Travel Outlook
Ready to plan your winter escapes?
According to Expedia’s Winter Travel Outlook, travelers are swapping cultural capitals for beach escapes as demand for tropical destinations surges in Cancun and Punta Cana, while Japan’s hot streak cools. For those seeking warmth without the beach, Malta (+115%) shines as a Mediterranean wildcard with mild weather and festive celebrations.
Trending Domestic Destinations
Explore trending U.S. destinations this winter, from snowy ski escapes in Montana and Colorado to charming coastal towns and sunny Florida beaches. These spots are seeing the biggest surge in traveler interest.
Popular Domestic Destinations
Discover popular U.S. escapes this winter, from iconic city breaks such as New York and Chicago to sunny beach spots such as Orlando and Miami. Whether you’re planning festive fun or a warm-weather getaway, these destinations are ranking high on the popular winter travel list.
Trending International Destinations
From Hong Kong’s vibrant cityscape to Revelstoke’s legendary powder and Malta’s Mediterranean charm, travelers are chasing new adventures beyond the usual favorites. These trending destinations reflect a growing appetite for unique experiences, seasonal festivities, and great value this winter.
Your next Mediterranean adventure
Malta is your ultimate destination. Immerse yourself in Mediterranean magic and endless adventures.
Your next Mediterranean adventure
Malta is your ultimate destination. Immerse yourself in Mediterranean magic and endless adventures.
Popular International Destinations
While Japan’s momentum is slowing, Caribbean favorites like Aruba and Punta Cana are booming, and Mexico is basking in the limelight with hot spots such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Cabo San Lucas dominating the Top 10. Travelers are embracing the “fly-and-flop” mentality, chasing sun-soaked escapes over cultural capitals this winter.
Travel Tips for More Savings
- Search for flight deals: Take advantage of tools that help you identify deals from your home airport, such as Expedia’s Flight Deals, which will show fares that are at least 20% cheaper than the typical estimated price.
- Save with price alerts: Expedia members can receive notifications when airline prices drop by using tools such as Price Tracking on the app.
- Bundle and Save: Travelers can save hundreds, on average, when reserving their hotel and flight at the same time on Expedia.
- Price Drop Protection: Use Expedia’s Price Drop Protection, which provides a refund if the flight fare decreases on Expedia after booking. Available for purchase.
Featured Destination
Key Takeaways
- Malta is stealing the spotlight this winter with searches up 115%. Travelers are drawn to its mild climate, historic architecture, and Carnival festivities in Valletta.
- Winter sports destinations are booming, with Sondrio in Italy and Alpine resorts like Ischgl seeing triple-digit growth as travelers plan early for snowy adventures.
- Seven of the top 10 international destinations are beach getaways, including Cancun, Punta Cana, and Aruba—proof that many Americans are skipping the snow for tropical warmth.
- International travelers will find the cheapest fares on December 31, just in time to ring in the New Year, and on January 19. Domestic flyers should aim for December 4 and 5.
- For the best hotel rates, book domestic stays on December 7 and 8 or international stays on December 1 and 10—perfect timing for a budget-friendly winter getaway.