Though Thanksgiving might seem like a distant celebration at the moment, it’s still an opportune time to begin contemplating your travel itinerary. Whether you’re arranging a getaway with friends or the kids are heading to their parents’ homes, it’s high time to embark on those annual debates over where to host Thanksgiving dinner. For those seeking inspiration, Google Flights has pinpointed the most sought-after U.S. travel spots for Thanksgiving this year, with a Southern gem taking the top spot: Columbia, South Carolina.
Columbia is renowned for its storied downtown, outdoor escapades, museums, and scenic riverfront. Beyond these attractions, it is the state’s capital and a bustling hub for students of the University of South Carolina. For fans of the Gamecocks or college football enthusiasts, Thanksgiving in Columbia offers the chance to indulge in a sumptuous feast and then get ready for the Palmetto Bowl on the holiday weekend, featuring a clash against Clemson University. With this trend gaining momentum, many others may be considering the same trip.
Google Flights’ online search engine identified trending travel locations for Thanksgiving by analyzing the most significant percentage increases in searches for flights leaving between November 23rd and 30th from airports across the United States. Mid-sized U.S. cities are experiencing a surge in travel interest compared to the previous year. Southern cities such as Little Rock, Arkansas, and Knoxville, Tennessee, are also featured on the list.
Additional destinations to consider include:
- Bozeman, Montana
- Spokane, Washington
- Detroit, Michigan
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Panama City, Florida
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Knoxville, Tennessee
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
Beyond the Thanksgiving holiday, Google has also explored winter travel trends. Are you contemplating a sun-soaked getaway this winter? Searches for Christmas and New Year’s trips indicate a preference for warm international destinations to escape the winter chill. Top international travel trends for flights leaving the U.S. from December 21st to January 4th feature destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; St. Lucia; Marrakech, Morocco; Tel Aviv, Israel; and Curaçao.
As you prepare for holiday travel, Google Flights has also shared valuable insights on the optimal time to purchase airline tickets for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The most affordable prices for holiday travel can be found up to 51 days prior to departure, so don’t delay.
