From the beginning of its inception, Airbnb has been about giving travellers a unique, off-the-beaten-track kind of experience.

That’s why so many of us look to the platform for unusual places to stay, from the brilliantly out-there listings on the website (from treehouses to caves) to the brand’s predictions on where to indulge your wanderlust.

And there’s no better time to daydream about the adventures that lie before us than at the end of the year, so Airbnb’s trending travel predictions for 2019 are very welcome indeed. 

There are 19 destinations on the list, which names spots from all over the world from New Zealand to the Outer Hebrides. Using a combination of Airbnb searches, bookings and wish list growth data, Airbnb has forecasted the growing interest in the more off-the-beaten-path regions, cities and towns to explore.

With a mix of European gems and far-flung mountain ranges, we’ve selected five of our favourite destinations and handpicked some of the most fabulous places to stay while you’re there. 

Puebla, Mexico

Mexico’s vibrant, beautiful culture has been a focus for those living in London this year thanks to the incredible Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up exhibition, inspiring a new wave of interest in the country’s cuisine as well as art and décor.

But instead of taking a trip to Mexico City, why not go for a less touristy option and try Puebla instead. Sitting just southeast of the capital, this gem is known for its culinary history, colonial architecture and pottery scene.

The houses are often adorned with brightly-coloured tiles and there’s plenty of breath-taking buildings to see, like the Renaissance-era Puebla Cathedral that has tall bell towers and overlooks the central square.

Where to stay in Puebla in Mexico:

Casa Mexicana is the perfect place for a group trip. It’s just £168 a night, with five bedrooms and three bathrooms, and enough space for 14 people. Just image the girls holiday you could have here?!

Based in a quiet spot but close to the main area, this house has seen five generations and is still owned and run by a family who are keen to help you explore the city to its fullest. From recommendations and on-hand advice, this is an opportunity to really live like a local and discover a new culture. 

If you’re looking for something smaller, we also liked the look of this 19th Century Downtown House. 

What to pack: 

Hebrides, Scotland 

Scotland seems to be the destination of the moment, and we’re not at all unsure why. In fact, the resident Scot on the Stylist team has waxed lyrical about her homeland many a time (especially its five must-do experiences) as it continues to top travel lists. 

The Inner and Outer Hebrides are beautiful groups of islands off the west coast of mainland Scotland, famous for the kinds of crystal-clear waters and white, sandy beaches you’d expect to find in the Caribbean. This is the best place we can imagine for ‘getting away from it all’ thanks to the vast landscapes and trend for tiny cottages and hobit houses based out in the middle of nowhere. 

Where to stay in the Hebrides in Scotland:

On the edge of Skye’s Broadford bay perches this small but perfectly formed £105 a night cabin for two. Looking out to the sea, the views of the famous Cuillin mountain range are incredible and the hosts suggest that you make the most of the surroundings with breakfast on the terrace and late-night beach picnics. 

Inside, the cabin has all the luxuries you need including some very fetching decor decisions and a modern en-suite. And if you do fancy venturing out and getting back to civilization for a night on the tiles, there are restaurants and bars walking distance away. 

What to pack:

Andalucia, Spain 

You might not have heard of this large, hilly region in the South of Spain, but you probably have heard of its beautiful capital Seville. A rural escape, Andalucia is made up of picturesque rivers and farmland, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing break.

This year Airbnb has seen a 100% rise in people wishlisting properties in Andalucia, and the platform recommends exploring the Route of the White Hill Towns, a charming string of villages in the Sierras.

Where to stay:

If you’re looking for a showstopper, we think we might have found it. This country house comes complete with pool and has enough room for 15 guests with five bedrooms, four bathrooms and beautiful original features like indoor fireplaces.

You’ll need a car to get yourself around, but the Torrox village is only six minutes drive away, while the nearest beach can be reached in 10. Consider it paradise. 

If you’re looking for a smaller gang, we also liked the look of this apartment located inside an 18th century palace house. 

What to pack:

Buenos Aires Province, Argentina      

You might think you know all about Buenos Aires already, but have you heard much about its province? Not be confused with the capital city, this string of beaches and forests spans the Atlantic coast and is made up of a mixture of bustling towns and hillside cities. 

And interest in Buenos Aires Province is certainly rising compared to a couple of years ago. Not only has this city appeared in 176% more wishlists this year, it looks like people are putting their money where their mouths are, as 188% more bookings have been made, too. 

Where to stay in Buenos Aires Province in Argentina:

This leafy location, just a walk away from the town of Tigre and its famous craft fair, is a beautiful spot to enjoy the sunshine that Argentina has to offer. The house has four beds and two bedrooms with architecture dating back from over 100 years ago, lovely period features throughout and a relaxing terrace to sit on and watch the world go by. 

Casona Puerto Tigre is a steal at £63 a night, which gets you the entire house, access to a private balcony at the entrance, a large private garden and BBQ area.

What to pack: 

Great Smoky Mountains, US

Has there ever been a more atmospheric name for a place? We think not. The Great Smoky Mountains are famous for their beauty, and are home to  America’s most visited national park. A must-visit for nature lovers, there’s much to see.

From 800 miles of trails to choose from, to the biggest black bear population in the eastern US, there’s more adventuring to do here than you can shake a stick at. 

Where to stay in the Great Smoky Mountains in the US: 

Luxury cabins are the norm in this stunning part of the world. We especially like this newly built one, with luxury facilities and a hot tub for just £117 a night. It has an open floor plan with cathedral ceilings and a six foot picture windows, which look out to views of Mt Le Conte and Ski mountain. Does it get much better than that?

The cabin can cater for four guests over the space of two rooms, and the hosts really have thought of everything. To ensure a deep night sleep you can pull close your black-out blinds, and the spacious granite kitchen is fully stocked. 

What to pack 

None of these take your fancy? You can find the full list of unsaturated travel ideas below:

1. Kaikoura, New Zealand

2. Xiamen, China

3. Puebla, Mexico

4. Normandy, France

5. Great Smoky Mountains, US

6. Buenos Aires Province, Argentina

7. Accra, Ghana

8. Mozambique

9. Outer Hebrides, Scotland

10. Wakayama Prefecture, Japan

11. Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley, US

12. Santa Catarina State, Brazil

13. Batumi, Georgia

14. Winnipeg, Canada

15. Pondicherry, India

16. Uzbekistan

17. Calabria, Italy

18. Andalucia, Spain

19. Taiwan

Happy travels!

Images: Airbnb