This Natural Wonder Is the Most-searched in the World

Apparently, we all want to experience a little more wonder. 

Rustic Pathways, a student travel company, released the findings from its latest study on the most searched Natural Wonders of the World across every state in the U.S. To come to its conclusion, the team used Google Keyword Planner to uncover the search volumes over the past three years for terms relating to the natural and ancient Wonders of the World.

After looking at the data, the team determined that Mount Everest was the most popular Wonder of the World across almost every state, with 12,512 average monthly searches. “Interestingly, Mount Everest received a staggering 1.4 million searches made in January 2024 alone – which is approximately 254.9 percent higher than the second most popular” spot, the team noted in the findings.  

While Mount Everest blew the competition out of the water, the next best thing was the Aurora Borealis, which came in second place with an average monthly search volume of 6,110, peaking in October and March. 

“With only four to five hours of daylight in Iceland’s midwinter, this is when the nights are dark enough to experience the phenomenon,” the findings added. “Unlike all other states, Alaska and Montana chose Aurora Borealis as their number one destination, with Alaska having the highest average monthly Google searches per 100,000 residents at 236.” 

“This study highlights America's keen interest in the Wonders of the World, with standout favorites like Mount Everest and the Aurora Borealis drawing thousands of searches,” Kayla Anzalone, the director of marketing at Rustic Pathway, said of the findings. “Notably, the Aurora Borealis captivates folks in Alaska and Montana, showing our fascination isn't just global but also local.” 

Joining these spots on the list is The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, which ranked as the third most popular overall. And, as you may have noticed, the Hanging Gardens no longer exist (and as there is no archeological evidence of them, they may have actually never existed at all — or may have been in an entirely different location than we thought), thus making this the first-place finisher for the most-searched Ancient Wonders, with average monthly searches amounting to 2,261. 

Victoria Falls, a very real place that sits on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, came in fourth for most searched, with the highest number of average monthly Google searches at 1,740. And, the Grand Canyon in Arizona ranks fifth overall, with an average of 1,044 searches. 

Rounding out the top 10 is Mexico's Paricutin Volcano in sixth place, followed by Australia's Great Barrier Reef, The Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, The Colossus of Rhodes in Greece, and the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

“The analysis also points to a wide range of interests, from Victoria Falls to the Grand Canyon, and from the ancient Colossus of Rhodes to the Temple of Artemis. This variety in curiosity underscores an appreciation for both our planet's natural Wonders and its rich history,” Anzalone added. “The study's findings remind us of the importance of preserving these sites. As we explore these Wonders through searches, let's also remember the role we play in ensuring they remain for future generations to marvel at and learn from."