While countries like Iceland and Thailand are obviously popular, tourists in 2017 have been taking experimental travel to the next level, trying out unusual destinations in their millions. In the search for experiences off the beaten track, less touristy destinations or simply cheaper holidays, travellers have boosted tourism in a number of surprising destinations. Here are just a few of them…

Opodo has seen a 326% increase in bookings to Abu Dhabi in the last year, a huge boost to the destination. Robert McNamara, head of UK at Opodo, attributes the rise in part to the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

“The much-anticipated opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi has undoubtedly had a positive impact on bookings to the UAE capital,” McNamara says. “Visitors to Abu Dhabi can now enjoy this beautiful museum as part of their overall holiday experience which is a brilliant way to incorporate an extra element of culture into their visit.”

“Abu Dhabi also offers visitors fantastic shopping, amazing beaches, incredible dining experiences and the chance to stay in some of the world’s most amazing hotels,” he adds. “These factors combined make the city a prime must-see tourist destination.”

Travel company Responsible Travel has seen a large surge in interest in Romania as a travel destination, with an increase of 40.9% in bookings in 2017.

“Rural Romania is one of the few remaining places in Europe where people still travel by horse and cart,” says marketing manager Saul Greenland. “Timeless tradition continues amongst sturdy peaks, alpine plateaux, vast coastal wetlands and primeval woods roamed by bear, wolf and lynx. Amazingly, this is just a short-haul flight away [from the UK].”

Popular tourist activities in Romania include visiting Bran Castle (the inspiration behind the tale of Count Dracula), spotting wildlife in the Carpathian Mountains and skiing in fairy tale landscapes in the winter.

Tour operator Acacia Africa has seen a tenfold increase in 2017 bookings for its camping overland tours going via Swaziland and Lesotho, with tourists falling over head over heels for the incredible mountain scenery, natural landscape and opportunities to see wildlife.

“Both countries are still off the radar, even for neighbouring South Africans, so we’re surprised to see the boom in bookings for our tours visiting Swaziland and Lesotho,” says marketing manager Arno Delport. “Interestingly, Lesotho made CNN’s list of places that deserve more travellers, and we’d have to agree as there are some impressive Insta-worthy sites including the Botsoela Waterfall in Malealea, a destination accessible only on foot or on horseback.”

“Similarly, Swaziland is still very much undiscovered, but if cultural heritage, the environment and local communities are important criteria when you travel, the kingdom is particularly good at fusing all three," adds Delport. "We’d also advise that you visit Swaziland now as it’s about to be thrust into the limelight - King Mswati III celebrating his 50th birthday and the country marking its 50th year of independence in 2018.”

The beautiful island of Jersey has seen a 53% increase in bookings and a 25% increase in searches online this year, according to travel company Super Break, showing that British travellers are happier than ever to stay closer to home for their holidays.

There’s plenty to do on the island, from strolling along the gorgeous coastline and eating at Michelin-starred restaurants to taking walks on the north coast cliff paths and taking out a boat to spot seals. Best of all, Jersey is small and everything is so close to each other that you can experience most of the island in a short weekend trip.

“With so much to offer, Jersey is fast becoming a bucket list destination for those looking to explore a part of Britain that’s off the beaten track,” says Katherine Scott, head of marketing at Super Break. “With an average flight time of only 55 minutes, many may be surprised to discover this beautiful island is more accessible than some mainland locations within England, Scotland or Wales and we expect its popularity to continue to grow.”

Responsible Travel has also seen an 81% increase in enquiries and a 79% increase in bookings for Albania in 2017, attributing the surge in popularity in part to the favourable exchange rate.

“When compared to many European destinations, this is a cheaper option: not just the exchange rate but the cost of living is cheaper,” says operations director Richard Skinner. "This makes Albania very attractive for many travellers.”

“It’s a country full of different experiences like snowshoeing in the mountains, Greek and Roman ruins that are spectacular but empty of tourists, Mediterranean beaches and some of the last remaining ancient forest in Europe,” adds marketing manager Saul Greenland. “As one of Europe’s cheapest destinations, we’d put money on this secret not being kept for much longer.”

Adventure travel tour operator Explore’s fastest-growing destination of 2017 has been Ukraine, with short trips to Chernobyl proving enormously popular with tourists.

“Our long weekend trip includes two full days accompanied by an expert guide and an overnight stay in Chernobyl,” says Explore’s PR manager Laura Dewar. “We spend the maximum amount of time exploring as many places as we are permitted to go."

“We even have the opportunity to meet a self-settler - one of the few people who chose to return to their home after the accident and who has been living within the outer Exclusion Zone ever since,” she adds. “In Ukraine's capital Kiev, we visit the Chernobyl Museum and the huge and beautiful monastic complex at Lavra.”

You may not have thought of Bahrain as somewhere to travel to but according to a Gulf News article, it's more popular than ever. In the first half of 2017, there was a 14% increase in tourists visiting the island country and 57% of visitors said the purpose of their visit was for entertainment during the holidays.

One major Bahrain tourist draw is the Grand Prix where visitors can experience the thrill of watching the world’s fastest cars in a striking floodlit desert setting. There’s no sign of tourism to the country slowing down, either, with 15 new hotels and beachfront resorts planned by 2020.

The Ritz Carlton Bahrain is just one hotel witnessing the boom. Soufiane El Allam, part of the hotel's sales and marketing team, says, "Travellers from across the globe are discovering Bahrain as an intriguing destination, distinct in culture, tradition and natural beauty. It has striking desert dunes, clear turquoise waters, and traditional colourful souks."

Explore has also seen an increase in bookings to Macedonia, with numbers up 15% in 2017. Tourists are drawn by its fascinating history, influenced by a range of different cultures, as well as its beautiful natural scenery and wide variety of architectural sights.

“We're seeing a surge in popularity for Eastern European countries and the Baltic States, an area that offers a varied and fascinating mix of history and culture and represents excellent value for money,” says John Telfer, MD at Explore.

“Here, baroque architecture stands beside former Soviet buildings, the food is good and the scenery majestic. It's also far less cluttered with other travellers compared to Western Europe," he adds. "For many who visit this region, they want to see and learn more. One visit often leads to another.”

It may not be incredibly far off the beaten track but Japan is certainly having a moment. Airlines such as Air France have launched direct flights from Western Europe in the last few years and Japan Airlines recently announced more flights from London to Tokyo. The destination's accessibility means it’s more popular than ever, making it one of travel company Topdeck Travel’s most booked destinations by millennials in 2018.

“Japan is now more accessible than ever for UK tourists, meaning travel-obsessed millennials can tuck into an authentic ramen in no time,” says Saul Burrows, global head of product at Topdeck Travel.

“Japan’s popularity can also be attributed to the rise of travel brands now providing exciting new trips to the destination where they can go off the beaten track and experience many of the different culinary delights and cultural sights that Japan offers. Visitors are also taking advantage of the pound’s strength against the Yen, meaning UK holidaymakers can get more for their money than they did a year ago.”

Explore has seen bookings to Egypt double in the last year, with tourists fascinated by the country’s fascinating history, architectural landmarks and impressive marine life.

“Confidence is starting to return with Egypt as it has been stable for a while,” says Explore's Laura Dewar. "This is a country that really relies on tourism and has so much to offer visitors. We are hopeful to see continued and sustainable growth to the country. Every visitor to Egypt, whether a family, history buffs, adventure travellers or, of course, divers, find much to love in Egypt.”