Travel recommendations based on your zodiac, anyone?

While many of us in Hong Kong will be staying put this Chinese New Year celebrating with our families, undoubtedly the thought of travel in the future remains on many consumers' minds. In its latest content marketing push, Booking.com has rolled out destination recommendations for each Chinese zodiac sign. The site said the recommendations are based on general data on travel trends. By delving into the data, the site has selected destinations for each Chinese zodiac sign that are most recommended by real travellers and has matched these insights with the typical characteristics and personality traits of the animal sign. A total of 12 cities were chosen by the website. 

Booking.com is not the first brand to push out Zodiac based product recommendations. Most recently, Nippon Paint also shared with consumers an outline on which colours would be deemed auspicious for them based on their zodiacs.  

Now, back to travel. Are you happy with your recommended destinations?

Year of the Tiger: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010 
Destination: Dubai, UAE

For Tigers who are looking for experiences to match their brave, confident and thrill-seeking personality, Dubai offers an array of exhilarating experiences, including zipline across Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak where travellers can enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. They can also experience skydiving, seeing iconic attractions such as Palm Jumeirah or the desert.

Year of the Rat: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Destination: Madrid, Spain 

This capital city is not only known for its stunning architecture, but it’s also the perfect destination for the innovative and sociable Rat sign. Highly recommended by global travellers for nightlife, Madrid comes alive after sunset. Visitors can go to local cocktail bars and nightclubs, and expect copious amounts of entertainment. If unsure where to begin exploring, visitors can start with a guided tour of Madrid by night to discover Madrid’s famous sights and nightlife.

Year of the Ox: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Destination: Ella, Sri Lanka 

Ox is an animal sign that has characteristics of being diligent, dependable, strong and determined. A holiday fraught with hiking itineraries is suitable for this zodiac sign. Ella is a small town nestled in the hills in Sri Lanka and is known for its exquisite views of surrounding green hills and outdoor activities. 

Year of the Rabbit: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
Destination: Florence, Italy

Enriching experiences such as art and romance are highly valued by the Rabbit, which makes the vibrant city of Florence the ideal match. Visitors can bask in artistic charm from the city's iconic buildings to the historic cobbled streets and copious galleries. Booking.com said Florence is one of the top recommended destinations for art enthusiasts. 

Year of the Dragon: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
Destination: Manuel, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is famous for its abundance of national parks and thriving wildlife, making it suitable for the fearless and energetic nature of the Dragon animal sign. Highly recommended by global travellers for its wildlife, Manuel is filled with an array of incredible species and marine animals just waiting to be discovered.

Year of the Snake: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Destination: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

With its scenic stretches of golden sand, Rio de Janeiro is a top destination for a beach break according to Booking.com's travellers and is the ideal destination for the introverted Snake sign who likes to relax and experience life’s luxuries. There’s something on offer for discerning beach travellers, from off-the-beaten-track hideaways such as the nearby island of Ilha Grande to city beaches including the infamous Copacabana and Ipanema for any animal sign who just wants to be amongst the fun.

Year of the Horse: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Destination: Los Angeles, the US

The Horse animal sign, whose main personality traits are a love for travel and independence, will love the freedom that comes with a unique road trip across the US' second largest city. Los Angeles is also unsurprisingly one of Booking.com’s top recommended destinations for a road trip. Home of the rich and famous, the city features a variety of entertainment landmarks. Visitors will also be spoiled for choice while driving through the city. They can also catch a glimpse of the homes of celebrities, park the car for a day and take a private bike tour on the scenic route from Santa Monica to Venice Beach or head to the hills to take a picture by the iconic Hollywood sign.

Year of the Goat: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Destination: Kilpisjärvi, Finland

For the Goat animal sign, who tend to be imaginative and easy-going, a camping trip to Finland may invigorate their creative minds. The small village of Kilpisjärvi is the ultimate destination to experience nature and adventure. Visitors can also discover Finland’s oldest protected nature reserve, the Malla Strict Nature Reserve, where rare species of alpine plants and butterflies can be found. They can also enjoy hiking at Saana or Halti, Finland’s highest point at the border between Finland and Norway.

Year of the Monkey: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004. 2016
Destination: London, UK

For the energetic and skillful Monkey sign who likes to learn new skills and culture, London is the city for them. Teeming with culture and an abundance of things to do, it’s a paradise for the Monkeys. Visitors can discover the newest food and drink pop-ups, learn about the historical women of the East End or opt for the fun activities. They can also learn how to make sweet delights including chocolate, bonbons and truffles.

Year of the Rooster: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Destination: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Roosters are practical and punctual. Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand. It incorporates the best of both worlds with an array of practical skills on offer including lessons with a professional Muay Thai boxer and cooking classes, whilst providing a serene escape as the city is fraught with lush greenery. Travellers can also visit ancient landmarks and temples. 

Year of the Dog: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Destination: Dublin, Ireland

Friendly local pubs can be found on every corner in Dublin. Visitors are advised to start an afternoon pub tour to meet local Irish people and listen to live performances of traditional music. For something a little more invigorating, they can partake in a group dance lesson to learn traditional Irish dancing.

Year of the Pig: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
Destination: Orlando, the US

These people are easy-going and enjoy carefree fun. Orlando is the perfect destination for them as the city is well known for its epic theme parks, large shopping malls and nightlife. Booking.com’s travellers also endorsed Orlando for theme parks, so it’s the perfect place to create some carefree and long-lasting memories at this adventure playground.

(Photo courtesy: 123RF, Facebook)

Related articles
3 colours to match your zodiac this Year of the Tiger
5 HK influencers rising in fame born in the Year of the Tiger
Twitter ushers in roaring Year of the Tiger with custom emoji
5 fierce Tiger-themed packages that made these brands stand apart