Kuta is famed for its year-round sunshine and party-centric atmosphere. Photo: Airbnb
Kuta is famed for its year-round sunshine and party-centric atmosphere. Photo: Airbnb
Kuta is famed for its year-round sunshine and party-centric atmosphere. Photo: Airbnb
Kuta is famed for its year-round sunshine and party-centric atmosphere. Photo: Airbnb

Travel

Destinations

Bali tops list of most searched winter destinations on Airbnb

Kuta on the Indonesian island's south-western coast is where international travellers most want to go

Hayley Skirka
Hayley Skirka

November 17, 2022

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Winter sun is calling and Airbnb travellers are seeking trips near and far.

The accommodation-sharing platform released its 2022 Winter Update on Wednesday, revealing its most searched-for destinations this season.

Indonesia’s Bali tops the list, with Kuta on the south-western coast of the island the most sought-after locale by Airbnb users around the world.

The birthplace of tourism in Bali, Kuta is famed for its epic surfing in the Indian Ocean and its party-centric atmosphere. It also has year-round sunshine, making it a great winter escape.

Malaysia’s biggest city ranks second in the top 10 list. Kuala Lumpur attracts tourists seeking the mix of modernity and tradition that has established the Malaysian capital as a firm favourite on South-East Asian travel itineraries.

Kuala Lumpur is the second most searched for destination this winter on Airbnb. Photo: Unsplash
Kuala Lumpur is the second most searched for destination this winter on Airbnb. Photo: Unsplash

Rounding out the top three is Brazil’s Ipanema. Famed for its namesake beach, the bustling area of Rio de Janeiro offers a diverse mix of cultures, amazing views of the hill Morro Dois Irmaos, epic sunsets and leafy streets lined with Bossa Nova-playing bars. The city is also known for its epic new year celebrations on the beach.

Brazil's Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro is the third most-searched for winter destination on Airbnb. The city is famed for its end-of-year celebrations. EPA
Brazil's Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro is the third most-searched for winter destination on Airbnb. The city is famed for its end-of-year celebrations. EPA

Asian destinations dominate the list, with places in Thailand and Singapore also ranking in the top 10. Australia’s big cities are also popular, while Malaga in Spain is the only European destination coveted by Airbnb users this winter.

Airbnb's 10 most searched-for winter destinations in 2022

1. Kuta, Indonesia

2. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

3. Ipanema, Brazil

4. Angra dos Reis, Brazil

5. Bangkok, Thailand

6. Sydney, Australia

7. Singapore, Singapore

8. Malaga, Spain

9. Melbourne, Australia

10. Pattaya City, Thailand

Travellers are also keen to plan trips that include unique places to stay. The top five booked categories on Airbnb this winter are properties with amazing pools, tropical stays, accommodation inside national parks and beachfront havens.

Airbnb's new adapted category lists properties designed for those who require additional accessibility. Photo: Airbnb
Airbnb's new adapted category lists properties designed for those who require additional accessibility. Photo: Airbnb

Having the right amenities is also ever-important, with Airbnb travellers filtering their searches to find listings with swimming pools, Wi-Fi, kitchens, Jacuzzis and free parking.

As part of its winter update, Airbnb also announced that it will add new categories of accommodation to the site.

From today, travellers can search for places that are "new" — meaning they have been added to the site in the last 10 weeks — or "trending", for listings that have received more views compared to the previous week.

Those coveting phenomenal views can look in the new "top of the world" category to find stays that are located 3,000 metres or more above sea level, and any travellers that need additional access can search the "adapted" properties category.

A "play" category includes unique properties with fun amenities such as miniature golf courses, water slides or basketball courts, and travellers seeking Korean culture can use the newly introduced "Hanok" category to book a night in a traditional Korean house.

