Where Should You Travel Based on Your Favorite Aesthetic? Y2K, Cottagecore, Cyberpunk & More

How about planning your next adventure based on pure vibes?

You might be drawn to the moody mystery of Dark Academia, the whimsical magic of Fairycore, or the retro cool of Y2K—and no matter which aesthetic speaks to you, there’s a destination out there that perfectly matches your dreams!

If you want some inspiration for amazing travel destinations that remind us of—or that are known for—beloved aesthetics, this guide is here to give you vacation ideas based on the styles, colors, and feelings you love. From futuristic cityscapes to cozy countryside getaways, these spots will have you packing your bags and curating your aesthetic travel wardrobe before you know it.

Let’s go!

Y2K – Tokyo, Japan

Vibe: The Y2K aesthetic is a throwback to early 2000s pop culture. It’s all about metallics, neon colors, platform sneakers, baby tees, and shiny tech accessories. Think of the “cyber-futuristic” look from that era: metallic makeup, chunky accessories, and bubblegum pinks and blues everywhere.

Why Tokyo: Tokyo, with its mix of hyper-modern technology and retro arcade culture, screams Y2K! Shibuya’s bright lights, Shinjuku’s skyscrapers, and Harajuku’s quirky street fashion make it feel like a futuristic time capsule. You can explore multi-level arcades, experience karaoke booths decked out in neon, and shop for all the retro and futuristic styles your Y2K-loving heart desires.

Related: 18 Inspiring Cityscapes Around the World

Cottagecore – The Cotswolds, England

Vibe: Cottagecore is about simplicity, nature, and rural charm. That’s linen dresses, cozy knit sweaters, wicker baskets, and fresh wildflowers. It makes you want to live in a quiet, idyllic countryside, surrounded by nature, and filled with wholesome, nostalgic vibes.

Why The Cotswolds: The Cotswolds is the quintessential English countryside, perfect for anyone into this aesthetic. Here, you’ll find charming stone cottages, sprawling meadows, and gardens that look like they were lifted directly out of a fairy tale. Stroll through villages like Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water, have afternoon tea, and visit antique shops for vintage finds.

Related: 8 Wonderful Travel Destinations Inspired by Jane Austen

Dark Academia – Oxford, England

Vibe: Dark Academia is inspired by classical literature, gothic architecture, and the pursuit of knowledge. Expect dark-colored blazers, plaid skirts, turtlenecks, leather-bound books, and a focus on all things intellectual, with a bit of mystery and nostalgia for old libraries.

Why Oxford: Oxford’s centuries-old buildings, book-filled libraries, and intellectual history make it a paradise for Dark Academia fans. You can explore the university’s iconic college campuses, walk along cobbled streets, and lose yourself in the world of ancient libraries like the Bodleian. It’s the perfect place to don your tweed and dive into deep conversations over a warm cup of tea.

Related: 4 Lessons I Learned While Studying Abroad at Oxford

Light Academia – Paris, France

Vibe: Light Academia keeps the intellectual focus but with a brighter, softer aesthetic. It’s all about soft beiges, creams, white shirts, cardigans, and sun-filled libraries. Think of spending your afternoons reading poetry in a sun-drenched café.

Why Paris: Paris, with its romantic streets, museums, and endless inspiration for artists and writers, is a great fit for Light Academia lovers. Wander the halls of the Louvre, sit in the Luxembourg Gardens, or spend your days at a café near the Seine, jotting down ideas in a notebook. Paris is the city of light and intellect, wrapped up in one.

Related: 6 Most Fascinating Museums in Paris (That Aren’t the Louvre)

Kawaii – Seoul, South Korea

Vibe: Kawaii means “cute” in Japanese, and it’s all about pastel colors, bows, frilly skirts, and adorable accessories. That can include heart-shaped glasses, pastel backpacks, and colorful nail art—it’s fun, playful, and sweet!

Why Seoul: (We know, it’s not Japan) Seoul’s fashion and café culture are bursting with cuteness, making it the perfect city for Kawaii fans. Visit themed cafes—like ones with animal themes or cartoon characters—shop in trendy districts like Myeongdong, and pick up the most amazing beauty products at Korean makeup stores. Everything from fashion to street art in Seoul radiates cuteness.

