Winter Travel 2025–2026: Top Destinations and Trends from Tripadvisor

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The Tripadvisor Winter Index shows strengthening winter travel demand: 60% of travelers plan winter trips for the 2025–2026 season, and 45% expect to travel more often than last winter. The study also records a 45% increase in winter bookings and highlights two key demand vectors — cultural routes in major cities and warm-weather resort vacations.

Methodology

The index is based on a survey conducted in partnership with Morning Consult. It includes responses from 6,123 people across six countries — the U.S., the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, India, and France. In addition, Tripadvisor analyzed user search data in the U.S., the U.K., and Japan between August 1 and October 31, 2025, for travel during the 2025–2026 winter season.

Seasonal factors influence the plans of 86% of winter travelers. Respondents prioritize family gatherings, cultural events, and winter traditions, aiming to spend time with loved ones and create meaningful memories. The Winter Travel Index records a strong balance between familiar routes and the search for something new: 66% prefer returning to destinations they’ve visited before, while 34% choose new locations, expanding the geography of winter travel.

Categories

Winter travel is becoming more experience-driven. 93% of respondents consider activities an essential part of their travel budget, and 84% plan their itinerary in advance. Popular categories include cultural tours (38%), nature trips (37%), shopping (31%), and road trips (28%). Some of the most in-demand experiences in the U.S. include the Chicago architecture cruise, historical tours in Salem, a trip to Antelope Canyon, Washington sightseeing tours, luxury driving programs in Las Vegas, and transparent kayak excursions near Shell Key.

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Historical tours highlight the Freedom Trail in Boston and the historic Charleston excursions. Top attractions include the NASA Kennedy Space Center and the Sagrada Família. In the adventure segment, early-morning tours to Chichén Itzá with cenote visits and tequila tastings are increasingly popular, as well as historic pub walks in London.

Age groups show different preferences. Gen Z and Millennials are more activity-oriented — 47% and 48% respectively put experiences at the center of their trips. Among Gen X, the figure is 40%, and among Boomers — 32%. Younger travelers plan more ambitious itineraries: nearly a third intend to visit three or more cities in one trip. Motivations differ as well: Boomers and Gen X prioritize relaxation, while Gen Z focuses on social and memorable experiences.

Timing and spending

Many winter travelers opt for short trips: 83% plan one or two trips for the season, and 54% expect to stay five nights or more. Cost remains the main factor when choosing a destination, but sentiment remains optimistic: 52% are ready to spend more on winter travel than last year. The report highlights a balanced mix of city trips and warm-weather vacations — a combination that will shape winter demand.

Top destinations

Among global domestic travel routes, New York, Las Vegas, London, and Key West lead — cities that traditionally maintain strong winter flows due to their robust infrastructure and extensive leisure offerings.
For international travel, the most popular destinations are London, Bangkok, Cancun, and Paris, reflecting persistent demand for both cultural megacities and warm resort locations.

Photo: Wikimedia

Demand dynamics

Another block of the index tracks destinations with the fastest-growing interest compared to last winter. Leading domestic growth cities include New York, Key West, Hamburg, and Anaheim.
In the international group, accelerated growth is seen in Prague, Shanghai, Mecca, and Nha Trang — destinations strengthening their positions through cultural, pilgrimage, or resort-focused travel formats.

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For U.S. travelers, a separate ranking is provided. Domestic winter trips most often include New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, and Key West. For international travel, preferences shift toward warmer countries: leading destinations include Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cabo San Lucas, and Bavaro — resorts that traditionally anchor winter demand among U.S. travelers.

Photo: Wikimedia

Georgia

Winter tourism in Georgia is also rising in popularity, combining a mild climate, diverse landscapes, and a wide range of travel formats. The country offers comfortable conditions year-round, including city breaks, seaside vacations, ski resorts, and national parks.

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