Milwaukee, Bilbao and Xi'an: Airbnb reveals the top 20 trending travel destinations for 2020

Looking for some travel inspiration? Here are the places to visit before the rest of the world catches on...

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  1. Milwaukee, on the shores of Lake Michigan, Wisconsin has seen bookings increase by 727 per cent year-on-year. Courtesy Airbnb

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  2. Spanish city Bilbao, named as European City of the Year in 2018, is set to become even more popular in 2020, with an YoY increase in bookings of 402 per cent. Courtesy Airbnb

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  3. Buriram in rural Thailand is home to some of the country's most treasured Khmer relics. Airbnb bookings for this area have increased by 383 per cent year-on-year. Courtesy Airbnb

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  4. Sunbury, just a short drive from buzzing Melbourne, has become a popular destination with savvy locals thanks to its rich wildlife. Airbnb bookings have increased by 356 per cent year-on-year. Courtesy Airbnb

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  5. With it pristine hills and ancient rural villages, Romania is fast gaining traction among European tourists, with Airbnb bookings rising by 298 per cent YoY. Courtesy Airbnb

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  6. Often cited as one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilsation, Xi'an is becomming increasingly popular with tourists, and is set to launch new tourism initiatives in 2020. Bookings have increased by 255 per cent year-on-year. Courtesy Airbnb

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  7. The city of Eugene, in Oregon, USA has become known as a culinary hub, and attracts many visitors thanks to its stunning natural beauty. Its YoY visitor numbers have increased by 213 per cent, according to Airbnb. Courtesy Airbnb

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  8. Luxembourg's mediaeval castles and rocky gorges saw it named as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. Since then, it's seen a steady increase in visitor numbers. However, this year, Airbnb says it has seen a rise in bookings of 167 per cent. Courtesy Airbnb

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  9. Mexico's second city has often been overlooked, but people are starting to get wise to its charm. Airbnb reports an increase in bookings of 158 per cent YoY. Courtesy Airbnb

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  10. Home to rugged islands, deserted beaches and stunning Pacific wildlife, Vanuata is an archipelago 2,000 miles east of Australia that recieved an 140 per cent increase in Airbnb bookings this year. Courtesy Airbnb

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  11. Cali, Colombia is the world’s salsa capital. It not only offers energising local music and dance, its rich Afro-Colombian heritage has also infused the city with a distinctive caleño culture. Airbnb has seen a 137 per cent in visitors YoY. Courtesy Airbnb

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  12. Cape Canaveral in Florida is known around the world for its Air Force Station, but it also offers 72 miles of beachfront. Next year, it will be home to the launch of Nasa's Mars 2020 Exploration Programme. Visitor numbers have increased by 136 per cent. Courtesy Airbnb

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  13. Aberdeen, Scotland's third largest city, boasts rugged coastal scenery and beautiful surrounding countryside. It has seen a 119 per cent increase YoY in Airbnb bookings. Courtesy Airbnb

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  14. Courtenay, in British Columbia, Canada, has seen a 114 per cent increase in Airbnb bookings thanks to its growing reputation as an outdoor adventure destination. Courtesy Airbnb

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  15. With over 100 beaches, the city of Ubatuba is the undisputed surfing capital of São Paulo, and also boasts a number of hiking trails through the lush Atlantic rainforest. Airbnb reports a 108 per cent increase in bookings YoY. Courtesy AirBnB

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  16. The village of Les Contamines, nestled between the well known resorts of Chamonix and Megève, is the ideal base for mountain climbing in summer or for skiing in winter. It's seen a 108 per cent rise in Airbnb bookings YoY. Courtesy Airbnb

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  17. While Tokyo might not be off-the-beaten track, it has seen a 103 per cent increase in Airbnb bookings thanks to the upcomming summer olympics, making it one of the companies trending destinations for 2020. Courtesy Airbnb

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  18. With its palm-lined coast, rolling coffee plantations and stunning Arabian Sea views, Kerala is an oasis of calm in a country that moves at a busy pace. Its Airbnb bookings have increased 95 per cent YoY. Courtesy Airbnb

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  19. Malindi, a bustling coastal village in Kenya, is home to a multicultural melting pot of African, Arab and European residents, and stunning natural beauty. Its visitor numbers through Airbnb have increased 88 per cent YoY. Courtesy Airbnb

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  20. The Dutch city of Maastricht boasts more historic buildings than any city outside of Amsterdam. In 2020, it will play host to one of the world's largest art fairs.It has seen an increase in Airbnb bookings of 55 per cent. Courtesy Airbnb.

As we approach the end of 2019, many people will start to make plans for the year ahead, including places they would like to travel to.

If you're looking for some inspiration, online booking platform Airbnb has revealed its top 20 trending travel destinations for 2020, and there are more than a few surprises in the list.

From post-industrial culture hubs like Milwaukee and Guadalajara, to emerging destinations that are benefiting from an increase in sustainable tourism, the list is full of hidden gems.

There are also some destinations within easy reach of the UAE, such as Kerala in India, which has seen a 95 per cent increase in Airbnb bookings year-on-year, and Buriram, a lesser-known city in rural Thailand, which has seen a 383 per cent increase in visitors.

Other cities to make the list include Cape Canaveral, which will next year be the base for the launch of Nasa’s 2020 Mars Exploration Programme, and Ubatuba, Brazil which is famous for its surf competitions.

Scroll through our gallery above for the full list of destinations.