The Google Top List: This City Is the Hottest Destination at the End of the Year

Fresh data from Google has revealed where people most want to travel during the 2025 winter holidays. The top international destination for the period between December 21 and January 4 is none other than Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The city’s sunny weather, famous beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema, and vibrant cultural life have put it at the top of the list. It’s no surprise that many are looking to escape the cold winter by heading here.

The Google Flights analysis was based primarily on search increases from US airports compared to the previous year.

A Podium of Exotic and Historic Destinations

Behind Rio, the Caribbean island of St. Lucia came in second, attracting tourists with its luxurious resorts and exotic shores. The third spot was taken by Marrakech, Morocco, which is famous for its colourful markets, historic buildings, and unique atmosphere.

Domestic Destinations Are Top for Thanksgiving

While international travel dominates during the Christmas and New Year period, US travellers prefer to stay within the country for Thanksgiving. According to Google, the most popular domestic destination this season is Columbia, South Carolina, followed by Bozeman, Montana, Spokane, Washington, Detroit, Michigan, and Omaha, Nebraska.

When to Book Your Holiday Flights

Experts say the best time to book holiday flights is between September and October. According to Priceline data, the best prices for Christmas flights are typically found 51 days before departure, while for Thanksgiving, it’s about 35 days prior. James Byers, a product manager at Google Search, advises that those with fixed family plans should book as early as possible, while those with flexibility can find great deals as late as mid-November, especially by setting up price alerts.

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