Travelling during the Christmas and New Year period can come with significantly higher flight and hotel costs. However, those willing to adjust their schedules may be able to save money by travelling outside the busiest holiday dates.
According to Expedia, early December and February offer some of the best opportunities for lower-cost winter trips. The company’s Winter Travel Outlook identifies the cheapest and most expensive dates for international flights and hotel stays, as well as the destinations attracting the most interest.
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The findings are based on flight and accommodation searches conducted between July and October 2026, compared with searches during the same period in 2025.
When To Book A Winter Trip For Less
Christmas and New Year remain among the busiest periods for international travel, but shifting departure dates could make a noticeable difference to costs.
December 4 and February 18 are the cheapest dates for international flights, according to Expedia. By contrast, December 16 and 19 are the most expensive, while December 18 and 19 are expected to see the highest airport traffic.
Hotel prices follow a different pattern. International accommodation is expected to be busiest on December 4 and 27. Travellers looking for more affordable stays may want to consider January 7 or 13, while December 26 and February 13 are forecast to be the most expensive dates.
“The period around Christmas and New Year’s is naturally one of the busiest times to travel, but for those with flexibility, going away in early December and in February could offer significant savings on flights,” said Melanie Fish, Expedia travel expert and spokesperson.
Paris, New York And Amsterdam Lead Winter Searches
Expedia’s search data points to two major trends shaping winter travel: demand for warmer destinations and interest in seasonal experiences, including snowy landscapes, Christmas markets and winter city breaks.
Paris, New York and Amsterdam are the most-searched destinations, followed by Bangkok and Tenerife. Dubai, Tokyo, the Canary Islands, Barbados and Prague complete the top 10.
Emerging Winter Destinations Gaining Popularity
Search interest is also growing in destinations beyond the traditional winter favourites. Exuma in The Bahamas recorded the largest increase, with searches rising 115% year on year.
Several cooler-weather destinations are also attracting more attention. Searches for Quebec City increased by 75%, while Malmö in Sweden recorded a 45% rise. Interest in Hakone, Japan, known for its hot springs and mountain scenery, grew by 40%, matching the increase for Curaçao in the Caribbean.
Among destinations offering warmer weather, Phu Quoc in Vietnam and Martinique both recorded a 30% increase in searches. Ocho Rios in Jamaica saw a 20% rise.
Demand is also growing for festive winter breaks in Europe. Searches for Zakopane in Poland, near the Slovakian border, and Turin in Italy were both up 20% compared with last year.
“From Caribbean sunshine to Christmas markets in Poland and Sweden, people are choosing trips that help them enjoy the season rather than simply enduring it,” Fish said.
