As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, the thought of Thanksgiving might seem a world away, yet there’s no better time to begin plotting your holiday journey. Whether you’re orchestrating a getaway with friends or the little ones are spending the holiday with their respective in-laws, the conversation about where to gather for our annual Thanksgiving feast is sure to surface. And for those in search of inspiration, Google Flights has pinpointed the most sought-after U.S. travel destinations for Thanksgiving this year, with a Southern gem taking the crown: Columbia, South Carolina.
Renowned for its storied downtown, outdoor escapades, cultural museums, and scenic riverfront, Columbia is more than just a city; it’s the state’s capital and a vibrant hub for students of the nearby University of South Carolina. For sports enthusiasts, the chance to partake in a Thanksgiving feast here and then cheer on the Gamecocks in the Palmetto Bowl against Clemson University on the weekend is a dream come true. As this destination is currently trending, it’s likely that many others are considering the same trip.
Google Flights’ online search engine has identified the trending travel hotspots for Thanksgiving by analyzing the most significant increases in searches for trips leaving between November 23rd and 30th from airports across the United States. There’s a noticeable uptick in interest for mid-sized U.S. cities over last year, with Southern cities such as Little Rock, Arkansas, and Knoxville, Tennessee, also capturing the spotlight. Other destinations making the list include:
- Bozeman, Montana
- Spokane, Washington
- Detroit, Michigan
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Panama City, Florida
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Knoxville, Tennessee
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
Looking beyond Thanksgiving, Google has also dissected winter holiday travel trends. If you’re contemplating a sun-soaked escape from the winter chill, the search trends for Christmas and New Year’s trips suggest that travelers are keen on warmer international retreats. The top international destinations for departures from the U.S. between December 21st and January 4th are Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; St. Lucia; Marrakech, Morocco; Tel Aviv, Israel; and Curaçao.
Timing is everything when it comes to holiday travel, and Google Flights has provided a timely update on the optimal booking window. The best deals for holiday travel can be found as early as 51 days prior to departure, so the clock is ticking for securing the best fares.
