According to RateHawk, a large share of US travellers still prefer to celebrate the festive season within the country. New York, Orlando, Miami, Florida, and Hawaii remain the most popular domestic destinations for Christmas trips.
At the same time, outbound travel is gaining momentum. The top 10 international destinations booked for the Christmas holiday period include Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Colombia, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Switzerland and Thailand. The average transaction value for accommodation bookings stands at USD 2,176, with travellers staying an average of four nights.
RateHawk reports particularly strong growth for European destinations, with bookings up 64% year on year, reflecting a broader rise in transatlantic travel throughout the year. Italy and Switzerland continue to attract travellers seeking a festive atmosphere combined with skiing and snowboarding, while major European cities appeal to those focused on cultural experiences. Rome, Milan, London, Paris, Madrid and Barcelona are among the most in-demand urban destinations during the Christmas period.
Commenting on the findings, Ron Fenska, Regional Director of RateHawk in North America, said: “The launch of 60 new air routes from the U.S. to Europe this year has meaningfully expanded connectivity and sparked even greater interest in European travel, especially heading into the holiday season. We’re also seeing a clear shift toward luxury: the share of 5-star hotel bookings has doubled year over year, now reaching 22%. With average transaction values up 10% from the same period last year, it’s a strong signal that travelers are prioritizing elevated experiences – and an important opportunity for travel professionals to expand their premium offerings.”
Beach destinations continue to perform strongly, with travellers opting for seasonal hotspots in Mexico such as Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Playa Mujeres and Puerto Vallarta. In addition, resorts in Brazil, the United Arab Emirates and Colombia have seen increased demand this year.
Asia is also gaining traction for Christmas travel. Japan ranks among the top 10 outbound destinations, aligning with a wider trend of American travellers exploring Asian markets. In December and early January, travellers combine visits to cultural landmarks with winter sports experiences at ski resorts in Hokkaido, Nagano and Niigata.
Concluding, Fenska noted: “RateHawk now provides access to more than 2.9 million accommodations worldwide, including 220,000 directly contracted properties ranging from major hotel brands to boutique independents. With such a broad selection and powerful search filters, agents can quickly match clients with the right options and confidently manage even last-minute requests.”
The findings offer travel trade professionals a clear snapshot of Christmas travel demand, highlighting opportunities across domestic, transatlantic and long-haul markets, as well as the continued shift toward higher-value and experience-driven travel.
Tags: Ron Fenska, RateHawk
