Google Flights Identifies Top Holiday Destination for 2025

Google Flights’ latest data reveals Rio de Janeiro as the No. 1 trending international destination for the 2025 holiday season, measured by year-over-year increases in flight searches between December 21 and January 4. The Brazilian city’s appeal lies in its sunny December weather, iconic beaches, vibrant culture, and numerous hiking trails.

Behind Rio, St. Lucia and Marrakech round out the top three, reflecting travelers’ preference for warm, exotic getaways. On the domestic front (U.S. travel), Columbia, South Carolina topped Thanksgiving searches, followed by Bozeman (Montana), Spokane (Washington), Detroit (Michigan), and Omaha (Nebraska).

Google also advises that for Christmas and holiday travel, the optimal booking window is about 51 days ahead, while for Thanksgiving, fares tend to be cheapest around 35 days before departure.

Source: travelandleisure.com