South Korea

The 2018 Winter Olympics are set to take place in Pyeongchang, a mountainous region in northeastern South Korea. As of Dec 6, Gangneung, South Korea, was Airbnb's top trending destination, with a 2,175 percent increase in bookings over the course of the last year.

For those unfamiliar with the Olympic schedule, Gangneung will host all of 2018's ice events. But if you can't make it to Pyeongchang for the Olympics, South Korea hopes to welcome an influx of visitors after the February games.

Seoul, South Korea's buzzing capital, is a starting point for international travelers, and the city is a good blend of the ancient and modern. Dynastic palaces sprawl across leafy parks, while skyscrapers rise above the clouds in Gangnam. The South Korean obsession with K-pop is infectious, and tourists can join in the fun with K-pop tours that include hologram concerts and dance lessons.