From Málaga and Aruba to Buenos Aires and Montreal, these are the in-demand destinations

that are seeing an explosion of bookings, according to American Express Travel, compared to
this time last year.

Málaga, Spain

Malaga

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Barcelona and Madrid have long enjoyed time in the limelight, but now Malaga is finally having
its moment. Bookings are up 164 percent over last year, according to American Express Travel
data. This seaside city on Spain's southern coast scores points for its diverse architecture—
Baroque-style cathedrals, Roman monuments, and Moorish citadels—Mediterranean cuisine,
and authentic Andalucian feel. Of course, you can't talk about Málaga without mentioning its
prodigal son, Pablo Picasso, nor the museum dedicated to his work, Museo Picasso Málaga.
Before you go, here are the Spanish phrases you need to know.

Incheon, South Korea

incheon south korea skyline

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While you've likely heard of Seoul, the neighboring city of Incheon should also be on your
radar; it's a long-time transportation hub and home to the massive Incheon International
Airport. Bookings are up 87 percent over last year. During the holidays, the streets are
illuminated by twinkling lights, Christmas carols, and lots of tasty local treats—you haven't had
a true Korean Christmas until you've had a saeng cream cake. Find out our favorite Christmas
traditions from around the world.

Reno Tahoe, Nevada

reno

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Bookings are up 78 percent to Reno, renowned for its casinos, nightlife, the highest
concentration of ski resorts in the country, and proximity to Lake Tahoe. If you like to get in a
little culture, "The Biggest Little City in the World," also offers ballet performances at the
Pioneer Center and ice-skating at the Rink on the River at the Greater Nevada Field. The buzzy
Midtown district is lined with gastropubs, restaurants, and shops. Outside the city limits, you'll
find the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas and some of the best skiing and snowboarding out west
on Mt. Rose, Diamond Peak, and Squaw Valley.

Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva Switzerland Fountain

bluejayphoto / iStock

Situated at the southern tip of Lac Léman, and surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains, the
French-speaking city of Geneva is a global center of finance, economics, and diplomacy—and
bookings to this "peace capital" are up 60 percent over the same time last year, according to
American Express Travel. Geneva is also home to the headquarters of the Red Cross and the
European seat of the United Nations. Switzerland's most international city also offers ample
opportunities for festive fun. Stop by the artisans' market on Rue de Mont Blanc handmade
crafts and souvenirs. Afterwards, warm up with a cup of heissi schoggi (hot chocolate) or a pot
of molten cheese fondue, Switzerland's national dish. Brush up on these must-know French
phrases before you go.

Montreal, Canada

Montreal

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Set on an island in the Saint Lawrence River, Montreal gets its name from Mt. Royal, the triple-
peaked hill at its center. Its four-season climate means that each quarter has something special
to offer. But the winter is especially picturesque, which may be why bookings up are up 59
percent in winter. Snow blankets city—from cobblestone-sidewalks of Vieux-Montréal to the
colorful architecture of Plateau Mont Royal. Plus, there are a plethora of parades and cheerful,
seasonal attractions—many of which are free—such as Luminothérapie, a spectacular series of
light installations that brighten up Place des Festivals during dark days of December and
January. No surprise, Montreal is a top destination to ring into the New Year.

Frankfurt, Germany

frankfurt germany

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Frankfurt is a major financial hub (home to the European Central Bank) and Germany's most
international city, an enchanting union of past and present. Much of the 2,000-year-old city
was destroyed during World War II and later rebuilt. Today, towering skyscrapers live in
harmony with historic Gothic buildings, such as the Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew, a
preserving 14th century Roman Catholic church. Check out Römerberg and St Paul's Square, in
the reconstructed Altstadt (Old Town), for seasonal markets and decorated stands that are
luring 47 percent more bookings this year than last.

Aruba

aruba

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One of the Caribbean islands spared by this year's relentless hurricane season, Aruba
continues to trend with travelers looking to escape the cold—travel there is seeing a 31
percent increase in bookings. Sunny skies, beautiful beaches, crystalline waters, and an
average winter temp of 81 degrees makes it perfect for those wishing to trade snow for white
sand. Check out these photos of beaches with the clearest water in the world to help get you
in the mood.

Portland, Oregon

Portland Oregon Pearl District

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Portland, situated at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, lures travelers
with its quirky charm and laid-back vibe: Bookings are up 31 percent to the famed land of
coffeehouses, microbreweries, farm-to-table restaurants, and a vibrant art and music scene.
Portland's numerous eco-friendly initiatives, including 350 miles of bike paths, make it one of
the healthiest cities in America. This hipster paradise also continues to trend for holiday
travel—no doubt due to its lengthy list of parades and unique Portlandian traditions, such as
the Festival of Lights at the Grotto, the Holiday Ale Festival in Pioneer Courthouse Square, and
The Holiday Express, a yuletide ride on a vintage steam locomotive.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires Argentina

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Billed as the "Paris of South America," Argentina's cosmopolitan capital blends European
glamour and Latin flavor. Bookings are up 28 percent to Buenos Aires, where passion is
palpable, red wine flows like water, and stylish porteños (port dwellers) tango till dawn. This
sexy and vibrant city is a non-stop party with late-night soirees. Plus, summertime temps add
even more heat to the holidays. Craving more travel inspiration? These are the 10 must-visit
destinations for 2018.

Lima, Peru

lima peru

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Bookings are up 23 percent to Lima, which is set on the shores of the Pacific Ocean and
steeped in rich heritage and culture. The preserved historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage
Site, flaunts century-old churches, monasteries, and residences. Beyond its landmarks,
archaeological sites, and museums, "Ciudad de los Reyes" (City of Kings) also boasts an
emerging art and thriving culinary scene—with some 16,000 cevicherias as well as internally-
acclaimed restaurants. Another perk? Peru is super affordable. Now is a great time to indulge
in native delicacies, like lechón and panetón. And, of course, no trip would be complete
without a visit to Tunel de las Sorpresas, one of the most spectacular fountains in the world.