Reindeer sleigh in Finnish Lapland - Photo credit: Unsplash+ License
Travelers lock in their holiday trips earlier this year, and December bookings already show the shift.
According to travel advisor booking data from Internova Travel Group, one of the world's largest travel services companies, representing more than 100,000 travel advisors worldwide, American travelers are planning their holiday trips further in advance. The trend has been evident throughout the year and now shows up clearly in December bookings.
Their booking data shows particularly strong momentum for Europe, with December air bookings up 57% and hotel bookings up 76% compared to last year.
For those still deciding where to go, travel advisors affiliated with Internova Travel Group recommend destinations ranging from European Christmas markets and snowy Arctic landscapes to beaches, deserts and whale watching.
Vienna and Salzburg, Austria
Suzy Gustafson, founder and CEO of Unrivaled Travel Experiences, recommends vacationers combine Vienna and Salzburg for a full traditional European Christmas experience.
"Austria offers beautiful Christmas markets, decorated historic city centers, classical music, wonderful food, charming hotels and easy rail connections between cities," says Gustafson.
She recommends this trip to couples, friends and families interested in food, music and culture. "I love this option for travelers who want the magic of the holidays but may not have planned a year in advance," she says.
Her insider tip is to travel during the first two weeks of December if booking late. "You still get all of the holiday atmosphere and Christmas markets, but generally have more options and avoid some of the extreme demand surrounding the actual holiday week," she says.
Finnish Lapland
Eric Hrubant, founder and president of CIRE Travel, recommends Finnish Lapland for travelers who want to spend Christmas among, "snowy forests; real, live reindeer; relaxing saunas; and evenings spent looking for the northern lights."
"I think travelers are drawn to trips that feel genuinely different from their usual holiday routine, and Lapland delivers," Hrubant says.
Finnish Lapland, according to Hrubant, "is best suited to families who want to make Christmas feel magical." However, he also recommends it, "to couples who love winter landscapes, great hotels, and a little adventure, too!"
The aurora season runs from late August into early April. Since sightings depend on weather and solar activity, Hrubant's insider tip is to spend a week or more in Finnish Lapland to improve your chances of seeing the northern lights. However, he advises against building the entire trip solely around them.
He also recommends booking as early as possible, particularly for travelers who have a specific hotel or private experience in mind.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Lainey Melnick, a luxury travel professional with Dream Vacations, recommends Ljubljana for travelers who have already visited the Christmas markets in Germany or in Austria.
"Ljubljana delivers that magical European holiday atmosphere in a compact, walkable capital with a distinctly Slovenian personality," says Melnick.
Ljubljana's 2026 festive season runs from November 27 through January 15, 2027 and includes Christmas markets, holiday lights, concerts and various events throughout the historic center.
Melnick's insider tip is to pair the Slovenian capital with a day trip to Lake Bled, since it is less than an hour's drive away. "Don't make Ljubljana a quick stop on a larger European itinerary," she says. "Spend at least three nights there and arrange a private excursion to Lake Bled."
She recommends booking a Slovenia holiday trip six to nine months ahead when possible, particularly for smaller hotels in the historic center. Travelers with extra time could also add an overnight stay at Lake Bled or visit Slovenia's wine regions.
Québec City, Canada
Royal Ahmadi, senior vice president and general manager of The Vacation Group, recommends Québec City for travelers looking for a festive city trip without crossing the Atlantic.
The Québec City German Christmas Market runs from November 19 through December 23, 2026. Since it spans six locations in Old Québec, Ahmadi recommends travelers stay in the historic district so can explore the different markets on foot.
"Old Québec provides a memorable setting for the markets, with decorated streets and seasonal treats," he adds.
His insider tip is to check the market calendar before booking. "It generally opens Thursday through Sunday and closes on December 23," Ahmadi says.
He recommends booking flights and a hotel in Old Québec as early as possible for December dates, especially if visiting the market is a priority.
Oman
Melnick also recommends Oman for travelers who prefer a warm-weather destination. In December, the capital city of Muscat typically has sunny days with temperatures around 79°F.
