As the year (and the decade!) wind down, we took a look back at our most popular travel destinations for 2019. Where in the world have Explorica travelers hung their hats? Let’s find out!
5. Barcelona, Madrid, & Andalusia
This popular tour lets students experience the sights and sounds of Spain, beginning with a walking tour of Barcelona. Exploring Madrid is next, with sightseeing including the Cibeles Fountain and the Royal Palace. From Madrid to Seville, our trekkers enjoyed Spanish cuisine, including traditional paella and tapas! Our students ended the trip with beach time at Costa del Sol to catch some rays – just one more cultural experience to mark off the bucket list.
2009: London Theater
With the end of the decade approaching, we were curious what a look back to 2009’s most popular trips were, as well. In fifth place ten years ago was the London Theater tour! Travelers spent eight days enjoying London, taking in awe-inspiring sights such as Stonehenge and the London Tower.
4. Washington, D.C. & New York City
There’s a lot of history and culture to be found right here in America! Many travelers in 2019 made use of the home field advantage and checked out the sights of DC and NYC. Students walked the halls of the U.S. Capitol and Radio City Music Hall, toured George Washington’s Mt. Vernon home, and stood at the foot of our Lady Liberty. And what’s a New York City trip without a Broadway show? No wonder these two cities found themselves on our top five list!
2009: Paris
Our fourth most popular destination 10 years ago was Paris, the City of Light. Travelers shopped in the boutiques of Champs-Élysées, took in the Eiffel Tower, and gazed upon many famous works of art at the Louvre.
3. Italy
Explorica jetsetters landed Italy in our top three destinations of the year. Students marveled at the canals of Venice, the towers and domes of Florence, and the piazzas and churches of Rome. The Italian arts of glassblowing and leatherworking are explored on this tour as well, to get a feel for the luxury items that Italy exports.
2009: Italy
The opportunity to explore sites like the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Sistine Chapel helped to make this trip popular in 2019 and, to no surprise, in 2009 as well!
2. Washington, D.C.
Charting in at number two for 2019’s top travel locations is Washington, D.C.! With so much history, governmental influence, and sights to be seen, it’s no wonder D.C. makes it into our top travel destinations. This four-day trip takes students to the National Mall, Arlington Cemetery, the Smithsonian Museums, Mt. Vernon, the U.S. Capitol, and so many more places that have shaped our nation’s history.
2009: Washington, D.C.
You guessed it — our number two tour in 2009 was also Washington, D.C.! Great for students and travelers of all ages, we’re not surprised that this destination is popular year after year.
Which bring us to…
::drumroll::
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Wait for it….!
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1. Costa Rica
This tropical locale is by far our most popular destination, topping the chart at #1 most years (including 2009). Travelers tour a volcano, kayak in a crystal clear lake, zipline through the rainforest, ride horses, and get to hang out on a Costa Rican beach.
We can’t say we’re not a little biased, too, since this is our Explorica mascot Tico’s native land. Add Tico’s endorsement and the exotic scenery to the fun-filled adventures available on this trip, and it’s no wonder so many people want to pack their bags and hop a flight to this refreshing climate!
Thanks to all of our explorers who made these tours our hottest destinations in 2019. We can’t wait to see where 2020 will take all of you — tell us where you want to travel in the new decade!