This City Is Google's No. 1 Destination for Christmas and New Year's Travel in 2025

"Brazil's Rio de Janeiro was the top trending international destination for the busy December holiday season around Christmas and New Year's, according to data from Google Flights shared with Travel + Leisure. Renowned for its famous beaches, more than 300 hiking trails, and cultural gems, Rio is popular for its sunny skies throughout the month of December. Google's analysis was based on increases in year-over-year searches for flights between Dec. 21 and Jan. 4 from airports in the Untied States."

"The city of Columbia, South Carolina, was the top trending destination for Thanksgiving travel this year, according to Google. That was thanks in part to its charming tree-lined streets, classic architecture, and famed southern cuisine. Second on the list was Bozeman, Montana. Popular among outdoor enthusiasts for hiking and its proximity to Yellowstone National Park, the city boasts new hotel and lodging options perfect for any traveler. That was followed by Spokane, Washington; Detroit, Michigan; and Omaha, Nebraska rounding out the top five."

December holiday searches spiked for warm international destinations, with Rio de Janeiro ranking highest due to beaches, hiking trails, cultural sites, and sunny December weather. Google's analysis measured year-over-year increases in searches for flights between Dec. 21 and Jan. 4 from U.S. airports. St. Lucia and Marrakech followed as other trending international picks. Thanksgiving travel remained predominantly domestic, producing record-breaking TSA passenger numbers during the holiday period. Columbia, South Carolina topped Thanksgiving travel searches, followed by Bozeman, Montana, Spokane, Washington, Detroit, Michigan, and Omaha, Nebraska. Domestic family visits reduce international demand during Thanksgiving, affecting airline pricing and capacity strategies.

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