NEW YORK - Drawing on its expertise as a leader in travel and technology, Booking.com predicts 2020 will be a year of travel exploration like never before, fueled by technology as well as a growing sense of responsibility and deeper connection with the people and places we visit. Here are the top travel trends as revealed by Booking.com for the year ahead:

The rise of the 'second city' traveler

Second-city travel - the exploration of lesser known destinations in a bid to reduce over-tourism - will take a leap forward in 2020. 47% of American travelers would swap their original destination for a lesser-known, but similar alternative, if they knew it would leave less of an environmental impact.

Tech-spect the unexpected

2020 will see travelers put key aspects of their decision-making process even more firmly in the hands of technology. 59% of American travelers want tech to offer them a 'wildcard' and surprise options that would introduce them to something entirely new.

Slo-Mo is the new #FOMO

Instead of experiencing the constant fear of missing out (FOMO), travel in 2020 will be all about taking it slow and focusing on the journey. 49% of travelers plan to take slower modes of transport to reduce their environmental impact and 66% would prefer to take a longer route to experience more of the journey itself.

To delve deeper into Booking.com's travel trends for 2020 and research methodology, visit http://TravelPredictions2020.com or https://news.booking.com/bookingcom-predicts-the-top-travel-trends-for-2020.

About Booking.com

Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com's mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com's marketplace seamlessly connects millions of travelers with memorable experiences every day.

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