Grunge – Seattle, USA

Vibe: Grunge is about rebellion and laid-back, nonchalant fashion. Picture flannel shirts, ripped jeans, combat boots, and band tees, often in muted or dark tones. It’s about being effortlessly cool, in a worn, lived-in way.

Why Seattle: As the birthplace of grunge music, Seattle’s moody weather, incredible coffee shop scene, and alternative music culture fit this aesthetic perfectly. You can visit legendary venues like The Crocodile, check out thrift stores for your perfect worn-in flannel, and spend rainy days tucked away in a cozy café, feeling like you’re living in a 90s music video.

Fairycore – Sintra, Portugal

Vibe: Fairycore is all about magical forests, fairy tales, and ethereal beauty. Expect floaty dresses, flower crowns, and a love for nature. It’s a whimsical escape into a world where you might expect to run into fairies or woodland creatures at any moment.

Why Sintra: Sintra is a place of fairy-tale castles, lush gardens, and misty forests. The Palácio da Pena, with its bright colors and quirky design, looks like a castle out of a dream. You can also wander through the enchanting Quinta da Regaleira, complete with secret tunnels and a mystical well. It’s absolutely an aesthetic wonderland.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Portugal Visas for Digital Nomads, Expats & Retirees

Vaporwave – Miami, USA

Vibe: Vaporwave is a mix of retro-futurism and 80s / 90s nostalgia. Picture pastel colors, neon lights, glitchy graphics, and palm trees. It’s almost like stepping into a retro computer simulation, with a heavy dose of synthwave music in the background.

Why Miami: Miami’s Art Deco district is the embodiment of this aesthetic! The pastel pinks, blues, and greens of the buildings in South Beach paired with the palm-lined streets give off that perfect retro vibe. Spend your time cruising along Ocean Drive, visiting vintage shops, and sipping cocktails by the neon-lit beach bars.

Old Money – Monaco

Vibe: Old Money is all about understated elegance and sophistication, like crisp white shirts, tailored trousers, loafers, and classic jewelry. It’s a quiet luxury that speaks to generational wealth rather than trends.

Why Monaco: Monaco oozes high-class, luxurious living. Between the Monte Carlo Casino, luxury yachts, and the Riviera’s glamorous hotels, it’s the ideal destination for those looking to channel that old-money aesthetic. Spend your days lounging in elegance by the Mediterranean or dressing up for a night at the casino!

Related: 5 Best Sports Destinations: Grand Prix, El Classico & More

Goblincore – Iceland

Vibe: Goblincore is the embrace of the quirky, odd, and often overlooked parts of nature. It’s about being at home in the wild, messy, and earthy places, with a focus on foraging, mushrooms, moss, and small creatures.

Why Iceland: Iceland’s rugged, raw beauty fits this aesthetic to a tee! Its lava fields, moss-covered rocks, and geothermal features feel like they belong in a fantasy world. You can hike through volcanic landscapes, explore hidden caves, or go in search of puffins and other wildlife, all while feeling like you’ve stepped into a land where goblins might actually live.

Related: Here’s What It’s Like to Snorkel Iceland’s Silfra Fissure: Tips From a PADI Master Instructor

Steampunk – Prague, Czech Republic

Vibe: Steampunk blends Victorian elegance with industrial machinery and a sci-fi twist. Imagine brass goggles, pocket watches, top hats, and corsets combined with mechanical gears, steam-powered inventions, and fantastical technology. It’s where the past and an imagined, steam-driven future meet.

Why Prague: Prague’s gothic and medieval architecture makes it the perfect backdrop for a steampunk adventure. The Charles Bridge, with its ancient statues and atmospheric setting, and the Astronomical Clock, with its intricate mechanics and historical charm, feel like they belong in a steampunk world. Wander through Prague Castle, explore old factories converted into quirky galleries, and imagine yourself in a world where steam powers the impossible.

Minimalist – Copenhagen, Denmark

Vibe: Minimalism focuses on simplicity, clean lines, and functional beauty. The aesthetic is all about decluttered spaces, neutral tones, and a focus on quality over quantity. It’s about embracing less to enjoy more, with an emphasis on design that’s both practical and elegant.

