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By Lacey Pfalz, TravelPulse
It's that time of year, and more people than ever are planning holiday vacations to escape the cold, enjoy some relaxation and spend quality time with their loved ones. This year, we've pulled the top trending holiday destinations from a variety of sources, from Priceline data to what our travel advisor friends are booking the most for this winter travel season. Curious to see where people will be traveling the most? Flip through this slideshow to find out.
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The Mexican Caribbean
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One of the most popular destinations for families, couples and friends to visit is the Mexican Caribbean. Comprising the regions of Riviera Maya, Riviera Nayarit, Cancun, Tulum and other top destinations, this destination offers both adventure and relaxation, with warm ocean waters, hot sand and plenty of all-inclusives, which according to Jordan Bradshaw, Vice President of Northcutt Travel Agency, is the most popular form of internation travel among clients: "The most popular type of leisure travel is the all-inclusive resort package. The ease of being able to arrive to a resort wuth certified cleaning protocols and testing on site for your return can’t be matched in regards any other type of international travel."
Walt Disney World and Disneyland
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According to Priceline's latest data, both Orlando, Florida and Anaheim, California rank as top destinations for the holiday season based on number of hotel bookings, and that has been echoed by travel advisors. People love theme parks, especially Walt Disney World and Disneyland, both of which can still bring the feel and grandeur of the holidays to each park guest.
Greece
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Some travel advisors have seen eager vaccinated travelers taking advantage of cheaper flights and planning travel to warmer-weather European destinations like Greece. Whether it's the sunny isle of Santorini or the bustling ancient metropolis of Athens, Greece offers both luxury and budget accommodations, with plenty to explore.
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Aspen, Colorado
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Ski destinations are perfect for families from warmer climes wanting to experience all the joys of a snowy winter holiday, or for active families. Aspen has long been known as a great ski destination, especially for luxury travelers. It's no surprise, then, that Denver also ranks ninth in the nation for holiday air travel and seventh for car rental bookings.
Italy
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Another popular European destination, travelers can enjoy cheaper flights and even hotel stays during Italy's off-season. Plus, travelers can celebrate the holidays Italian-style, taking in the beautiful sights, holiday decorations and even taking an Italian cooking class or two.
Miki Taylor, Founder & CEO of Taylor & Co. Travel, said, "European vacations have been more popular with families this holiday season than in the past. Families with older children, instead of purchasing gifts, have decided to getaway and take that dream vacation abroad. I would usually have a few of these each year but it has become a more frequent request."
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
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Another popular domestic destination is Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Whether it be skiing at one of its ski resorts, enjoying a private cabin for the holidays or snowmobiling through the wintry wonderland of Yellowstone National Park, adventurous winter lovers can enjoy a luxurious vacation at one of the most wintry destinations in the country.
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St. Lucia
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St. Lucia, the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean, is a beautiful warm-weather destination for both families and couples. Travel agents are seeing an increase in holiday trips to much of the Caribbean, and St. Lucia is one of many benefitting from the close proximity to the U.S. and easing travel restrictions.
Hawaii
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Hawaii is high on travelers' winter travel lists, and why wouldn't it be? Warm, tropical weather, beautiful beaches, stunning rainforests and waterfalls...This paradise is also trending on Priceline's most popular destinations list, with Honolulu in ninth place for hotel bookings and Kahului in eighth for number of car rental bookings.
Puerto Rico
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Puerto Rico offers over 500 years of Caribbean history, warm weather and some of the most beautiful beaches, forests and cities in the Caribbean. It's a very popular destination this holiday season because it's a U.S. territory, providing greater peace of mind to travelers who might not be ready to have their passports stamped again.
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New York City, New York
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Whether it be attending the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade or seeing the Rockefeller Center dressed to the nines in holiday style, travelers will flock to New York City this year to celebrate the holidays in the big city. It's the second highest destination in the nation for flights and hotel bookings, plus it ranks sixth for car rentals.
Jamaica
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Jamaica is a trending destination, as always, because of its close proximity to the U.S., its ease of travel requirements and its full portfolio of all-inclusive resorts, which have been increasingly popular since they began reopening. Jamaica offers some of the best attractions of the Caribbean: the culture, the history and, of course, the beautiful weather, beaches and ample outdoor activities that simply can't be enjoyed with wintry weather.
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Las Vegas is a great destination for groups of friends and even families with older children who'd like to enjoy the glitz and glam of a flashy winter holiday. Whether that be taking in a Christmas-themed show or spending time at the casino, Las Vegas is one of the most popular destinations in the country according to Priceline, ranking third for flights, second for car rental bookings and first for hotel bookings.
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France
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A Christmas or New Year's in France offers a different side to the country than most can recognize. Another destination offering cheaper flights and hotel stays, families can spend their winter holiday in style in Paris, with a balcony overlooking the frosty Seine or the beautifully illuminated Eiffel Tower. The beauty of the city does not diminish even with the darker days.
Phoenix, Arizona
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Lastly, but certainly not least, is Phoenix, Arizona. With Canadian border restrictions easing soon, many Canadians who own homes in Arizona are going to once again flock there for winter to escape the Canadian chill. Americans can also enjoy a warmer destination, where they can explore the region's outdoor attractions without too much of a chill or the region's famous heat. Phoenix ranks eighth for number of flights and fourth for number of car rental bookings for the holiday season.
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