Travellers Split Between Chasing Caribbean Sun and Festive European Breaks 

• Winter sun destinations in The Bahamas, Curaçao, Jamaica and Vietnam are seeing a surge in demand, while travellers are also flocking to Quebec, Malmo, Zakopane, Oxford and Harrogate for festive breaks and winter charm 

• The best-value international fares fall on 4 December and 18 February

Expedia’s® Winter Travel Outlook reveals that Brits are taking one of two approaches to winter travel this year: swapping the UK’s colder months for tropical sunshine or fully embracing the festive season with Christmas market breaks and winter escapes.   

While perennial favourites including Paris, New York and Amsterdam continue to lead overall search demand, the fastest-growing destinations tell a different story.  

On one side, Brits are flocking to winter sun destinations, with Exuma, The Bahamas (+115%), Curaçao (+40%), Phu Quoc, Vietnam (+30%), Martinique (+30%) and Ocho Rios, Jamaica (+20%) all experiencing growing demand as Brits swap grey skies for warmer climates. On the other, they are embracing winter in destinations known for snowy scenery, festive traditions and seasonal charm, with Quebec City, Canada (+75%), Malmo, Sweden (+45%), Zakopane, Poland (+20%) and Turin, Italy (+20%) all seeing increased interest. 

“Winter is becoming a season of extremes. Brits are either escaping the cold entirely for tropical beaches or seeking out destinations that embrace winter best. 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,” said Melanie Fish, travel expert and spokesperson for Expedia. “The period around Christmas and New Years 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.” 

The appetite for festive travel is happening at home, too. Cardiff (+45%), Oxford (+35%) and Harrogate (+30%) are seeing growing demand as people seek Christmas markets, winter events and seasonal charm without leaving the UK. Oxford’s proximity to one of the country’s best-known Christmas shopping outlets makes it a convenient base for a festive weekend break. Meanwhile, the Cotswolds (+30%) and Torquay (+20%) are attracting those in search of slower-paced countryside and coastal escapes during the colder months. 

When is the best time to travel this winter?  

• The cheapest days to fly internationally: 4 December and 18 February 

• The cheapest days to fly domestically: 4 and 7 February  

• The most expensive days to fly internationally: 16 and 19 December 

• The most expensive days to fly domestically: 3 and 13 January 

• The busiest days to fly internationally: 18 and 19 December 

• The busiest days to fly domestically: 2 and 3 January 

 
What are the best dates to stay in a hotel or a holiday home this winter?² 

• The cheapest days to stay internationally: 7 and 13 January  

• The cheapest days to stay domestically: 10 and 18 January 

• The most expensive days to stay internationally: 26 December and 13 February  

• The most expensive days to stay domestically: 10 December and 1 February 

• The busiest days to stay internationally: 4 and 27 December  

• The busiest days to stay domestically: 4 and 11 December 

Where are Brits travelling to this winter and why?  

• Winter sun seekers head further afield: Brits are looking beyond traditional winter sun favourites and towards long-haul tropical escapes. Exuma, in The Bahamas (+115%) tops this year’s list of trending destinations, while Curaçao (+40%), Phu Quoc, Vietnam (+30%), Martinique (+30%) and Ocho Rios, Jamaica (+20%) are all seeing growing interest. These destinations offer the opportunity to swap grey skies for sunshine, beaches and outdoor activities. 

• Christmas markets and festive charm draw travellers across Europe: Those looking to embrace the season are increasingly drawn to destinations renowned for their festive atmosphere. Malmo, Sweden (+45%) is gaining popularity thanks to its cosy Scandinavian charm and Christmas celebrations, while Turin (+20%) offers festive markets with views of the Alps. Zakopane (+20%), known as Poland’s winter capital, is also attracting visitors with its traditional Christmas markets, mountain scenery and winter activities. 

• Unique winter experiences remain in demand: Beyond sunshine and festive markets, Brits are also seeking distinctive seasonal experiences. Quebec City (+75%) is emerging as a popular choice thanks to its fairytale winter scenery and European character, while Hakone, Japan (+40%) attracts travellers looking to relax in its hot springs amid mountainous landscapes and Japanese culture during the winter season. 

What are the most popular international winter destinations? ¹ 

1. Paris 

2. New York 

3. Amsterdam 

4. Bangkok 

5. Tenerife 

6. Dubai 

7. Tokyo 

8. Canary Islands  

9. Barbados 

10. Prague 

What are the trending international destinations this winter? ¹ 

1. Exuma, The Bahamas (+115%)  

2. Quebec City, Canada (+75%)  

3. Malmo, Sweden (+45%)  

4. Hakone, Japan (40%) 

5. Curaçao (+40%)  

6. Phu Quoc, Vietnam (+30%)  

7. Martinique (+30%)  

8. Zakopane, Poland (+20%)  

9. Ocho Rios, Jamaica (+20%)  

10. Turin, Italy (+20%) 

What are the most popular UK destinations this winter?¹ 

1. London 

2. Edinburgh 

3. Manchester 

4. York 

5. Liverpool 

What UK destinations are trending this winter?¹ 

1. Cardiff (45%) 

2. Oxford (35%) 

3. Harrogate (30%) 

4. Cotswolds (30%) 

5. Torquay (20%) 

How can you save on travel? These are the latest winter travel tips: 

• If you’re flexible, time your departure just right: International flights are cheapest on 4 December and 18 February, while fares peak on 16 and 19 December. 

• Search for Flight Deals: Use Expedia’s Flight Deals, which will show fares that are at least 20% lower than typical predicted prices.* The new map discovery experience makes it easier for travellers to discover the best deals. 

• Save with Price Alerts: Expedia One Key members can receive notifications when airline prices drop by using tools such as Price Tracking on the app. 

• Buy More & Save: With flights, hotels, car hire and activities available in one place, Expedia holiday packages can help save money compared with booking travel components separately.** 

• VIP Access: Members of Expedia’s loyalty programme, One Key, who select a VIP Access property (one that provides consistently exceptional service and high-quality standards) may get a variety of benefits, like savings, free in-stay perks and upgrades. 

• One Key Members: Expedia One Key members save 10% or more on over 500,000 stays worldwide with Member Prices. ³ 

Note to editors 

* Predictions are estimates based on past searches made on or by Expedia. See site for details. 
** Savings vary and are not available on all packages. Savings are compared with the price of the same components booked separately. 

Data methodology 

¹ The trending and popular destinations are based on lodging searches made on Expedia.co.uk between 20 July and 19 October 2026 for travel between 1 December 2026 and 28 February 2027, compared to the same period in 2025 

² The best times to stay and fly, are based on flight searches made on Expedia.co.uk between 20 July and 19 October 2026 for travel between 1 December 2026 and 28 February 2027 compared to the same period in 2025.  

³ Excludes taxes and fees.