Why Copenhagen: Copenhagen is a haven for minimalist design lovers. Its Scandinavian approach to architecture and lifestyle embodies the idea of “less is more.” Visit the Designmuseum Danmark for a deep dive into Danish design, enjoy the calm and spacious interiors of minimalist cafés, and take a leisurely bike ride through the city’s orderly streets. Even the colorful Nyhavn harbor feels grounded in simplicity with its balanced symmetry and calm waters.

Cyberpunk – Hong Kong

Vibe: Cyberpunk mixes high-tech futurism with a gritty, dystopian edge, like towering neon-lit skyscrapers, crowded streets, and a sense of chaotic, tech-filled urban life. The fashion reflects this contrast with futuristic, tech-driven accessories like LED glasses, oversized leather jackets, and sleek, dark clothing.

Why Hong Kong: Hong Kong’s dense cityscape, with its crowded streets and towering skyscrapers, makes it feel like the perfect setting for a cyberpunk story. Bright neon signs, fast-paced urban life, and a blend of old and new create a unique vibe that feels futuristic. Head to Mong Kok for a maze of markets, visit the Sky100 Observation Deck for a breathtaking view of the skyline, and ride the Star Ferry to experience the high-energy pace of the city.

Retro Americana – Route 66, USA

Vibe: Retro Americana embraces the nostalgia of mid-20th century American culture. Think neon signs, classic diners, vintage cars, and leather jackets. It’s a tribute to road trips, jukeboxes, and the golden age of motels and soda fountains.

Why Route 66: The legendary Route 66 is the epitome of Retro Americana! Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, this road trip is packed with vintage diners, old-school motels, and quirky roadside attractions. You’ll find neon-lit signs along the way, old-fashioned gas stations, and plenty of places to stop for a classic burger and milkshake. It’s a nostalgic drive back in time, with classic Americana oozing from every corner.

Related: Let’s Get Lost! 9 Tips for Planning a Fantastic Road Trip

Ethereal / Dreamcore – Santorini, Greece

Vibe: Ethereal or Dreamcore focuses on soft, dream-like visuals. It’s about creating a world that feels otherworldly, often with pastel tones, clouds, flowing fabrics, and a sense of peaceful surrealism. It’s like being in a dream where everything feels light, soft, and just out of reach.

Why Santorini: Santorini’s white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches, and stunning views of the Aegean Sea make it feel like you’ve stepped into a dream. The island’s sunsets are famous for being otherworldly, casting everything in soft pinks and purples. You can explore cliffside villages like Oia, relax at infinity pools with views of the sea, and wander through the narrow, winding streets that seem to belong in a dreamscape.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to the Greece Digital Nomad Visa: Who Qualifies & How to Apply

Boho – Tulum, Mexico

Vibe: Boho (Bohemian) style is relaxed, carefree, and earthy. Think flowy dresses, fringe, beaded jewelry, and woven textiles. It’s a blend of natural materials, vibrant patterns, and an easygoing, creative spirit often seen in yoga retreats, festivals, and eco-conscious living.

Why Tulum: Tulum has a laid-back, boho-chic vibe that fits perfectly with this aesthetic. The beachfront town is dotted with eco-lodges, yoga retreats, and beachside restaurants with hammocks and macramé decor. You can spend your days lounging on soft white sands, practicing yoga by the sea, or exploring ancient Mayan ruins nearby. The whole place feels like a barefoot, boho paradise.

Related: Archaeology Volunteer Vacations: Prehistoric Cave Art, Shipwreck Diving & More

Art Deco – Napier, New Zealand

Vibe: Art Deco is characterized by bold geometric shapes, bright colors, and an overall sense of glamor and modernism from the 1920s and 1930s. The style is sleek, elegant, and symmetrical, with a focus on luxury and sophistication.

Why Napier: After being rebuilt in the 1930s following an earthquake, Napier embraced Art Deco architecture in its recovery. Today, it’s one of the best-preserved examples of the style in the world. Walking through Napier feels like stepping back in time to the roaring twenties, with its sharp lines and vibrant colors. You can tour the architecture, attend the annual Art Deco festival (where everyone dresses in vintage style), and even take a ride in classic cars from the era.

