What unusual corners of the world did we venture to in 2018? Some previously popular destinations saw an upsurge in visitors as they recovered from natural disasters or fears of terrorism dispelled. While other more obscure places have gained in popularity as we increasingly seek out different places to travel to. Here are a few of the surprising destinations that have seen an increase in visitors over 2018…

KE Adventure Travel has seen bookings to Turkey increase by a staggering 475% in 2018 compared to 2017. Due to several, widely reported incidents across Turkey, the country saw a real drop in bookings, however, the situation has changed. "People have felt safe to return again and are doing so," says Joanna Rolls, head of product at KE.

With its fascinating cities, delicious food, stunning coastline and ancient ruins, Turkey has much to recommend it. Lastminute.com also saw a big increase in searches with "holidays to Turkey 2019" garnering its biggest increase in holiday search terms in the last quarter of 2018. It was up 122%. The brand predicts that the captivating Cappadocia region, with its unusual rock formations, ancient Christian sites and cave dwellings, will become increasingly popular.

One highlight of the surreal landscape within the Anatolian plains is The Goreme Open Air Museum. It includes a network of more than 30 churches and chapels, some dating back to the 9th century. Once a popular destination for family holidays, KE also expects more families from the UK to return to Turkey next year as the Brexit uncertainty continues. "When the lira dropped so much against the pound, it became, once again, a very good value for money destination [in 2018]. Always a bonus in uncertain times," Rolls says.

The mountain kingdom is a bucket list destination for many travellers, but it suffered terribly from the catastrophic earthquake that hit in 2015. Things are looking rosier for Nepal as travellers are being lured back and KE saw the country register a 15% increase in 2018. "We've seen a steady increase in Nepal bookings since the earthquake, but this year (and looking forward to next) has really seen Nepal come back strongly as it remains a key trekking destination," Rolls says.

Although the small country is dominated by mountains and their hiking trails, its culture shouldn't be overlooked. Colourful and chaotic capital Kathmandu is a captivating place and home to some of Asia's holiest Hindu temples and Buddhist stupas. Kathmandu Valley has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient cities of Patan and Bhaktapur (pictured), renowned for its incredible temples.

With its extreme landscapes – it has eight of the world's 10 highest peaks, including Everest – Nepal lends itself to adventurous travellers. As well as climbing and trekking, the country has excellent white river rafting too. The wildlife is incredible so be sure to check out the wonders of the Royal Chitwan National Park, whose grasslands and forests are home to a large population of one-horned rhino and Royal Bengal tiger. KE has added five new holidays to Nepal including a trekking trip to the Langtang region, which was destroyed in the earthquake of 2015.

With its historic fortified towns, white-sand beaches and craggy interior, it's surprising Corsica isn't a more popular spot with Brits. But that could change, according to Lastminute.com, which saw a big increase in bookings to the French island. They were up 202% year-on-year. Reigo Eljas, country director at Lastminute.com, thinks it's one to watch for 2019 too as more travellers discover its charms. "Air Corsica launched direct flights from London Stansted in 2018 which has made it much easier and cheaper to reach the island," he says.

Ajaccio, Corsica's capital city on the south-west coast, is a genteel place with a palm tree-lined waterfront and pretty pastel buildings. Next year marks the 250th birthday of Napoleon, the French emperor who was born in Ajaccio in 1769. Be sure to visit Bonaparte House – Napoleon’s family home which is now a national museum. The clifftop citadel of medieval Bonifacio is another must-see with its cluster of buildings and labyrinthine streets crammed with enticing places to eat at. For the best views, take a boat ride along the coast.

Away from the coastline, Corsica's wild and mountainous terrain offers prime hiking, cycling and horse riding opportunities in sublime and surprisingly empty surroundings. It's a great way to work up an appetite for indulging in the island's excellent food and wines. Chestnuts, game, charcuterie and cheeses all feature heavily in the Mediterranean island's distinct and hearty cuisine.

