'Tis the season for holiday travel planning.
So, where is everyone heading this holiday season?
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The crisp autumn air and changing leaves are a sure sign that the year's busiest travel season is fast approaching, with people everywhere starting to finalize their plans to visit loved ones or get away for a well-deserved break.
The time for planning is now, especially as some destinations are already proving to be more popular than others. According to an analysis of Google Flights data, Brazil's Rio de Janeiro was the most searched-for international destination for the Christmas and New Year's holiday season. This vibrant city, famed for its breathtaking beaches, lush tropical landscapes with more than 300 hiking trails, and rich cultural heritage, is especially appealing to those looking to escape the cold. Its warm, sunny December weather offers a perfect contrast to the winter climates found in many parts of the United States.
Google's findings were based on a significant year-over-year increase in flight searches originating from U.S. airports for travel between December 21 and January 4. It's a clear indicator that many Americans are dreaming of a sunny escape.
Rio wasn't the only warm-weather destination to see a surge in interest. Following closely behind was the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, which came in as the second most popular international destination. It was followed by the ancient, colorful city of Marrakech in Morocco, rounding out the top three.
While the December holiday season is a popular time for international vacations, Thanksgiving is when domestic travel reaches its peak. Last year, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported record-breaking passenger numbers across the country during the Thanksgiving holiday week, a trend expected to be matched or exceeded this year.
The data reveals that mid-sized cities are trending for Thanksgiving travel, with Columbia, South Carolina, leading the way as the top-searched destination. Part of its appeal lies in its charming, tree-lined streets, classic Southern architecture, and renowned regional cuisine. The city of Columbia also offers convenient airport parking at affordable rates, a crucial factor for travelers driving to the airport.
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The second-most popular destination was Bozeman, Montana, a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Located near Yellowstone National Park, Bozeman offers endless opportunities for hiking, skiing, and exploring. The city has recently expanded its offerings with new hotel and lodging options, perfect for travelers seeking a nature-focused getaway. This was followed by Spokane, Washington, a popular choice with its convenient park 'n fly Spokane options, then Detroit, Michigan, with its bustling Detroit Metro parking facilities, and Omaha, Nebraska, completing the top five trending spots.
For those hoping to save money, traveling internationally for Thanksgiving might be a surprising solution. Since most Americans travel within the USA to visit family, the demand for international flights plummets. This creates an interesting dynamic for airlines that still have to fill seats on their overseas routes.
Scott Keyes, the founder of Going.com, once highlighted this phenomenon by saying it's "a feast-time domestically and a famine-time internationally." He explained that to fill planes to places like Paris or Cancún, airlines often slash their fares dramatically. This unique demand pattern provides a fantastic opportunity for flexible travelers to find a deal on a truly unique holiday experience.
With less than two months until Thanksgiving, travel experts suggest that the months of September and October are the ideal time to book holiday travel for less. Historically, this has been the sweet spot for securing affordable fares.
Google's own analysis of flight data supports this, noting that flights for Thanksgiving are typically cheapest when booked around 35 days before departure. For Christmas, the lowest prices are usually found a bit earlier, about 51 days before the scheduled trip. This means mid-October through mid-November is the optimal time to book your Christmas flights.
James Byers, a product manager for Google Search, offers a clear strategy for travelers. "When it comes to planning holiday travel, there are two paths you can take," he said. "If your plans are already locked, like Thanksgiving dinner with extended family, I always say you should book early and make sure you're on the best flight that fits your schedule." He added that those with more flexibility, who simply want to get away in late December, can often save significantly by setting price alerts and waiting for that sweet spot in mid-October through mid-November. If you're looking for the best airport parking reservation rates, you can check out platforms like ParkingNearAirports.io, where you can often secure a spot in advance and save money.