"For travelers looking beyond familiar Caribbean resorts or crowded European destinations, Oman combines pristine beaches, dramatic mountain landscapes, luxury desert camps and authentic Arabian culture," she says.
Melnick says Oman is particularly suited to couples, multigenerational families and travelers who want cultural experiences as well as time to relax.
Her insider tip is to resist spending the entire vacation at a beach resort. "Combine three or four nights on the coast with a stay in the Wahiba Sands desert and an excursion into the Hajar Mountains," Melnick says. "This allows travelers to experience Oman's extraordinary diversity without worrying about navigating unfamiliar roads."
For Christmas and New Year's trips, she recommends reserving accommodations well ahead of travel, especially at luxury beachfront resorts and desert camps. Travelers with flexible dates could look at early December, when they may find more favorable rates.
Egypt
Marianne McNulty, luxury travel advisor at Andrew Harper, recommends Egypt for travelers interested in history and culture.
"Egypt continues to attract travelers with its iconic history, ancient sites, museums and legendary Nile River cruises," McNulty says.
"The cooler winter season also makes sightseeing more comfortable," she adds. Winters in Egypt are generally mild, with average daytime temperatures around 68°F.
McNulty recommends vacationers prepare much farther ahead than the typical domestic Christmas trip. "Due to strong demand, particularly for Nile cruises, travelers should plan at least a year in advance," she says.
Her insider tip is to decide which parts of Egypt matter most before building the itinerary. "A well-designed itinerary tailored to your passions will make the experience far more rewarding," she notes.
Los Cabos, Mexico
Ahmadi also recommends Los Cabos, Mexico, as another warm-weather holiday destination since it is closer to the U.S.
The destination is renowned for its whale-watching season. While January through March generally offers the strongest viewing period, sightings typically start as early as December.
His insider tip is to avoid leaving a whale-watching excursion until the final day of the vacation. "Schedule a whale watching tour early in your stay so there is time to reschedule if sea conditions change," Ahmadi says.
Los Cabos is best for couples and families who want resort time, dining and the option to get out on the water, according to Ahmadi.Â
He also recommends reserving flights and accommodations as early as possible, then booking excursions once travel dates are confirmed.
Patagonia, Chile
Ruchi Harnal, founder and principal luxury travel advisor of Harnal Travel, recommends Patagonia for travelers looking for an active holiday with plenty of flexibility.
"There's a misconception that Patagonia is only for serious hikers, but it also has incredible blue lakes, glaciers, wildlife, and landscapes that really wow you," Harnal says.
She says the destination works particularly well for multigenerational families with different interests and activity levels. Many lodges offer a range of guided activities so each family member can find something for themselves.
December falls during the summer in Patagonia. The season brings longer days and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
Her insider tip is to consider extending the trip beyond The End of the World. "If you're going all the way to Patagonia, consider adding Easter Island," Harnal says. "It's an unusual combination, but it works beautifully."
However, Harnal warns, since December through February is peak season, the best lodges and room categories can sell out well in advance (9 to 12 months). "If you're thinking about December 2026, I wouldn't wait," she notes.
Twin Farms, Vermont
Susan Blechschmidt, luxury travel advisor at Andrew Harper, recommends Twin Farms in Vermont for travelers who prefer a quieter domestic winter getaway.
"Twin Farms offers an intimate luxury retreat that combines outdoor adventure with relaxation and exceptional hospitality," Blechschmidt says.
She recommends the property primarily for couples and adults looking for a peaceful holiday trip. Guests can spend time in a "cozy winter setting with snow-covered landscapes, fireplaces, skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, ice skating," she says.
Her insider tip is not to overplan the stay. "Leave plenty of time to simply enjoy the property," Blechschmidt says. "Some of the best experiences come from slowing down and embracing the setting."
Holiday availability is limited; she recommends booking well in advance.
Sponsored by Internova Travel Group. The Roam Report maintains full editorial independence. The brand did not review or approve our content before publication.
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