The holiday season is coming, and many people are already planning trips. According to Google Flights, Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro is the No. 1 trending international destination for Christmas and New Year travel in 2025.
Rio is famous for its sunny December weather, stunning beaches, more than 300 hiking trails, and rich culture — making it a favorite for travelers who want warmth during the holidays.
Google’s data looked at flight searches from U.S. airports for travel between Dec. 21 and Jan. 4. After Rio, the Caribbean island St. Lucia was the second most popular, followed by Marrakech in Morocco.
For Thanksgiving travel, the top trending city is Columbia, South Carolina. Travelers are drawn to its charming streets, historic buildings, and southern food. Second on the list is Bozeman, Montana, known for outdoor adventures and its closeness to Yellowstone National Park. Other trending Thanksgiving spots include Spokane (Washington), Detroit (Michigan), and Omaha (Nebraska).
Experts say Thanksgiving is the busiest U.S. travel time, but it’s actually cheaper to go abroad during that period. Airlines often cut prices on international routes to attract travelers.
For the best holiday deals, travel experts recommend booking in September or October. Google also says flights are usually cheapest 35 days before Thanksgiving and 51 days before Christmas.
So whether it’s a sunny escape in Rio or a cozy Thanksgiving in Columbia, now is the right time to book your trip.
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