World's top cities for a family holiday for 2022 — in pictures

  • 1. Abu Dhabi has topped a global ranking of cities to visit with kids in The Family Vacation Guide's list for 2022. Hudayriyat beach in the city is one of several family-friendly attractions in the UAE. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    1. Abu Dhabi has topped a global ranking of cities to visit with kids in The Family Vacation Guide's list for 2022. Hudayriyat beach in the city is one of several family-friendly attractions in the UAE. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • 2. Attractions such as Wild Wadi water park contribute in making Dubai a family-friendly destination. Photo: Wild Wadi
    2. Attractions such as Wild Wadi water park contribute in making Dubai a family-friendly destination. Photo: Wild Wadi
  • 3. Turkey's Antalya offers warm weather and Mediterranean views for families. AP
    3. Turkey's Antalya offers warm weather and Mediterranean views for families. AP
  • 4. Travellers on the lake at El Retiro Park in Madrid, Spain. Reuters
    4. Travellers on the lake at El Retiro Park in Madrid, Spain. Reuters
  • 5. Heraklion in Greece has a low average hotel rate of $56.50. Getty Images
    5. Heraklion in Greece has a low average hotel rate of $56.50. Getty Images
  • 6. Perhaps surprisingly, Las Vegas is ranked as one of the best family-friendly cities in the world. Unsplash
    6. Perhaps surprisingly, Las Vegas is ranked as one of the best family-friendly cities in the world. Unsplash
  • 7. Alicante in Spain is a top choice for family holidays. Unsplash
    7. Alicante in Spain is a top choice for family holidays. Unsplash
  • 8. Children play at the Museum of Ice Cream, one of many attractions that make Singapore a good pick for family trips. EPA
    8. Children play at the Museum of Ice Cream, one of many attractions that make Singapore a good pick for family trips. EPA
  • 9. Cairo ties with San Diego in having the highest number of sunshine hours. Photo: Nile Kayak Club
    9. Cairo ties with San Diego in having the highest number of sunshine hours. Photo: Nile Kayak Club
  • 10. Travellers can enjoy many family attractions in Melbourne. Unsplash
    10. Travellers can enjoy many family attractions in Melbourne. Unsplash
  • 11. Bangkok has the lowest average hotel rates for families in the index. EPA
    11. Bangkok has the lowest average hotel rates for families in the index. EPA
  • 12. A family enjoys the sunset in Platja d'Or in Palma de Mallorca. AFP
    12. A family enjoys the sunset in Platja d'Or in Palma de Mallorca. AFP
  • 13. Visitors line a beach in San Diego. The US city is the 13th best city destination for families in 2022. AP Photo / Gregory Bull
    13. Visitors line a beach in San Diego. The US city is the 13th best city destination for families in 2022. AP Photo / Gregory Bull
  • 14. The Djemaa El Fna in Marrakesh, Morocco is one of many landmarks that families can visit. Photo: Corbis
    14. The Djemaa El Fna in Marrakesh, Morocco is one of many landmarks that families can visit. Photo: Corbis
  • 15. Belem Tower in Lisbon, one of the world's best destinations for families. Getty Images
    15. Belem Tower in Lisbon, one of the world's best destinations for families. Getty Images
  • 16. Miami lures families with its sunshine-laced weather, theme parks, beaches and palm trees. Photo: Emirates
    16. Miami lures families with its sunshine-laced weather, theme parks, beaches and palm trees. Photo: Emirates
  • 17. Tourists stand on Bang Tao Beach in Phuket, southern Thailand. The smallest city in the ranking has the highest number of family attractions per square kilometre. AP
    17. Tourists stand on Bang Tao Beach in Phuket, southern Thailand. The smallest city in the ranking has the highest number of family attractions per square kilometre. AP
  • 17. Prague, Czech Republic, tied in 17th position with two other cities as a favourite for family holidays. Getty Images
    17. Prague, Czech Republic, tied in 17th position with two other cities as a favourite for family holidays. Getty Images
  • 17. Istanbul offers a multitude of family-friendly hotels. Photo: Grand Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
    17. Istanbul offers a multitude of family-friendly hotels. Photo: Grand Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
  • 20. Sydney has lots for families to do and see, including some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Photo: Graham Crouch
    20. Sydney has lots for families to do and see, including some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Photo: Graham Crouch
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