Top Searched Destinations for 2021 and Beyond

Demand for travel is picking up ahead of the new year and, based on Expedia.com's and the Airlines Reporting Corporation's (ARC) recently released 2021 Travel Trends Report, Americans have their sights set on island getaways and trips to big U.S. cities in the years to come. Here are the 20 top searched destinations based on lodging interest on Expedia.com between January 1, 2020, and September 12, 2020, for travel in 2021.

Having been off-limits to international tourists for the majority of 2020, travelers have shown tremendous interest in Bali, an island destination beloved for its beautiful beaches and fascinating culture.

The Big Easy is one of seven U.S. destinations being eyed by the most travelers ahead of the new year. Renowned for its unmatched culture and nightlife, New Orleans is also one of the world's premier destinations for festivals-hosting more than 130 annually-which have mostly been put on ice in 2020 due to the COVID crisis.

The Bahamas is among the dozens of countries reopened to Americans this winter but the destination hasn't been without its fair share of struggles, notably shutting down shortly after reopening this past summer due to a surge in COVID cases. Given the islands' proximity to the U.S., friendly people and impressive array of offerings, however, it's clear the Bahamas will be a big hit in the months to come.

Sunny Southern California promises to be a hot ticket in the new year as travelers flock to destinations like Los Angeles to experience iconic sites like Hollywood Boulevard and the Santa Monica Pier as well as gorgeous beaches, world-class art, food inspired from all parts of the world and much more.

The Florida Keys began welcoming back tourists as far back as June but many have put their plans to visit Key West and other of the archipelago's top destinations on hold due to the pandemic. This idyllic domestic getaway could prove even more popular in the years to come as many travelers opt to stay closer to home and within national borders.

New York has been one of the strictest in terms of COVID-19 travel restrictions and protocols amid the pandemic, which has only made Americans more hungry than ever to visit the country's most-visited city. Plus, travelers are unlikely to run out of new things to see and do in The City That Never Sleeps.

One of four Mexican destinations in the top 15, the resort town of Puerto Vallarta is celebrated for its inviting beaches, incredible restaurants and buzzing nightlife. It's also one of the world's most LGBTQ-friendly destinations.

Aruba reopened to Americans this past summer but is poised to continue to lure visitors in 2021 and beyond as it offers incredible opportunities for both relaxation and adventure. Those heading there soon are likely to take advantage of reduced crowds and excellent travel deals.

Couples, families and all sorts of traveler types are drawn to Jamaica's Montego Bay and that's unlikely to change down the road as this versatile Caribbean destination's ideal climate, epic hotels and resorts and creative people continue to elevate it.

After spending much of their time at home over the past year, Americans are unsurprisingly looking to spread out in an island paradise such as the Maldives, a South Asian archipelago celebrated for its screensaver-like landscapes and luxe overwater bungalows.

French Polynesia, which includes the popular South Pacific islands of Tahiti and Bora Bora, isn't far off from the Maldives in terms of its breathtaking scenery and otherworldly accommodations. With many simply seeking a quintessential vacation abroad after a remarkably challenging year, it's no wonder French Polynesia ranks 10th in terms of search demand.

Whether you prefer to vacation on land or sea, Los Cabos has you covered. A popular getaway for celebrities on the West Coast, this Mexican destination offers visitors everything from championship golf courses to once-in-a-lifetime whale excursions.

Like Cabo, remarkable beaches, nightlife and accessibility make Miami one of America's favorite destinations heading into 2021. While Miami Beach is the top draw for many, fast emerging Downtown Miami is guaranteed to surprise visitors in the years to come.

Hawaii recently rolled out its pre-travel COVID-19 testing program, allowing Americans living in the mainland United States to bypass the state's mandatory 14-day quarantine with a negative test result. The improved access will only make Hawaii more desirable in the months to come. The Valley Isle has been voted the best island in the country by Conde Nast Traveler readers for more than two decades so it isn't surprising to see it comfortably crack the top 10.

Elsewhere in the Aloha State, Oahu is gaining quite a bit of momentum heading into the new year, ranking sixth based on lodging interest on Expedia.com. Home to iconic beach destinations like Waikiki and bucket-list sites like Pearl Harbor, this island is Hawaii's most visited, attracting close to 5 million tourists each year (under normal circumstances).

While domestic travel will continue to be in high demand in 2021 as Americans look to safely navigate the pandemic, the Caribbean remains as hot as ever, with Punta Cana rounding out the top five most searched destinations, according to Expedia. The Dominican Republic is also one of the most accessible overseas countries for Americans as there are currently no COVID-19 testing requirements.

Orlando's world-renowned theme parks have already reopened at limited capacity and with enhanced health and safety measures in place but, to this point, visitors have still had to make some sacrifices in terms of what attractions and events they can experience. Travelers are hoping that 2021 could bring a sense of normalcy back to the Theme Park Capital of the World.

Expedia's research shows that Americans are eager to return to larger cities like Las Vegas in the new year. Iconic Sin City was one of the first tourist destinations to reopen after the pandemic was declared but the Entertainment Capital of the World hasn't been the same with COVID-19 limiting gatherings and forcing show cancellations.

After a year spent mostly indoors for many, the sun-soaked Mexican Caribbean is unsurprisingly in high demand. The Yucatan's Riviera Maya region, home to beloved vacation destinations such as Playa del Carmen and Tulum, is likely to benefit from travelers' pent-up desire to get away next year and in those to come.

To the north, Cancun's popularity is unrivaled when it comes to an international getaway and while the destination is open to tourism and accessible via air travel without any testing requirements, it makes sense that many travelers are waiting for case numbers to subside as well as a proven vaccine before their next visit.