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Google Flights Reveals 2025 Holiday Travel Trends — Here’s How You Can Save

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Juan Ruiz
Updated: 
Edited by: Ryan Smith
Google Flights Reveals 2025 Holiday Travel Trends — Here’s How You Can Save
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Google Flights has just released its latest holiday travel insights, offering a glimpse into the most sought-after destinations for Thanksgiving and Christmas 2025.

Additionally, the platform provides valuable information on the optimal times to book flights and strategies to save money during the peak travel season.

Let’s go over what you need to know.

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The Hottest Holiday Travel Destinations for 2025

Whether you’re staying stateside or heading abroad, according to Google Flights, these destinations are trending for the 2025 holidays.

This year, mid-sized cities are gaining popularity among Thanksgiving travelers. According to Google Flights, the top 5 trending domestic destinations for Thanksgiving 2025 are:

  • Columbia, South Carolina
  • Bozeman, Montana
  • Spokane, Washington
  • Detroit, Michigan
  • Omaha, Nebraska

These cities offer unique attractions and experiences, making them appealing alternatives to traditional holiday hotspots.

For those looking to spend the holidays abroad, travelers are opting for destinations with warmer climates and vibrant cultures. The top 5 international destinations for Christmas and New Year’s Eve 2025, as per Google Flights, are:

  • Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  • St. Lucia
  • Marrakech, Morocco
  • Tel Aviv, Israel
  • Curaçao

Additionally, the 5 other destinations rounding out the list — Belize, Aruba, Barbados, Punta Cana, and the Cayman Islands — show that travelers have a strong desire for a tropical getaway and warm climate.

Trending Christmas NYE Destinations 2025
Image Credit: Google

These locations offer festive celebrations, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural experiences, making them ideal choices for holiday travelers seeking something different.

» Related: The Best Ways To Fly to the Caribbean With Points and Miles

Booking Insights and Money-Saving Tips for 2025

Google Flights’ latest data reveals the best strategies for booking holiday travel in 2025.

For Thanksgiving, fares tend to be lowest when booked about 35 days in advance, slightly earlier than the 45-day window recommended last year. Christmas and New Year’s Eve trips typically offer the best deals 51 days ahead, down from 58 days in 2024.

2 men reviewing laptop
Beat the holiday rush—book 35–51 days in advance and save on airfare for Thanksgiving and December holiday trips. Image Credit: Vorda Berge via Adobe Stock

Day-of-week booking patterns show only minor differences: Tuesday has historically been the cheapest day to book, but it is only 1.3% less expensive than Sunday. Greater savings are found by traveling Monday through Wednesday, which can be roughly 13% cheaper than weekend departures.

While not as optimal for many travelers, flights with layovers remain another effective way to save over nonstop options. On average, travelers can pay about 22% less than nonstop fares by allowing for 1 or more connections. Flexible date searches and fare alerts further increase the chances of finding the lowest-priced options.

Hot Tip:

Use flexible travel rewards programs like American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards that allow you to book flights with points instead of relying on convoluted connections. By focusing on airlines or partners with strong route networks from your home airport, you can maximize award value, minimize travel time, and avoid unnecessary connections — all while saving cash on flights.

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Final Thoughts

Planning ahead is your best friend when it comes to holiday travel. This Google Flights study reveals that travelers are increasingly seeking outdoor destinations, with many prioritizing warm weather and nature-focused experiences.

From choosing trending spots to booking within the optimal window, a little strategy goes a long way in saving money and avoiding stress. Use points and miles wisely, aim for direct flights when possible, and stay flexible with dates to maximize value. With these tips, you can enjoy a smoother, more affordable holiday season — and spend more time making memories.

Featured Image Credit: Ryan Smith
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About Juan Ruiz

Juan is a leading expert in credit cards, loyalty programs, and airlines and hotels, with over a decade of experience helping readers and clients maximize points, miles, and travel value. His insights have appeared in prestigious outlets including USA Today, Travel & Leisure, CNN Underscored, Forbes, and The Points Guy, where he’s known for making complex travel strategies accessible and actionable. As the founder of JetBetter, Juan turns the complex world of points and miles into effortless, high-value travel, guiding clients through award redemptions, uncovering maximum value, and delivering stress-free, expertly planned trips that both travelers and industry insiders rely on.

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