Are you planning a getaway this holiday season? Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy Thanksgiving escape or a sun-soaked Christmas vacation, Google Flights’ latest data has some exciting insights to help you decide where to go—and how to save along the way.
Trending Destinations for Thanksgiving Travel
If you’re staying domestic this year, mid-sized U.S. cities are seeing a surge in popularity. Compared to 2024, these destinations are attracting more searches from travelers looking to enjoy the holiday season in less crowded spots. Here are the top five trending Thanksgiving destinations according to Google Flights data:
- Columbia, SC
- Bozeman, MT
- Spokane, WA
- Detroit, MI
- Omaha, NE
These cities offer a mix of charm, accessibility and festive local traditions, making them perfect for a Thanksgiving getaway. I’ve been to three out of the five destinations but never for the holidays so I’m curious if any readers have and if they agree or disagree these cities are worthy.
Trending Destinations for Christmas & New Year’s
Trending Destinations for Christmas & New Year’sLooking to escape the cold? This year’s international trends show travelers are favoring warmer destinations for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. If your idea of a holiday involves palm trees instead of pine trees, consider these top five spots:
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- St. Lucia
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Tel Aviv, Israel
- Curaçao
From sun-soaked beaches to vibrant cultural experiences, these destinations promise a memorable holiday season. I’ve been to all of these destinations and I’m a bit surprised Tel Aviv made the list because of what’s going on there.
Flight Booking Insights: How to Save
Planning ahead can make a big difference in your travel budget. Google Flights analyzed four years of travel data and uncovered some key tips for 2025:
Thanksgiving trips: Prices are typically lowest 35 days before departure, compared to 45 days in 2024.
Christmas/NYE trips: Prices tend to hit their lowest 51 days before departure, down from 58 days last year.
Day-of-week pricing: Booking on Tuesday may be slightly cheaper than Sunday, but the difference is minimal—about 1.3%.
Best travel days: Flying Monday through Wednesday is still around 13% cheaper than weekend flights.
Layovers save money: Choosing a flight with a layover can save you approximately 22% compared to nonstop flights.
The most important part of Google Flights’ data are that prices are typically lowest 35 days before departure for Thanksgiving trips, compared to 45 days in 2024. And prices tend to hit their lowest 51 days before departure for Christmas/NYE trips, down from 58 days last year.