As winter begins, daydreams of the next vacation flood the thoughts of those ready for a getaway. Whether seeking winter sun or planning a summer escape, social media significantly influences travel decisions, particularly with the current trend of ‘travel aesthetics’ dominating Instagram and TikTok. These aesthetics, virtual mood boards capturing the essence of a destination, have witnessed an 81% increase in searches over the past two years. To identify the top trending aesthetics globally, Pour Moi, a leading travel and lifestyle brand, conducted a comprehensive analysis using Google searches and Pinterest pins.

Japan Leads the List

Pour Moi’s survey reveals that Japan emerges as the leader. The country had an impressive 23,198 searches and Pinterest boards. Japan surpassed Greece and France, securing the second and third positions with nearly identical scores of 9,099 and 9,097, respectively. Italy claims the fourth spot, making Europe the favored continent for travel aesthetics. India rounds out the top five. It scored 7,697 searches. Other Asian countries like China, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines also feature prominently.

In North America, Mexico surpasses the United States and Canada in travel aesthetic popularity. Australia outshines New Zealand in Oceania. The sole African representative is Egypt, boasting 2,143 searches and boards for its historic aesthetic.

Most Popular Cities for Travel Aesthetics

Among major cities, Paris takes the lead as the most popular travel aesthetic, closely followed by New York. London, Tokyo, and Miami complete the top five. Notably, U.S. cities dominate the top 20, with Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, Boston, San Francisco, and Seattle making appearances.

The survey underscores the undeniable allure of travel aesthetics, with a balanced approach ensuring a more fulfilling travel experience. As you plan your next getaway, be mindful of the potential disparity between online perfection and on-ground reality, as highlighted by the Pour Moi travel data.

Adding to the aesthetics conversation, there are some insights into distinctive accommodations that embody specific aesthetics. From the Plazacore Aesthetic at Lenox Hill in New York to the Coquette Aesthetic at Villa Atia in Lombardy, Lake Como, these unique lodgings offer an immersive experience into various aesthetic lifestyles.