2024 Winter Travel Trends

According to Tripadvisor’s latest Winter Travel Index, winter travel trends for 2024 reveal a rise in Americans planning seasonal getaways.

Over half of Americans (57%) are gearing up for travel this winter, with nearly all (96%) intending to travel as much or even more than last year.

Data from Tripadvisor highlights how travelers increasingly see winter as the ideal season to combine festive celebrations with longer vacations.

Top Destinations in Winter Travel Trends 2024

The Winter Travel Index names New York City as the most popular domestic destination for U.S. travelers, while Cancun ranks first for international trips. Other popular winter getaways include Punta Cana, Cabo San Lucas, Playa del Carmen, and Paris. On the U.S. list, travelers are also choosing Las Vegas, Orlando, Honolulu, and Key West, Florida. These choices reflect a preference for destinations that offer both cultural experiences and scenic winter settings, with Cancun’s beaches and New York’s winter festivities leading the way.

Seasonal Celebrations Dominate Winter Travel Trends 2024

One of the biggest winter travel trends for 2024 is travelers’ focus on seasonal celebrations and holiday events.

An impressive 91% of travelers are planning trips around winter festivals, holiday markets, and cultural festivities. Average trip lengths range from 3 to 7 nights, as many seek a deeper connection to the season’s festive atmosphere. With family gatherings and local traditions to explore, travelers are eager to make the most of the winter months.

Tripadvisor's Winter Travel Index also spotlights the most traveled winter destinations for 2024, Cancun as the top choice for US travelers wandering abroad.

"Our latest Winter Travel Index shows that the vast majority of people (85%) are flexible when selecting their destination this season. This reflects that people are taking the opportunity to turn travel into a vacation this period and not just use the time off to see family," said Hilary Fischer-Groban, Senior Director of Global Brand & Insights at Tripadvisor. "As well as taking time to celebrate with their nearest and dearest, there is certainly an appetite to experience new and exciting places this winter."

A Primary Vacation Season: A New Winter Travel Trend in 2024

With school breaks and workplace closures aligning over the winter holidays, winter travel trends for 2024 show that this season is emerging as the primary vacation period. Many are choosing winter as the ideal time to embark on extended vacations. Over a quarter of travelers (28%) plan to visit multiple cities in one trip, taking advantage of this unique time for longer, more explorative vacations. This trend highlights a shift in travel patterns, with Americans viewing winter as more than just time for family visits.

Budget Priorities Reflect Experience-Based Winter Travel Trends 2024

Even with economic concerns, winter travel trends for 2024 show travel remains a top priority. About 93% of travelers plan to either match or increase their travel budgets this winter. More than half (53%) are prepared to spend more than last year, treating travel as a “non-negotiable expense.” Additionally, experience-based travel continues to rise, as 85% of travelers consider unique activities and experiences essential to their trips. This trend shows a clear interest in creating memorable moments that go beyond traditional sightseeing.

Data Behind Winter Travel Trends 2024: Insights from Tripadvisor

The Winter Travel Index, which details winter travel trends for 2024, is based on Tripadvisor’s Consumer Confidence Survey conducted with Qualtrics and Tripadvisor’s travel data. The survey, which included responses from over 4,850 travelers, provides a clear picture of the motivations driving this season’s travelers.

Winter Travel Trends 2024: Airport Insights for Cancun and Tulum

While Cancun holds the top international spot, recent trends in airport arrivals highlight shifting travel patterns. REPORTUR.mx reported a decline in international arrivals at Cancun Airport this past August, with July seeing a 13.8% reduction in arrivals compared to the previous year. However, the new Tulum Airport has gained momentum, handling over 210,000 international passengers in the first half of the year.

Why Tim's Ocean Condos Is the Perfect Choice for Winter Travel in 2024

As winter travel trends shift toward more extended vacations and family gatherings, Tim's Ocean Condos offers an ideal choice for travelers seeking a memorable holiday escape.

Located just 15 minutes from Cancun Airport, Tim's Ocean Condos provides easy access for U.S. travelers eager to start their vacation quickly.

With spacious, beautifully furnished penthouses, we can accommodate large families or groups, ensuring plenty of room for everyone to relax and enjoy.

Our beachside setting offers the perfect blend of festive cheer and tropical warmth, making Tim’s Ocean Condos an excellent winter travel destination for families looking to create lasting holiday memories.