In August, Google launched a Google Flights feature called "Travel Trends," which allows users to easily search for the best travel deals and trends across multiple vacation periods based on the location of their choice. (I.e.: If they want to know the most popular destinations people in the U.S. travel to during a specific holiday season, all they have to do is select those parameters in the tool.) Since the December holidays are just around the corner, it’s worth checking out Google Tools, 2019 The five most popular vacation destinations for Americans in December.
While you might think that the most popular destinations during the holidays are those where you can ski, build snowmen, and have some holiday fun, you might be surprised to learn that, at least for U.S. travelers booking a December holiday trip, the top attractions Very exotic and summery actually.
For December's hottest vacation spots, you'll need a swimsuit instead of a woolen scarf. It turns out holidaymakers this year aren't looking for a winter wonderland, but a tan and a cocktail with a giant piece of fruit embedded in the glass. After all, January, February and even March offer opportunities for snowball fights, hot drinks and winter sports. With early October already feeling the chill, it's no wonder vacation travelers are looking for a place that won't remind them of home. Get ready, here are the five places your friends are posting the most on Instagram this holiday season:
1. Papeete
Papeete is located on the island of Tahiti and is the capital of French Polynesia. Read: Papeete is an exotic wonderland close to historical sights, parks and endless markets. Despite its distance from the United States, it remains the number one popular winter vacation destination, proving that Americans are willing to endure the grueling flight time if the scenery is worth it. If you fly American Airlines from New York City to Papeete from Monday, December 23 to Saturday, December 28, it will cost $1,687 and take nearly 17 hours to arrive and connect. Are you surprised so many people booked this trip? identical.
2. Grand Cayman
In second place is the largest island in the Cayman Islands. Grand Cayman is a British territory and looks like what you would imagine a Pirates of the Caribbean filming location to be. The water is turquoise, the beaches are varied – natural or smooth – and it’s easy to spot dolphins or shipwrecks during a day of snorkeling. In December, temperatures remain in the upper 70s and the rainy season is over, so beach days are plentiful. Flights from Chicago via American Airlines from Tuesday, December 24 to Sunday, December 28, take just over 6 hours (including stops) and cost $596 round-trip to the island.
3. Aruba
Aruba is an island of joy. This is literally their motto and it is true. The water on this friendly island is so warm it feels like a bathtub. The Dutch island receives visitors from all over the world, many of whom are likely to be Americans this year, and it ranks third on the list of fashion hotspots. A three-hour nonstop flight departing Miami on Wednesday, December 12 and returning on Sunday, December 15 is just $308.
4. Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is one of the most geologically diverse locations on the list of holiday season hotspots. Caribbean islands have both jagged and green mountains. There are rugged volcanic beaches and silky white sand beaches. It's popular year-round, but the weather is most ideal in December. American Airlines flights from Tampa, Florida, Monday, December 23, through Sunday, December 29, are $905. This flight (like most flights to St. Lucia) requires a connection, so your total travel time will be over 16 hours.
5. Belize City
Belize City is a port city in Belize (located in Central America). While its name may suggest tall buildings and concrete, this port city is quaint and humble, with only low-slung markets and shops. Temperatures in December are around 80 degrees and the rainy season begins to taper off. United Airlines flights from Houston, Texas to Belize City from Tuesday, December 24 to Sunday, December 29 are $645. The flight is a direct flight with an estimated departure time of approximately two and a half hours.
