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Unlikely city sees huge 145 per cent jump in holiday interest from Aussies

Sarah Swain
Sarah Swain

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Aussies are already planning and booking their holidays for 2026, and some surprising destinations are becoming more popular.

Asia has claimed six of the top 10 international spots, according to travel site Expedia, which revealed its top trending overseas destinations for the coming summer period.

Culture, ease of getting there and value for money are among the reasons, it says.

Meanwhile, the rise of cold, snowy cities also suggests a desire to experience traditional chilly winter places, far from the sunshine of an Aussie summer.

Read on to see the spots that are on the up.

Attribution: Supplied
10. Taipei, Taiwan
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10. Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei, in Taiwan, is on the rise

The capital city boasts a mix of modern skyscrapers and ancient colonial lanes.

Interest is up 15 per cent, Expedia says.

READ MORE: This tiny city has been called the 'coolest' capital in the world - here's why

Attribution: Getty
9. Auckland, New Zealand
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9. Auckland, New Zealand

Hopping over the ditch to New Zealand remains hugely popular, with a 20 per cent rise in searches for Auckland.

Attribution: Getty
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8. Prague, Czech Republic
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8. Prague, Czech Republic

A classic Euro summer destination, the pretty city of Prague is becoming more of a hit with Aussies, with interest up by 20 per cent.

READ MORE: Swap the Maldives and Amalfi for these stunning dupes that can save you thousands

Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto
7. Dubai, UAE
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7. Dubai, UAE

Popular as both a stopover and a destination in itself, Dubai in the UAE remains popular, with interest up by a quarter.

Attribution: Getty
6. Whistler, Canada
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6. Whistler, Canada

Whistler in Canada is know for its ski slopes and mountains, and more and more Aussies want a part of it.

READ MORE: Deb Knight answers cruise question everyone's been asking

Attribution: Getty
5. Kowloon, Hong Kong
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5. Kowloon, Hong Kong

The buzzing city of Hong Kong, with its market, harbour and sights is attracting the attention of Aussies.

Searches are up by 40 per cent, Expedia says.

READ MORE: The laid-back Thai escape most Aussie travellers have overlooked

Attribution: Getty Images/iStockphoto
4. Hanoi, Vietnam
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4. Hanoi, Vietnam

Vietnam has emerged as a staple destination for Aussies, so it's no wonder it landed at number four on the list, with searches up 40 per cent, year-on-year.

Attribution: Getty
3. Helsinki, Finland
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3. Helsinki, Finland

An unlikely European capital is getting Aussies excited: Helsinki, in Finland.

50 per cent more Aussies want a taste of the Scandinavian life compared with last year.

READ MORE: Free things you can do in Melbourne to give your wallet a break

    Attribution: Getty
    2. Sapporo, Japan
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    2. Sapporo, Japan

    Skiing hub Sapporo in Japan is attracting Aussies with its unique culture and powder snow.

    It's also easy to access from Australia.

      Attribution: Getty

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