5 most popular destinations in Asia, Summer 2011

When most of us sit down to figure out where our next vacation will take us, we don’t typically base our decision on what places are most popular – and yet, there’s a reason those places are popular: because so many people (independently) decide to go there.

While the numbers for people visiting Europe or even US cities in the summer generally exceeds that of people visiting Asia, the fact that European travel is so expensive this summer means that more people than usual are looking to cheaper destinations for their summer vacations. Here are the most popular Asian travel destinations for summer 2011, based on what people are actually searching for on our sites.

1. Manila
Although the Philippines isn’t necessarily as high on the travel radar as some Asian cities, it’s not hard to see why the capital of Manila comes in at the top of the list. English is commonly spoken, making it easy for those of us who don’t speak multiple languages to get by, and the country is famous for its beaches and its bargains (two things travelers typically love).

>> Find cheap airfare to Manila

2. Delhi
India has long been a budget traveler’s dream, not to mention something of a rite of passage for independent travelers. The capitaly city is enormous and crammed with historic and cultural attractions, but even if you can’t take the pace and crowds of Delhi for too long it serves as an ideal entry point from which to explore more of the country.

>> Find cheap airfare to Delhi

3. Bangkok
Thailand is a haven for backpackers and budget travelers, and one of the main reasons is that it’s an incredibly budget-friendly destination. The capital city of Bangkok is not only the main international gateway for Thailand, it also happens to be home to one of the main airport hubs in Southeast Asia. In other words, you’ll often find spectacular deals flying to Bangkok that you may not find to other nearby cities.

>> Find cheap airfare to Bangkok

4. Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh, otherwise known as Saigon, is the main entry point for Vietnam. Intrepid travelers appreciate not only the country’s excellent bargains, but also the fact that it’s even more off the proverbial beaten track than Thailand. Vietnam doesn’t yet have the same tourist infrastructure as Thailand, but it’s also far less challenging to visit than some other nearby Southeast Asian countries.

>> Find cheap airfare to Ho Chi Minh City

5. Hong Kong
Most of China is still considered a good travel deal, but Hong Kong has long been the exception to that rule. Even after control of the city was handed back to the Chinese in 1997, Hong Kong remains a more expensive destination than most others in China. There are bargains to be had, however, with great street food available for cheap right next to upscale restaurants, and market shopping options to go with any budget.

>> Find cheap airfare to Hong Kong

photo by ~MVI~