, making it a worthwhile day trip or two if you’re visiting the capital city. For a more remote experience, head to Yujing for its mango farms and hot springs.

Here are Airbnb’s four trending destinations for 2019 along with a sampling of listings for Malaysians to stay in and Experiences to try:

283% YoY increase in bookings

A romantic port city surrounded by abundant islands takes the second spot on our list. Xiamen is also home to Kulangsu, a pedestrian-only, vehicle-free island just off the coast that is ideal for local seafood-loving couples. If traveling solo, learn how to bake bread at a local dessert studio or experience nightlife like a local on a pub crawl with host Cong.

        Room One Loft

128% YoY increase in bookings

This humble region adjacent to Osaka is referred to by some as Japan’s “spiritual heartland” with more and more locals and travelers taking up temporary lodging in the 52 temples on holy Buddhist grounds in Koyasan -- an experience that can include meditation, temple services, Buddhist gardens and vegetarian cuisine. If open-air baths are your thing, Sennin-buro in Kawayu is the country’s largest. With fish markets rivaling Tokyo’s famed Tsukiji fish market, you’ll find tuna-cutting shows on daily display with the biggest tuna found in the country. Head to the area in July for the Nachi Fire Festival and arrive early to get a good view -- it’s a 1,700-year-old event and considered one of the most sacred festivals in Japan.


140% YoY increase in searches

In Pondicherry, otherwise known as the French capital of India, you’ll find saffron-colored colonial villas and charming shops. Referred to as “Pondy” and a few hours’ drive from the state capital of Chennai, the best time to visit this coastal town is between the months of November and February for moderate climates. Adventurers can scuba dive and see everything from corals and manta rays, to sharks, whales and dolphins. Interested in reconnecting with your spirituality? Head to the world’s second largest mangrove jungle, Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, or Aurobindo Ashram, one of the most well-known in the country, or learn the classical art of Bharatnatyam dance from host Ramya.

        Bangalore Desserts Safari

100%+ YoY increase in wish list inclusion

Though Taipei remains a tourist favorite with night markets aplenty, the eastern districts of Daxi and Yujing are appearing on more wish lists this year over last. Daxi, a relatively small town, has an increasing variety of historic and culinary attractions, making it a worthwhile day trip or two if you’re visiting the capital city. If you want a more remote experience, head to Yujing with its mango farms and hot springs. Additionally the southeastern coastal city of Taitung attracts ancient treasure-seekers with relics recovered from buried Neolithic slate coffins, and part-time birders along the many lakefront paths.


Click through this link to join an authentic travel experience with Airbnb Experiences: https://www.airbnb.com/s/experiences   

*Based on internal Airbnb data for bookings made for 2019 as of October 2018 vs. bookings made for 2018 as of October 2017; searches in October - November 2018 vs. October - November 2017; and wish list inclusion in November 2018 vs. November 2017.

The Airbnb Press Room is aimed at journalists. All Homes and Experiences referenced on the Airbnb Press Room are intended purely to inspire and illustrate. Airbnb does not recommend or endorse specific Home or Experience listings on the Airbnb platform.


About Airbnb
Founded in 2008, Airbnb’s mission is to create a world where people can belong through healthy travel that is local, authentic, diverse, inclusive and sustainable. Airbnb uniquely leverages technology to economically empower millions of people around the world to unlock and monetize their spaces, passions and talents to become hospitality entrepreneurs. Airbnb’s accommodation marketplace provides access to 5+ million unique places to stay in more than 81,000 cities and 191 countries.

With Experiences, Airbnb offers unprecedented access to local communities and interests through 15,000 unique, handcrafted activities run by hosts across 1,000+ markets around the world. Airbnb's people-to-people platform benefits all its stakeholders, including hosts, guests, employees and the communities in which it operates.

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