Sixty percent of travelers will be traveling this winter, both to warm up and to embrace the colder weather, according to Tripadvisor’s Winter Travel Index.
The index was created by data from two key sources: an online Tripadvisor survey with over 6,000 respondents across six countries, plus Tripadvisor site search data.
The Top Winter Travel Trends
Traveler skiing the Julian Alps in Slovenia. (Photo Credit: bajla/Adobe)
Eighty-three percent of travelers are planning at least one to two trips this winter, with 54 percent planning five-day trips or longer. Cost continues to be a major factor in travel planning.
Most travelers are heading back to destinations they’ve already visited this winter, at 66 percent, while 34 percent are heading to new places.
Cultural sightseeing and experiencing nature almost tie as the top travel experiences, at 38 and 37 percent, respectively, followed by shopping and road tripping.
Different age groups also have differing travel desires: 51 percent of Boomers and Gen X travelers say relaxation is a big priority, while only 37 percent of Gen Z travelers want to rest and rejuvenate on their winter trip.
Meanwhile, only 11 percent of Boomers say they want to meet new people while on their trip, as opposed to 24 percent of Gen Z travelers.
The Top Domestic Winter Destinations
People ice skating in Central Park, New York City. (Photo Credit: travnikovstudio/Adobe)
The top destinations around the world that domestic travelers are heading to this winter include New York City, Las Vegas, London and Key West.
Domestic travel has grown this year for New York City, Key West, Hamburg and Anaheim, compared to last year.
The top domestic destinations for U.S. travelers specifically include New York City, Las Vegas, Orlando and Key West.
The Top International Winter Destinations
Double-decker buses pass beneath Christmas lights on Regent Street, London, U.K. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/lazyllama)
The top destinations for international travel include London, Bangkok, Cancun and Paris.
The cities of Prague, Shanghai, Mecca and Nha Trang in Vietnam have all grown in international travel this year, compared to last year.
For American travelers, the most popular international destinations are overwhelmingly warm and tropical: Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Cabo San Lucas in Mexico and Bavaro in the Dominican Republic round out the top four.
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