Luxury travel network and trend forecaster Virtuoso examined more than $40.7 billion in travel transactions to discover the hottest destinations for fall and holiday travel. Certain destinations saw huge growth in year-over-year bookings among U.S. travelers, making them the hottest destinations for the upcoming season. Do your fall travel plans make the list? © Laura Facchini - Dreamstime.com

With bookings up 88 percent, Israel is just one of several Middle Eastern destinations in high demand this season. Keeping pace, both Delta Air Lines and United Airlines announced added flights to the country, beginning next summer. Ben Gurion International Airport experienced a record 2.7 million arrivals and departures in August, a 10 percent increase over last year and the busiest month in the airport’s history. © Xantana - Dreamstime.com

Brazilian getaways are up by 92 percent this fall, as the only South American destination to make the top seven list. Virtuoso notes Brazil’s popularity for its warm weather combined with distinct cultural experiences. Brazilian tourism is on the rise across the world as well and the country’s national tourism plan targets 12 million tourists in 2022, which would generate $19 billion in foreign currency. © Steve Allen - Dreamstime.com

The only Caribbean destination on the list, Cayman Islands boasts a 124 percent increase in bookings. In the first half of this year, the destination welcomed a record 1.3 million tourists and is on track to beat last year’s numbers. The Cayman Islands were particularly popular with U.S. travelers from the Midwest and Southwest, according to the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism. © Ruth Peterkin - Dreamstime.com

Coming in fourth for year-over-year booking growth, India is up by 128 percent. The United States and United Kingdom are India’s largest source markets for tourism and the country is quickly becoming a top destination in South Asia. © Yurataranik - Dreamstime.com

Morocco is third on Virtuoso’s list of high performers. Overall tourist numbers in Morocco jumped 10 percent in the first half of 2018, as the country received 5.1 million visitors. In 2017, U.S. visitors to Morocco increased by nearly 30 percent; Virtuoso measured a 144 percent increase in bookings 2017–2018. © Daniel M. Cisilino - Dreamstime.com

In second place for largest percentage of growth, Egypt bookings are up by 264 percent. News sources attribute the growth to increased stability and security, as terrorist threats decrease. U.S. travelers aren’t the only ones interested in visiting the country, though. Visitors from all over Europe flock to Egypt. © Mikael Damkier - Dreamstime.com

In first place for the largest growth in year-over-year bookings among U.S. travelers, Turkey stands at 310 percent. Through August, Istanbul welcomed 7.5 million foreign arrivals, while resort town Antalya welcomed 6.7 million. Current record currency lows give greater value to travelers who seek out the destination for its unique culture, archaeology and history and mixture of cities and sun-drenched beaches. © Seqoya - Dreamstime.com