The largest of the Channel Islands saw a surge in visitors in 2018, which Lastminute.com puts down to the weakness of the pound against the euro and the great summer weather. It saw bookings to Jersey undergo an increase of 22% year-on-year. "Brits were looking for a staycation that still felt like a holiday abroad and Jersey has plenty to offer, from beautiful beaches to amazing food. On top of that, it's only a short flight away," says Eljas. 

With the sun shining you really do feel as if you're in the Mediterranean on what is the most southerly island of the British Isles. It's blessed with a bounty of beaches – St Brelade's Bay on the southwest coast is one of its most picturesque stretches of sand and a family favourite while St Ouen's Bay is a surfing – and homegrown local produce – hot spot. As well as its famous spuds, the seafood is sublime as are the cheeses made from the rich Jersey cow milk.

Despite its size, Jersey has a surprisingly varied terrain, from secluded bays and craggy cliffs to rolling hills and woods. The best way to explore is on foot – follow coastline trails carpeted with gorse, scamper through flower-filled meadows and wander along wooded valley paths. You'll discover many impressive coastal defences as you roam too. The 13th-century Mont Orgueil Castle and the 16th-century Elizabeth Castle, set on its own islet in St Aubin's Bay, are worth seeking out. 

The Scottish seaside city's cultural renaissance has seen it have a surge in popularity in 2018. "Our bookings have doubled in the last few months thanks to the opening of the new V&A," says Eljas. A £1 billion makeover to Dundee's stunning waterfront along the River Tay and the impressive new V&A museum will continue to see the creative hub become a popular city break destination. 

The striking new V&A Dundee, Scotland's first design museum and the only V&A museum outside of London, on the banks of Tay is a part of the waterfront redevelopment project. The Dundee Contemporary Arts centre is another essential visit – the excellent space is at the heart of Dundee's cultural scene and was one of the first openings that saw it become a hub for Scottish creativity. You can also discover the port's maritime past aboard the HMS Frigate Unicorn – the last surviving wooden warship in Scotland. 

Once you've explored the galleries and waterfront, strike east along the River Tay to the suburb of Broughty Ferry. It's a lovely place to spend a morning with a cluster of enticing shops and cafés and a lovely beach to stroll along. But its highlight is the imposing 15th-century coastal fort Broughty Castle with a quaint museum and fantastic views over the Tay estuary. You can take a boat trip from here too where you may spot a pod of dolphins. For more ideas about what to do in the area beyond the city see our guide to Tay Country. 

For many years Colombia was the preserve of intrepid travellers but that is changing as it's become much safer and more accessible. Booking.com identified the beachside town of Palomino as one of 10 destinations that had the highest year-on-year increase in travellers. "Our booking data showed a real mix in the new and emerging destinations that people were looking to visit. Palomino was one – appealing with its lovely beaches and beautiful nature," says Joost Vermeulen, regional director partner services at Booking.com.

You'll find one of Colombia's most idyllic beaches here – framed by lush jungle and jagged mountains, palm-backed Palomino beach is a beauty. Many people come here to tube along the shallow Palomino river and for good reason – floating downriver from the mountains with views of the jungle all around is a pretty special experience. Keep an eye out for toucans and monkeys as you float but don't get too distracted as you'll need to hop off quickly just before the river meets the sea. 

The sleepy seaside town on the country's lush Caribbean coast has fantastic seafood too – watch the local fisherman haul in their catch then try it at simple shacks set up along the river mouth. Palomino is also a great base for exploring the lost city ruins of Ciudad Perdida deep in the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Tayrona National Park. The latter is a stunning coastal reserve of lagoons, sandy beaches and palm groves.  

With its stunning landscapes, excellent trekking trails and unique cultural heritage, Mestia in Georgia is another destination that saw one of the highest year-on-year increases for Booking.com. "As over half of global travellers (53%) report they plan to take more weekend trips in 2019, Europe is perfect for bite-sized trips with more curated travel itineraries squeezed into shorter time frames," says Vermeulen. "Travellers are beginning to discover that Mestia has much to offer.”

The capital of Georgia's remote and mountainous Svaneti region, set in the northwest of the country, is full of wonders. Highlights include its traditional gastronomy and the jaw-dropping scenery wherever you turn. One of the reasons most tourists come to this remote part of Georgia is to tackle the six-hour hike up to the Chalaadi Glacier. In town, be sure to visit the Svaneti Museum of History and Ethnography Museum to immerse yourself in the local history and culture.

