Love a list? Well how about our top ten best-selling map destinations of 2022!?

Amie, our studio manager, flipping through map destinations in our map room.
Our Studio Manager Amie, finding all of your map requests, in our vast collection of maps, stored in our map room!

We've poured over the charts. Unpicked the data. And if you've ever wondered where the most requested destinations for our maps are, wonder no longer!

1 - Isle of Wight

Map of the Isle of Wight, number one of our map destinations of 2022

Why we think it's popular:

Staycations have remained a favourite since the pandemic, and if you're wanting to get away without leaving the UK, the Isle of Wight has a LOT to offer. Check out this list of MUST SEES when visiting: 13 Best Things to Do on the Isle of Wight | Essential Attractions (timeout.com) This gorgeous island has seen a 2% increase in tourism each quarter throughout 2022. And considering it sees over 2.5 million visitors a year...there's a lot of you making memories here. With a mix of beautiful scenery, an ever growing food scene, and how easy it is to travel to...we expect it to stay at the top of our destinations list throughout 2023.

Did you know..?

The Isle of Wight was a favourite holiday destination of Queen Victoria! As well as Charles Darwin, Alfred Lord Tennyson, and Charles Dickens.

2 - Cornwall

Why we think it's popular:

Much like the Isle of Wight, Cornwall has been the go-to destination for those of us still uncomfortable with travelling abroad. With hundreds of beautiful beaches, attractions, and restaurants (the county alone has 7 Michelin Star restaurants) it's become the favourite holiday destination for many of you. Not to mention, romantic spots such as Lands End, Clovelly, and Tintagel are all trending as the must-go proposal locations!

Did you know..?

According to legend...Jesus visited Cornwall! Looe to be exact. There's even a little chapel that is now a popular Pilgrimage site.

3 - Norfolk

Why we think it's popular:

We've written a whole blog about Norfolk! Read here to find out what makes Norfolk such a popular destination and where we recommend visiting.

Did you know..?

The great Naval Commander, Lord Horatio Nelson, was born in Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk.

4 - Bude

Why we think it's popular:

One of the most beautiful beachside holiday destinations in Cornwall, it's a mecca for families looking for the perfect seaside trip. It has everything. From the traditional cafes (see our favourite Rosie’ Kitchen Limited (rosieskitchen.co.uk) ), shops, and fish and chip restaurants...to sweeping coastal views, walks, and sandy beaches.

Did you know..?

Bude gets more hours of sunshine than any other British town in an average year.

5 - Iceland

A5 map artwork of Iceland

Why we think it's popular:

Over the past few years Iceland has seen a boom in tourism. There's no denying the beauty of its glaciers, lagoons, and thermal springs. All of these combined has meant that it has risen the ranks to one of the most sought after honeymoon destinations! Which is why we've seen a lot of wedding cards, gifts, and keepsakes requesting Iceland for their map.

Did you know..?

Thanks to its use of renewable energy, Iceland is the most environmentally friendly country on earth.

6 - Australia

Map square artwork of Australia

Why we think it's popular:

The intrepid explorer still dreams of backpacking around Australia. And at Bombus we know several Gap Year adventurers who left on a year long trip to Australia before the pandemic, only to still be there now living their best lives. It's a place that holds a lot of memories for all of you, a lot of hopes and wishes, and a home to many of your loved ones.

Did you know..?

It's not just a hot desert wasteland...in fact Australia has 3.6 million hectares of rainforest.

7 - New York

Keepsake New York Statue of Liberty bottle - bucket list destinations.

Why we think it's popular:

Another favourite honeymoon destination, and a must-see bucket list location. New York is somewhere that a lot of you have chosen as your first trip abroad after the pandemic. Somewhere we can visit from the UK for a long weekend, New York allows a lot of fun, food, and sights in a relatively compact amount of time. And who among us hasn't dreamed of reenacting the scene from Sleepless in Seattle at The Empire State Building?

Did you know..?

In 1895 Lombardi's pizzeria opened up in New York - the first pizzeria to exist in the United States!

8 - Antigua

Why we think it's popular:

Honeymoons and destination weddings! Antigua, floating in the warm Caribbean Sea, is an easily accessible, English speaking, island paradise. If you're looking to tie the knot abroad, it has everything. There are literally dozens of resorts specifically tailored to the beach loving brides and grooms! 15 Wedding Venues in Antigua | For Better For Worse

Did you know..?

The highest mountain in Antigua is named for a modern US president... Mount Obama is the remains of a volcanic crater rising 402 meters (1319 feet) above sea level.

9 - Figi

Why we think it's popular:

I mean we don't really need to say much do we. It's FIJI. It's at the top of almost every honeymooners list of the ultimate romantic holiday. And as we, at Bombus, specialise in preserving the most special of memories, we can only assume it's mostly popular due to those of you who were lucky enough to live the dream! We're not jealous...honest...

Did you know..?

Fiji isn't just one island! In fact it's made up of 332 individual islands and over 500 islets!

10 - Thailand

Map heart Thailand artwork.

Why we think it's popular:

We'd like to think that Thailand is high up on the list because you all travel there for the culture, the sights, and the history. But having been there ourselves we know the truth. As Brits we flock to this gorgeous country for the FOOD. Noodles and curries and fresh fruits and fish....ahhh the most wonderful culinary destination. And a must-visit for a special anniversary or milestone birthday.

Did you know..?

The Thai alphabet has 76 letters. And once you've learnt all those, the language itself has five tones and numerous inflections. Making it a very difficult language to learn!