Tripadvisor has announced its annual ranking of up-and-coming travel destinations – and you don’t even have to leave the UK to be on trend. 

Ipswich in Suffolk has been named one of the top emerging destinations in the world, coming in at number 14, making it the only UK destination on the 2020 Travellers’ Choice Destination list.

According to data analysed by the site, travellers are falling for the East Anglian town thanks to its picturesque waterfront. Ipswich was also praised for retaining its “historical charm” while providing a “cultural hub of activity”. Tourist highlights include Christchurch Park, Regent Theatre and Christchurch Mansion.

“With superb transport links, an excellent range of accommodation options and ever-growing list of theatres, dance houses and things to, Ipswich is attracting some well-deserved traveller attention,” Tripadvisor added. 

Kaliningrad in Russia was named the top emerging destination in the world overall, based on data from reviews, interest and ‘saves’ on the platform. 

The top 25 emerging destinations in the world, according to Tripadvisor:

1. Kaliningrad, Russia

2. Saranda, Albania

3. Beirut, Lebanon

4. Luxor, Egypt

5. Naoussa, Greece

6. Rugen Island, Germany

7. Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam

8. Monopoli, Italy

9. La Paz, Mexico

10. Curaçao, Caribbean

11. Ile d’Oleron, France

12. Guayaquil, Ecuador

13. Tulsa, United States

14. Ipswich, United Kingdom

15. Franschhoek, South Africa

16. Tangier, Morocco

17. Takamatsu, Japan

18. Cala d’Or, Spain

19. Petropolis, Brazil

20. Antwerp, Belgium

21. Mirissa, Sri Lanka

22. Alvor, Portugal

23. Winnipeg, Canada

24. Darwin, Australia

25. Agra, India
    

The awards also looked at “trending” destinations, judged by the locations that had seen the biggest spikes in positive reviews and ratings over the last year. 

The highest ranked trending destination in the UK was Edinburgh at number 23, praised for its “heritage, culture and festivals”.

“Take a long walk around the centre to explore the World Heritage Sites of the Old Town and New Town, as well as all the city’s museums and galleries,” the site recommends.

“Then stop for a delicious meal made from fresh Scottish produce before heading out to take in one of Edinburgh’s many events — including the famous summer festivals of culture, or the Winter Festivals of music, light and ceilidhs.”

The top 25 global trending destinations, according to Tripadvisor:

1. Kochi, India

2. Luzon, Philippines

3. Porto, Portugal

4. Porto Seguro, Brazil

5. Gramado, Brazil

6. Lombok, Indonesia

7. Da Nang, Vietnam

8. Zakynthos, Greece

9. Tel Aviv, Israel

10. Krakow, Poland

11. Island of Malta, MaltaI

12. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

13. Cusco, Peru

14. Buenos Aires, Argentina

15. Vienna, Austria

16. Fuerteventura, Spain

17. Mexico City, Mexico

18. Chiang Mai, Thailand

19. Fes, Morocco

20. Budapest, Hungary

21. Zanzibar Island, Tanzania

22. Cartagena, Colombia

23. Edinburgh, United Kingdom

24. Cebu, Philippines 

25. Moscow, Russia.