Renaissance / Baroque – Florence, Italy

Vibe: The Renaissance and Baroque periods were all about grand art, intricate detail, and dramatic beauty. These aesthetics focus on rich fabrics, detailed patterns, and a sense of splendor and opulence, often with historical and artistic influences.

Why Florence: Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in this aesthetic. The city’s art and architecture are world-famous, from Michelangelo’s David to the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel. You can visit the Uffizi Gallery, take in the stunning Florence Cathedral, and walk across the Ponte Vecchio, surrounded by history and beauty at every turn.

Related: A Rick Steves Tour to Italy: Florence, Cinque Terre & More

Industrial – Detroit, USA

Vibe: Industrial aesthetics are raw and gritty, with a focus on utilitarian materials like exposed brick, metal, and concrete. It’s all about finding beauty in the unfinished, embracing the mechanical and functional side of design.

Why Detroit: Detroit is the perfect example of industrial rebirth. Once the booming center of the American auto industry, the city went through a massive decline but has recently experienced a creative resurgence. Old factories and warehouses have been transformed into art galleries, restaurants, and creative spaces. You can explore the city’s street art, visit the Motown Museum, or check out some of the old factories that are now buzzing with new life.

Related: 10 Can’t-Miss Midwest Experiences: Rock & Roll, Rollercoasters, Hiking & Adventure

Mid-Century Modern – Palm Springs, USA

Vibe: Mid-Century Modern design is known for its sleek lines, geometric shapes, and functional beauty. The style embraces bold colors, open spaces, and a minimalist approach to decor, all while remaining warm and inviting.

Why Palm Springs: Palm Springs is a haven for lovers of mid-century modern architecture. The city is home to an impressive collection of well-preserved houses and buildings from the 1950s and 60s, with their signature flat roofs, clean lines, and large windows. You can tour iconic homes, visit the Palm Springs Art Museum, or just lounge by the pool at one of the many mid-century modern hotels that keep the vintage charm alive.

Related: 13 Best Scenic Coastal Drives Around the World: Pacific Coast Highway, Great Ocean Road & Beyond

Victorian Gothic – Edinburgh, Scotland

Vibe: Victorian Gothic is all about dark, moody, and dramatic elements. Picture long, flowing gowns, corsets, lace, and a sense of mystery and history. It’s the aesthetic of candle-lit libraries, foggy streets, and haunted mansions.

Why Edinburgh: Edinburgh’s gothic architecture and medieval streets make it the perfect city for anyone into the Victorian Gothic vibe. The city’s towering spires, stone buildings, and cobblestone streets feel straight out of a gothic novel. You can explore Edinburgh Castle, visit the hauntingly beautiful Greyfriars Kirkyard, or take a walk down the Royal Mile in the fog, feeling like you’ve stepped into a different era.

Sci-Fi Futurism – Singapore

Vibe: Sci-Fi Futurism is all about sleek, high-tech design, often with a focus on space-age materials and a utopian or dystopian view of the future. Picture shiny metals, bold architectural designs, and an overall sense of technological advancement.

Why Singapore: Singapore’s skyline is a perfect match for this futuristic aesthetic! With its innovative buildings like the Marina Bay Sands and the Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay, the city feels like it’s from another world. You can explore the hyper-modern cityscape, visit eco-friendly skyscrapers, or take in a light show at the futuristic gardens that feel straight out of a science fiction movie.

Over to you! What’s your dream destination that fits perfectly with your aesthetic? Share your ideas and stories with the Frayed Passport community!

About the Author

As the editor-in-chief of Frayed Passport, my goal is to help you build a lifestyle that lets you travel the world whenever you want and however long you want, and not worry about where your next paycheck will come from. I've been to 20+ countries and five continents, lived for years as a full-time digital nomad, and have worked completely remotely since 2015. If you would like to share your story with our community, or partner with Frayed Passport, get in touch with me at sarah@frayedpassport.com!

Featured image by Courtney Cook on Unsplash