This winter, Americans are gifting themselves the joy of travel, with 84 percent confident they’ll embark on domestic and international adventures, according to new data from Allianz Partners, a global leader in travel insurance and assistance services.
Allianz Partners’ annual ranking of top destinations for the winter holiday season reveals the most popular domestic and international destinations for 2025; and a new survey of 2,391 of the insurance company’s customers provides additional insight on travel trends for the holiday rush year.
Year-over-year travel is up 3 percent, signaling continued consumer confidence despite economic headwinds. A 3 percent rise in domestic bookings and a 1 percent uptick in international trips suggest that Americans remain eager to prioritize experiences and connection during the holiday season.
When asked about their main motivation, 67 percent of survey respondents said they are traveling to visit family and friends—reaffirming that connection remains the heartbeat of the holidays. Beyond reunions, travelers are also seeking enrichment: 20 percent cite cultural experiences and another 20 percent highlight holiday traditions as key trip goals, indicating a shift toward travel that feels both meaningful and festive.
Flying remains the go-to choice for holiday travel, with 82 percent of Allianz Partners’ customers planning to take to the skies, followed by 4 percent opting for trains and 3 percent sharing they’ll be driving their own cars and renting cars. This surge in air travel aligns with record airline capacity and travelers’ growing willingness to brave busy airports for a well-deserved getaway.
Americans continue to plan early as 42 percent of survey respondents booked their winter travel one to three months in advance, while 30 percent reserved trips four to six months out. The trend toward earlier bookings points to both strong demand and a desire to lock in favorable fares and flexible protection options amid unpredictable winter weather.
More than half of travelers (52 percent) say they’re “somewhat concerned” about winter weather or delays, yet the high confidence in overall travel plans suggests Americans are willing to plan around potential disruptions rather than avoid them altogether. This reinforces the growing importance of travel protection as travelers look to safeguard their seasonal plans.
“Holiday travel is one of the most memorable, and sometimes unpredictable, times of the year,” said Emily Hartman, general manager at Allianz Partners. “Whether facing weather delays or last-minute cancellations, more Americans are turning to travel insurance to safeguard their plans and ensure their holiday memories stay merry and stress-free.”
While 26 percent expect to spend $1,000 or less on holiday travel, nearly half (44 percent) will invest between $1,000 and $5,000, showing that travelers are prioritizing quality time and comfort—but still managing costs. This blend of restraint and indulgence suggests a more mindful approach to travel spending in 2025, shaped by higher prices and a renewed focus on experiences over excess.
Home for the Holidays
For the fifth consecutive year, New York tops the list of most popular domestic destinations for holiday travelers. New York City’s timeless holiday magic continues to captivate travelers, offering world-famous attractions like the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and holiday markets to the excitement of Times Square as the year comes to a close. Seattle and Orlando follow close behind, each appealing to travelers in distinct ways—from Seattle’s sparkling city lights and mountain views to Orlando’s theme park magic and family-friendly festivities. Rounding out the top five, Phoenix and Salt Lake City give travelers the best of both worlds, with sunny escapes and snow-covered adventures.
The remainder of the Top 10 domestic destinations include Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas, Las Vegas and Atlanta, underscoring the diversity of holiday travel from coast to coast.
Festive Flights Abroad
When it comes to international escapes, Americans are heading for both beaches and big cities. Cancún continues to lead the pack as travelers trade snow for sand, while London charms visitors with its holiday lights, markets, and timeless winter atmosphere. San José del Cabo and Puerto Vallarta remain strong contenders for sunseekers, while Punta Cana rounds out the top five with its tropical warmth and all-inclusive appeal.
Other international favorites include Paris, Liberia, Nassau, Montego Bay and Aruba—destinations that reflect Americans’ desire to blend relaxation with celebration. Whether it’s strolling past the glittering lights of the Champs-Élysées or soaking up the sun on Caribbean shores, travelers are embracing both cultural adventure and warm-weather escape this holiday season.
For more information, visit www.allianztravelinsurance.com.
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