Dreaming of a winter getaway? Airbnb just released its 2023 winter and holiday travel trends, and it shows big interest in South America, the Asia-Pacific and the Bahamas.
After prolonged periods of COVID-related lockdowns and travel bans, the platform's list notably includes several spots in Japan. Osaka has emerged as a top destination, likely benefiting from Japan's easing of travel restrictions in October 2022.
U.S. travelers, in particular, are gravitating toward sun-drenched destinations this winter, and domestic travel includes more small-town destinations, according to the Airbnb's data.
Trending Global Destinations
Here are 10 of the trending worldwide destinations for winter and holiday travel, according to Airbnb's searches between January 1 and September 2023.
- Osaka, Japan
- Hong Kong, China
- Quebec City, Canada
- Taipei, Taiwan
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Hanover, Germany
- Wānaka, New Zealand
- São Paulo, Brazil
- Muang Pattaya, Thailand
- Tokyo, Japan
For those taking the whole family out this winter, the top international spots were similar but also included Spain, France and the United Arab Emirates.
Here are 10 of the most globally searched destinations for family Airbnb stays between November 1 and December 31.
- Tokyo, Japan
- Québec City, Canada
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- São Paulo, Brazil
- Puerto del Carmen, Spain
- La Crucecita, Mexico
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Tignes, France
- Nassau, the Bahamas
Americans, meanwhile, are looking for warm global getaways, including El Salvador, Brazil, Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.
Domestic Travel
Smaller U.S. cities are gaining traction this winter, including Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Gainesville, Florida, according to Airbnb, reflecting a shift from traditional urban centers.
Here's are U.S. locations with the highest growth in searches for the 2023 winter season, according to the website.
- Fairbanks, Alaska
- Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- Gilbert, Arizona
- Bentonville, Arkkanas
- Universal City, Califonria
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- New Haven, Connecticut
- Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
- Gainesville, Florida
- Dahlonega, Georgia
- Lihue, Hawaii
- Boise, Idaho
- Galena, Illinois
- Bloomington, Indiana
- Des Moines, Iowa
- Kansas City, Kansas
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Salem, Maine
- Bar Harbor, Majne
- Ocean City, Maryland
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Saint Paul, Minnesota
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Starkville, Mississippi
- Big Sky, Montana
- Greensboro, North Carolina
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Lincoln, New Hamphsire
- Ruidoso, New Mexico
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Jersey City, New Jersey
- Syracuse, New York
- Fargo, North Dakota
- Cincinnati, Ohio
- Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Leavenworth, Washington
- Eugene, Oregon
- State College, Pennsylvania
- Providence, Rhode Island
- Columbia, South Carolina
- Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- Knoxville, Tennessee
- Arlington, Texas
- Brian Head, Utah
- Ludlow, Vermont
- Hampton, Virgina
- Snowshoe, West Virginia
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Teton Village, Wyoming
If you're traveling across the U.S., time is ticking to score the best deals on holiday travel. For the best deals on Thanksgiving and Christmas trips, travel-booking site Hopper experts say to book by October 14.
Hopper's lead economist, Hayley Berg, told Newsweek that Thanksgiving flights are down 14 percent and Christmas prices are down 12 percent from last year.
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, click here.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Alex is a Newsweek editor based in New York City. She previously worked as a TV news anchor, reporter and ... Read more
