So, here’s the scoop: Jakarta is on track to be one of the top 15 searched cities by global travelers in 2025. Surprising, right? Our capital is now alongside heavyweights such as Tokyo, Rio, and Lucerne. Who would’ve thought?
A travel insurance company from the UK called InsureandGo shared their findings with Time Out, and analyzed people’s search history—everything from flights to hotels to itineraries—and boom! Cities with the most buzz for travel were identified.
Business Trip? More Like Bleisure Trip
While Jakarta may not be the most picturesque city for a holiday, it is quickly gaining popularity as a business travel hub in SEA. Here’s the twist: once the meetings are over, business travelers turn into tourists.
From street food in Glodok to the SCBD skyline view, travelers are turning business trips into a blast.
The Southeast Asian Triumph
Jakarta is not the only one to make this list. Joining us are our friends from Vietnam and Thailand, Hanoi and Chiang Mai.
Hanoi’s charm? Oh, it’s got layers—literally centuries of culture packed into old temples, French colonial buildings, and food that is guaranteed to make you teary-eyed with joy. Bun cha, pho, and egg coffee are just a few to mention. Pure heaven for food lovers.
With calm vibes and mountain scenery, Chiang Mai has it scovered. Those temples glowing during sunset? Absolutely breathtaking. Trust me, no one would blame you for wanting to escape there.
So Who’s Topping the Charts?
Brace yourselves, because from now on is the exciting portion focus on the best of the worls: Tokyo takes first place. Did that surprise anyone? Not me. The city and its mix of modern technology with rich history is jaw dropping. Now for Rio de Janeiro at second place – for obvious reasons; samba on the beach, and that giant Christ statue. Always a win.
Here’s the rest of the fab 15:
- Tokyo (Japan)
- Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
- Beijing (China)
- Lucerne (Switzerland)
- Kuwait City (Kuwait)
- Seville (Spain)
- Chicago (USA)
- Belize City (Belize)
- Chiang Mai (Thailand)
- Tbilisi (Georgia)
- Hanoi (Vietnam)
- Nassau (Bahamas)
- Jakarta (Indonesia)
- Santiago (Chile)
- Buenos Aires (Argentina)
People seem to be searching for far more than just selfies with landmarks—they appear to be looking for vibes, culture, and cities that have not yet been overrun by tourists.
Not Everyone’s Winning This Game
Some cities are rising in popularity while others are dwindling in interest. I’m sorry Havana, but your search interest has dropped the most out of all the cities analyzed—28% lower than last year. Even big names like London, Miami, Dubai, and even Singapore saw a considerable decline in traveler interest as well.
What do tourists want today? Unlike in the past, modern tourists are more selective. Travelers are slowly looking past the bustling, overcrowded, chaotic scene of mainstream tourism and are looking for spots that are rich in stories and deep-rooted history.
If you happen to be planning a “hardly anyone’s visiting” type of trip, then this list serves as your perfect guidebook. Also, is it just me, or does it feel great to see Jakarta on the list? For some reason, whether for work or sightseeing, the world has finally begun to notice.