Kuta is famed for its year-round sunshine and party-centric atmosphere. Photo: Airbnb
Kuta is famed for its year-round sunshine and party-centric atmosphere. Photo: Airbnb
Kuta is famed for its year-round sunshine and party-centric atmosphere. Photo: Airbnb
Kuta is famed for its year-round sunshine and party-centric atmosphere. Photo: Airbnb

Bali tops list of most searched winter destinations on Airbnb


Hayley Skirka
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Winter sun is calling and Airbnb travellers are seeking trips near and far.

The accommodation-sharing platform released its 2022 Winter Update on Wednesday, revealing its most searched-for destinations this season.

Indonesia’s Bali tops the list, with Kuta on the south-western coast of the island the most sought-after locale by Airbnb users around the world.

The birthplace of tourism in Bali, Kuta is famed for its epic surfing in the Indian Ocean and its party-centric atmosphere. It also has year-round sunshine, making it a great winter escape.

Malaysia’s biggest city ranks second in the top 10 list. Kuala Lumpur attracts tourists seeking the mix of modernity and tradition that has established the Malaysian capital as a firm favourite on South-East Asian travel itineraries.

Kuala Lumpur is the second most searched for destination this winter on Airbnb. Photo: Unsplash
Kuala Lumpur is the second most searched for destination this winter on Airbnb. Photo: Unsplash

Rounding out the top three is Brazil’s Ipanema. Famed for its namesake beach, the bustling area of Rio de Janeiro offers a diverse mix of cultures, amazing views of the hill Morro Dois Irmaos, epic sunsets and leafy streets lined with Bossa Nova-playing bars. The city is also known for its epic new year celebrations on the beach.

Brazil's Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro is the third most-searched for winter destination on Airbnb. The city is famed for its end-of-year celebrations. EPA
Brazil's Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro is the third most-searched for winter destination on Airbnb. The city is famed for its end-of-year celebrations. EPA

Asian destinations dominate the list, with places in Thailand and Singapore also ranking in the top 10. Australia’s big cities are also popular, while Malaga in Spain is the only European destination coveted by Airbnb users this winter.

Airbnb's 10 most searched-for winter destinations in 2022

1. Kuta, Indonesia

2. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

3. Ipanema, Brazil

4. Angra dos Reis, Brazil

5. Bangkok, Thailand

6. Sydney, Australia

7. Singapore, Singapore

8. Malaga, Spain

9. Melbourne, Australia

10. Pattaya City, Thailand

Travellers are also keen to plan trips that include unique places to stay. The top five booked categories on Airbnb this winter are properties with amazing pools, tropical stays, accommodation inside national parks and beachfront havens.

Airbnb's new adapted category lists properties designed for those who require additional accessibility. Photo: Airbnb
Airbnb's new adapted category lists properties designed for those who require additional accessibility. Photo: Airbnb

Having the right amenities is also ever-important, with Airbnb travellers filtering their searches to find listings with swimming pools, Wi-Fi, kitchens, Jacuzzis and free parking.

As part of its winter update, Airbnb also announced that it will add new categories of accommodation to the site.

From today, travellers can search for places that are "new" — meaning they have been added to the site in the last 10 weeks — or "trending", for listings that have received more views compared to the previous week.

Those coveting phenomenal views can look in the new "top of the world" category to find stays that are located 3,000 metres or more above sea level, and any travellers that need additional access can search the "adapted" properties category.

A "play" category includes unique properties with fun amenities such as miniature golf courses, water slides or basketball courts, and travellers seeking Korean culture can use the newly introduced "Hanok" category to book a night in a traditional Korean house.

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The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which awards the prestigious peace prize, held its final meeting on Monday, the Nobel Institute said Thursday, a day ahead of the announcement of the 2025 laureate.

This means a decision was made about the laureate or laureates before the conclusion of an agreement between Israel and Hamas, which included a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

President Donald Trump pushed for the ceasefire as part of a 20-point plan to resolve the Gaza war. 

Who was Alfred Nobel?

The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.

  • In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
  • Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
  • Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
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KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN MARITIME DISPUTE

2000: Israel withdraws from Lebanon after nearly 30 years without an officially demarcated border. The UN establishes the Blue Line to act as the frontier.

2007: Lebanon and Cyprus define their respective exclusive economic zones to facilitate oil and gas exploration. Israel uses this to define its EEZ with Cyprus

2011: Lebanon disputes Israeli-proposed line and submits documents to UN showing different EEZ. Cyprus offers to mediate without much progress.

2018: Lebanon signs first offshore oil and gas licencing deal with consortium of France’s Total, Italy’s Eni and Russia’s Novatek.

2018-2019: US seeks to mediate between Israel and Lebanon to prevent clashes over oil and gas resources.

Updated: November 17, 2022, 12:19 PM