Over 20% of Americans Opting for International Travel This Festive Season

France tops the charts for holidaymakers, with Europe being a key focus. Millions of Americans are swapping their usual holiday traditions for international adventures, with many planning to spend part of the festive season abroad. A recent survey found that 21% of Americans intend to travel internationally between Thanksgiving and New Year. Of these, more than a third (37%) are venturing abroad for the first time. Conducted by luxury travel operator Scott Dunn, the research combined a survey of 2,000 US adults with insights from internal booking data to highlight the emerging travel patterns. Europe leads the way as the most popular destination, with 45% of holiday travellers heading there. France (10%) takes the top spot, followed closely by Italy (8%). Scott Dunn’s internal data reflects a 300% year-on-year surge in bookings for trips to France during the festive period. Other trending destinations include St Barts (+100% YoY), St Lucia (+100% YoY), South Africa (+86% YoY), Morocco (+75% YoY), and Thailand (+30% YoY). The peak period for travel is Christmas week (23rd–27th December), chosen by 23% of those going abroad. This is followed by New Year (22%) and Thanksgiving (21%). The top reason for holiday travel is visiting friends and family (33%), while 31% cited the need to relax and unwind. Trying local cuisines emerged as the most popular activity, with 70% of respondents keen to sample new foods. Relaxing on a beach (32%), exploring cultural or historical sites (28%), and enjoying spa or wellness retreats (24%) were also high on the list. Stephanie McClendon, Sales and Service Manager at Scott Dunn, shared her insights on this trend: “We’ve seen a steady increase in the popularity of vacations being taken between Thanksgiving and New Year over the last few years, suggesting this is a growing trend. “While reasons for travel will vary, our US client bookings data for holiday season vacations this year indicates that those who are going abroad are taking a longer break in locations offering either winter snow (for skiing and so on) or sun. “An extended trip that allows you to see family and friends, as well as explore a dream destination, and soak up sun on the slopes or at the beach, is naturally appealing to many of us. “And while Christmas at home can be very special, it’s also understandable that many may welcome a change of scenery or pace to reset before the New Year, with a trip abroad putting the focus back on relaxing and enjoying the time off work, and less on keeping to a hectic holiday schedule.” For more information, please visit: https://www.scottdunn.com/us/inspiration/travel-trends/reports/2025/winter