The Top Destinations of 2019 for Young Travelers

The summer travel season is in full swing with globetrotters heading off to explore the world over the next few months.

STA Travel, the largest student and youth travel organization, recently reviewed its booking data to identify the 10 destinations that are most popular with young travelers this year. Some of the trending choices for 2019 include Berlin,Lima, Copenhagen, and Hong Kong. Read on for the full rundown of 2019's 10 hotspots for young jet setters.

A fascinating city, there's no better place than London to be exposed to different cultures, people, sights, and flavors of the world. While here, visit the hipster neighborhoods of Shoreditch or Hackney; stop by iconic Westminster; explore the city's many free art galleries and museums and don't miss the underground music scene.

Coming in at number two, according to STA bookings, Paris is another legendary destination, a place where young visitors can explore the shops along the Champs Elysees, gaze at the Mona Lisa and other pieces of art at the Louvre, take an obligatory selfie at the Eiffel Tower, and soak up all the romantic vibes in one of the most explored cities in the world.

The Big Apple is one of the most iconic cities in the world and according to STA Travel, it's a must-visit destination for 2019, ranking number three among the top 10. The city offers the bright lights of Times Square, hipster vibes in Brooklyn, endless outdoor strolling in Central Park and plenty of world-class dining.

If ancient history is your thing, consider putting Italy's capital city on your radar. It ranks number four among young travelers this year. Explore Roman ruins and the society of an ancient civilization, catch a glimpse of the Pope in Vatican City (unlikely, but it's worth a try), and then after you've taken it all in, embark on a tour of southern Italy.

There's far more to the City of Angels than you'd expect. Home of the entertainment industry, LA is a city for all trendsetters and go-getters. Whatever your budget or travel style, Los Angeles, the fifth most popular city for 2019 among young travelers, is filled with diverse neighborhoods that are waiting to be explored.

A city interesting enough for Oprah and the Obamas to call home at one time, take a weekend break in Chicago this summer and fill your days with architectural tours, deep dish pizza, rocking music festivals and more.

Take STA's Dublin South walking tour and explore not only the center of Dublin but also off the beaten track locations. The tour showcases the unusual, bizarre and downright odd sights and attractions hidden in plain sight, places that are normally overlooked.

Random factoid young travelers might find interesting: there are more bars per capita in Madrid than in any other European city. Beyond bar hopping, visit Madrid to explore the narrow labyrinths of its medieval quarter and the grand 18th and 19th-century boulevards around the city center, which are lined by some of the most fashionable boutiques in the world. Oh, and did we mention Madrid has 2,800 hours of annual sunshine and heaps of galleries and cathedrals? It's no wonder this city is so popular among young travelers.

The City by the Bay is known for its colorful flamboyance as well as its winding streets and cable cars that transport you back in time. Cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge with flowers in your hair and feast on seafood at touristy Fisherman's Wharf, but don't miss getting off the beaten tourist path too and having a meal in a quirky Chinatown dive, all while contemplating your fictional escape from Alcatraz.

There are few cities in the world that can boast like Berlin, a destination where art, culture, and history abound. The experts at STA Travel say visitors will encounter something fascinating and spectacular with every step in this city, which dates to the 13th century. Top sights include the Holocaust memorial and the Berlin Wall's graffitied remains.