Tripadvisor Winter Travel Index Reveals Top Destinations for Winter Travel
Monday, November 2nd, 2026
Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel guidance platform, today released initial data from its seasonal Winter Travel Index, revealing the top trending destinations for U.S. travelers during the upcoming winter season.
Top domestic U.S. travel destinations include a mix of cities with notable holiday footprints such as New York and Las Vegas alongside warm-weather spots in Florida and Hawaii. Internationally, hot spots in Mexico, Dominican Republic and Aruba continue to capture travelers' attention as they seek to escape the cold and hit the beach during peak snow season.
The platform data also reveals how destination demand shifts across key holiday travel periods, with travelers flocking to entertainment and cultural hubs like New York City, Las Vegas, and Orlando for Thanksgiving weekend, and opting for coastal and resort getaways like Key West and Honolulu for Christmas and New Year.
"Whether American travelers are heading toward the sun, with Cancun and the Caribbean continuing to dominate, or the holiday magic of cities like New York and Las Vegas, what's clear is that they're not just booking a destination, but looking for something to do when they get there, said Aarushi Kumar, Associate Director of Research and Insights, Tripadvisor Group. "Cultural tours, day trips and outdoor adventures are leading experience bookings on Tripadvisor, while craft classes and spa days are the fastest-growing newcomers. Whatever the vacation and wherever the destination, there's something to do for every traveler."
Winter Travel Index: 2026 Top Winter Destinations
Mexico and the Caribbean continue to dominate American searches, with Cancun maintaining its reign as the #1 international winter destination. Domestically, New York City claims the top spot, with holiday happenings in the city serving as a large draw, while Florida solidifies its status as a premier winter retreat with three destinations in the top 10.
Top 5 Fastest Growing Destinations Based on YoY Growth
Year-over-year search comparisons indicate that American travelers are expanding their horizons toward historic winter wonderlands, Caribbean retreats, and holiday extensions fit for the family. Quebec City, Canada leads international acceleration as travelers embrace authentic cold-weather cultural experiences, while coastal hideaways in the Dominican Republic and British Virgin Islands see surging interest. Domestically, extended family vacation hubs in Florida and California are experiencing the highest rates of year-over-year adoption.
Holiday Travel Trends
Travel patterns indicate significant concentration around the Christmas and New Year holidays, creating distinct peak travel windows alongside high-value shoulder weeks for budget-conscious travelers.
Winter Experience Trends and Activities
Winter travelers are prioritizing curated cultural and outdoor experiences on their vacations. Cultural tours, day trips, and outdoor adventure tours lead the most-booked bookable experiences on Tripadvisor, while hands-on craft classes and wellness activities represent the fastest-growing emerging experience categories.
Top Booked Experiences:
- Cultural Tours & Historic Sights
- Options in top Domestic U.S. Destinations include:
- New York, New York
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Key West, Florida
- Options in top Domestic U.S. Destinations include:
- Day Trips & Excursions
- Options in top Domestic U.S. Destinations include:
- New York, New York
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Key West, Florida
- Options in top Domestic U.S. Destinations include:
- Adventure & Outdoor Tours
- Options in top Domestic U.S. Destinations include:
- New York, New York
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Key West, Florida
- Options in top Domestic U.S. Destinations include:
Top Emerging Experience Types:
- Craft Classes
- Day Spas
- Rentals
- Museums
- City Walking Tours
