Australia has emerged alongside Switzerland, Qatar, Poland, the Philippines, Morocco, South Africa, Spain, and India as one of the most sought-after destinations this travel season. This surge is driven by winter travelers seeking affordable escapes, rich cultural immersion, and meaningful adventure experiences. As rising living costs reshape travel decisions, these countries are attracting visitors with competitive prices, expanding air connectivity, unique landscapes, and authentic local encounters.
From snow adventures in Europe and desert retreats in the Middle East to tropical coastlines in Asia and wildlife expeditions in Africa, global travelers are increasingly choosing destinations that combine affordability with memorable experiences. This places these nine nations at the forefront of international tourism momentum.
Winter Travel Trends and Insights
As the countdown to a new year begins, travel enthusiasm is on the rise once again. While many have already begun mapping out journeys for 2026, thousands of travelers are seizing the final weeks of 2025 to enjoy one last trip before stepping into the new year. The holiday season has evolved into more than just a festivity at home—it has become a global migration period for travelers seeking either sunshine escapes, cultural discovery, or meaningful ways to celebrate Christmas and New Year abroad.
A leading international travel search platform has revealed new insights based on global flight searches scheduled between December 20 and January 2. The findings highlight this year’s top trending holiday destinations, and one thing is clear: a large portion of travelers are chasing warmer climates to escape winter temperatures. From Asian megacities to African coastlines and Middle Eastern skylines, festive wanderers are prioritizing sunshine, cultural vibrancy, and outdoor experiences.
Top Destinations for Festive Travel
Manila Dominates Festive Travel Demand
Manila in the Philippines has emerged as the most sought-after destination for the 2025 Christmas and New Year period. Search interest has seen a dramatic rise, reflecting a growing fascination with Southeast Asia’s culture-rich yet budget-friendly destinations. Manila is known for its lively spirit, glowing Christmas decorations, colorful street festivities, and food culture that draws visitors from around the world. Beyond the city itself, its location makes it a gateway for island-hopping adventures, with easy connections to sandy retreats and tropical getaways—ideal for travelers looking to celebrate the holidays near the sea.
Islamabad Attracts Nature-Focused Travelers
Taking second place on the global list is Islamabad, Pakistan’s modern and meticulously designed capital. Nestled at the foot of green hills, the city offers a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking winter travel without extreme cold. With its expansive scenic routes, clean layout, open spaces, and surrounding natural wonders, Islamabad appeals to visitors who prefer calm surroundings over crowded city centers. It combines modern amenities with mountain views and nature trails, making it a perfect option for travelers who want to recharge at the end of the year.
Marrakech Delivers Exotic Winter Warmth
Ranking third is Marrakech, Morocco’s desert jewel. With balmy December weather and sensory-rich experiences, the city continues to dominate winter escapes. Marrakech enchants travelers with its traditional souks, maze-like alleys, ornate palaces, and rooftop dining overlooking ancient districts. The destination blends traditional culture with modern hospitality, making it equally attractive to luxury travelers and adventurers. Its global popularity during the festive season comes as no surprise, given its easy access from Europe and reputation as a year-round sunshine destination.
Warm Weather Destinations Continue to Lead
The remainder of the trending list showcases destinations ideal for travelers who prefer summer heat during the festive season. Cape Town, South Africa, a city famous for its spectacular coastal highways and mountain views, secures the fourth position. December marks peak summer in South Africa, making Cape Town a hotspot for beach lovers and adventure seekers. From vineyard tours to penguin-dotted beaches, the city offers a diverse range of holiday activities.
In fifth place is Granadilla in Spain’s Canary Islands—a destination celebrated for dependable sunshine, volcanic terrain, mild ocean breezes, and laid-back island life. Meanwhile, Mumbai in India continues to appeal to culture-driven travelers who enjoy colorful street celebrations and vibrant nightlife during the festive period. Doha in Qatar pairs cutting-edge architecture with cultural heritage, while Sydney in Australia remains a global icon for New Year festivities thanks to its famous waterfront fireworks spectacular.
A Winter Wonderland Alternative
While tropical destinations dominate this year’s festive travel map, two cities stand out for embracing the magic of winter rather than escaping it. Geneva in Switzerland and Krakow in Poland round out the top ten. These cities transform into enchanting winter escapes with sparkling Christmas lights, festive markets, and snow-covered scenery. Geneva attracts luxury travelers with its lakeside charm and alpine atmosphere, while Krakow offers a more historic and nostalgic European holiday experience.
Top Trending Holiday Travel Destinations 2025:
- Manila, Philippines
- Islamabad, Pakistan
- Marrakech, Morocco
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Granadilla, Spain
- Mumbai, India
- Doha, Qatar
- Sydney, Australia
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Krakow, Poland
The announcement comes as countries continue to recover from the pandemic’s impact on international travel. The move represents a significant shift in traveler preferences, focusing on experiences that offer both cultural richness and economic value. As the global tourism landscape evolves, these destinations are poised to remain at the forefront of travel trends, offering diverse experiences that cater to a wide range of interests and budgets.