Hiking trails criss-cross the mountains – a popular route from Mestia goes to the lakes at the base of Mount Ushba while serious hikers take the trail to the mountain town of Ushguli. As Europe's highest permanent settlement, Ushguli's setting is breathtaking. It sits at the foot of Mount Shkhara, the country's highest peak, in between two steep hills and alongside a snaking mountain river. The UNESCO World Heritage site is famed for its fascinating ancient stone towers and little churches. 

Read on to find out about other overlooked world heritage sites. 

Indonesia's idyllic Nusa Islands are gaining popularity as an alternative to the busy beaches of Bali. Booking.com data analysts identified the archipelago as one of its top 10 destinations with the highest year-on-year increases. "Nusa Penida is the largest of the three islands and is growing in popularity due to its rich offering for tourists – beautiful beaches, lagoons, diving sites, Hindu temples and delicious local cuisine," says Vermeulen.

Nusa Penida, one of the three Nusa Islands just off the southeastern coast of Bali, is an archetypal tropical haven with its picturesque beaches and rugged interior. It's accessed via a 30-minute boat ride from Sanur and most visitors are day-trippers who venture over to dive among the gorgeous coral reefs and to swim with giant manta rays. The waters here are also famous for giant sunfish, or mola mola.

Some of the island's most popular spots include Crystal Bay, a secluded cove with a striking stretch of black sand that's great for snorkelling, and the Giri Putri Cave temple. The Angel's Billabong (pictured) has to be seen to be believed – the spectacular rock formation creates a natural infinity pool against the cliff edge.

One of the world's most ancient cities, Samarkand was a key trading centre along the Great Silk Road, but it hasn't been a stop on many modern day travellers' itineraries. However, the beautiful and fascinating Central Asian city, the second largest in Uzbekistan, has emerged as one of the surprisingly popular cities for Booking.com, registering one of its highest year-on-year increases. 

The UNESCO-listed centre is stuffed with mosques, minarets, bazaars, mausoleums and ancient ruins. It was first settled in the 5th century BC and, throughout the centuries, has been ruled by Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan among others. Tamerlane, a 15th-century Tartar warlord, chose the city as the capital of his vast empire and built some impressive monuments.

 

Renowned for the grandeur of the tiled madrassahs that flank it, the city's vast square, Registan, sits at the heart of the ancient city and is one of Tamerlane's greatest architectural achievements. Another must-visit for a slice of authentic Samarkand life is the sprawling Siab Bazaar – you'll find all manner of traditional Uzbek food as you browse around the locally-made wares for sale. 

 

Lastminute.com pinpoints the Moroccan coastal city of Agadir as another surprisingly popular destination in 2018. It saw bookings increase 81% year-on-year. Set on the country's southern coast with a six-mile stretch of golden sand beach, Agadir has plenty of appeal. "The all-year-round weather – and cheap prices – meant this has been a hugely popular destination for people looking for an alternative to Spain, Italy and Portugal. It's Africa, but with a European feel, and attractive to people looking for something different," says Eljas.

As well as its seemingly endless sandy beaches, the seaside resort has plenty of charm with its palm-lined avenues, vibrant marina, seafood restaurants, and pretty kasbah (an African citadel) perched above the sea. Catch a cab or hike up to explore the hilltop ruins of Agadir's old kasbah, devastated by an earthquake in 1960, to admire what remains of the medieval architecture and gaze across incredible views of the city and coastline. 

Find out which of the world's incredible monuments are threatened by conflicts, natural disasters and climate change. 

Away from the resort there are many interesting places to visit too. Agadir sits in the foothills of the Anti-Atlas mountain range and is surrounded by some of the country's most spectacular landscapes. Take a tour into the mountains to visit traditional Berber villages or spot birds and the highly prized Argan tree in the Souss-Massa National Park. Agadir's Musee du Patrimoine Amazigh is the place to see Berber artefacts and learn about their traditions. 

Now explore the exciting destinations you should be booking for 2019.