I’ve always loved learning about other places. When I was growing up and wanted to know about a travel destination, the oversized volumes of World Books that lined the kid-level shelves in our family room were the go-to. Or I’d pour over articles in the ever-present National Geographic magazine that brought faraway places to life with rich stories and poignant, glossy photos. If I was really intrigued, it was off to the library for deeper research. These days, I only have to Google it – from the comfort of my home, or on the go from my phone. Apparently millions of us do so because each year Google publishes a report of trending topics and travel always makes the list. In the interest of inspiring your future travels, here’s the top 10 countdown and a teaser for each of Google’s most searched places to travel of 2016.

10) Mexico City

This sprawling megalopolis is one of the most populous cities in the world. Not-to-be-missed sights include the Zocalo, the main plaza, and its surrounding Historic Center; the magnificent pyramids of Teotihuacan, a short ride from the city; Ballet Folklorico de Mexico, a spectacular presentation of Mexican music and dance.

9) Rio de Janeiro

Sensuous, chaotic, and sophisticated, Rio is one of South America’s gems and host of the 2016 Summer Olympics. Head for the legendary Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, take the funicular to the base of the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Corcovado Mountain and enjoy all-you-can-eat barbecue, fresh juice bars, and spicy seafood.

8) Vancouver

Vancouver, British Columbia, is known as Canada’s emerald jewel for its lush rain forests. It’s relaxed and outdoorsy, yet cosmopolitan and fashion conscious. Rain or shine there’s plenty to do and the city draws 8 million visitors each year, many of whom embark on Alaskan cruises from Vancouver.

7) Rome

It’s no surprise that the Eternal City is in the top 10 of most searched places to travel. With superb art, architecture, and layers of antiquity, it attracts millions of visitors each year, as well as the most creative artists and thinkers for centuries. The Magnificent sights are too numerous to even list, much less fully take in on just one visit, so this is a city to return to many times.

6) Maui

The island of Maui, Hawaii, deserves its reputation as a top vacation destination with pristine white-sand beaches, thrilling surf, and stunning mountain and volcano vistas. Explore Lahaina Town, drive the Hana Highway or go whale watching December through April.

5) Thailand

The Land of Smiles offers something for everyone: Sparkling temples, excellent shopping, elephant camps, and fabulous architecture. Thailand’s geographic variety includes bustling Bangkok, charming Chiang Mai, and idyllic islands. Be sure to explore the ruins of the ancient capital of Ayutthaya and be adventurous with the mind-boggling array of spicy dishes, sticky rice, and tropical fruit.

4) Hong Kong

This Asian city is truly where east meets west. Hong Kong is a city of contrasts with ancient Buddhist and Taoist temples and statues, the Kam Tin Walled Village, and space-age skyscrapers. Take the 100-year-old tram to the top of Victoria Peak and a ride on the picturesque Star Ferry.

3) London

This multicultural city overflows with pomp and pageantry, fine arts and theater, and two millennia of history. Whether your interest lies in the royal family, gardens, architecture, museums, or to see places that you’ve heard of all your life like Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, there are countless attractions in London to put on your sightseeing list. This is a city that you can visit repeatedly and never tire of it.

2) Washington, DC

Our nation’s capital is a beautiful city of broad avenues, impressive government buildings, inspiring monuments, thought-provoking museums and spacious parks. It might have been high on the 2016 list of most searched places to travel because of our presidential election, but it remains a city that every U.S. citizen, as well as foreign visitors, should see.

1) New York City

As one of the most dynamic cities in the world, it’s not surprising that New York City is at the top of the most searched places to travel. It’s home to the finest selection of entertainment, museums, and restaurants anywhere, as well as iconic sights such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park, and the National September 11 Memorial Museum. There’s just no other city like the Big Apple.

If one of these most searched places to travel is on your list of adventures for 2017, be sure to contact Covington’s vacation experts to help you plan your trip and not miss a thing.