British Columbians enjoy one of the most breathtaking backyards in the world -- and that isn't just the opinion of locals, either.
While tourists travel to Canada from around the world to enjoy its spellbinding natural vistas, a new report finds that it ranks among the top destinations in the world for its "travel aesthetic," too.
What exactly is a "travel aesthetic"?
A travel aesthetic is a collection of images that distills "the essence of a location, from local cuisine to breath-taking viewpoints, to the fashion and culture of the area," according to swimwear brand Pour Moi.
Over the past couple of years, interest in travel mood boards has shot up a soaring 81 per cent, according to Google search data.
To determine what countries and cities had the most popular travel aesthetic in the world, Pour Moi created two rankings based on Google searches and Pinterest boards.
The trending travel revealed that Japan has the world's top travel aesthetic, with a massive 23,198 searches and Pinterest boards. "If your aesthetic involves stunning mountainous scenery, rich cultural history, and a love of Kawaii culture, then Japan is the place for you," note the report's authors.
Following Japan is Greece, with 9,099 searches and boards, and praised for its Ancient Greek architecture and mesmerizing sunsets.
France took the third spot, with 9,097 searches and boards, followed by Italy in fourth, with 7,996. India rounded out the top five, with 7,697 searches and boards.
According to the data, Canada has the 15th most popular travel aesthetic in the world - beating the likes of Singapore and Ireland.
Some of the other selections in the top 20 include Mexico in 7th, Spain in 10th, Egypt in 13th, and Turkey in 20th.
Top 20 travel aesthetics by country
- Japan, Asia - 23,198
- Greece, Europe - 9,099
- France, Europe - 9,097
- Italy, Europe - 7,996
- India, Asia - 7,697
- Brazil, South America - 5,362
- Mexico, North America - 4,995
- China, Asia - 4,062
- England, Europe - 3,864
- Spain, Europe - 3,602
- USA, North America - 2,767
- Germany, Europe - 2,689
- Egypt, Africa - 2,143
- Australia, Oceania - 2,039
- Canada, North America - 1,984
- Singapore, Asia - 1,701
- Ireland, Europe - 1,361
- Switzerland, Europe - 1,339
- South Korea, Asia - 1,193
- Turkey, Europe - 1,186
When it comes to cities, however, the country rankings do not apply. While France had the third-highest aesthetic as a country, Paris has the best travel look of any city in the world, according to the data. There were 15,798 searches and boards for the "City of Love," complete with its romantic architecture and world-renowned art galleries.
And while the United States didn't break the top 10 countries, New York claimed the 2nd spot on the list, with 15,797 searches and boards for its trademark aesthetic -- only one less than Paris!
London, England landed in 3rd, with 7,596 searches and boards, followed by Tokyo, Japan in fourth, with 4,515.
Another U.S. city, Miami, rounded out the top five, with 4,063 searches and boards.
Three other U.S. cities made it into the top 10, with Los Angeles in the sixth spot, Chicago in ninth, and Las Vegas in tenth.
Top 10 travel aesthetics by city
- Paris, France - 15,798
- New York, US - 15,797
- London, England - 7,596
- Tokyo, Japan - 4,515
- Miami, US - 4,063
- Los Angeles, US - 3,467
- Seoul, South Korea - 2,731
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates - 2,719
- Chicago, US - 2,307
- Las Vegas, US - 2,107
