(Image viaWinter travel has transformed into a peak season for globetrotters. The days of hunkering down and waiting for spring are over. Travelers now actively seek out distinctive experiences to break up the colder months. Booking data for early 2025 reveals a fascinating split in preferences. Half of the world wants to embrace the freeze with arctic adventures and alpine sports. The other half is chasing eternal summer on tropical beaches and in southern hemisphere cities.
We analyzed the latest booking trends to identify where everyone is heading this winter. This list represents the destinations that have captured the imagination of travelers worldwide. Whether you want to hunt for the Northern Lights or sip a coconut by the ocean, these locations offer the perfect winter escape.
Here are the ten most booked winter travel spots of 2025 that you should consider for your next vacation.
Rovaniemi, Finland
Rovaniemi dominates winter travel bookings for good reason. It offers the quintessential winter wonderland experience. Located in the Arctic Circle, this Finnish city serves as the official hometown of Santa Claus. It attracts families and couples alike who want to experience magic in its purest form.
Why It Is Trending
The desire for "coolcationing"—vacationing in colder climates—has surged in 2025. Travelers want unique phenomena that they cannot find at home. Rovaniemi guarantees deep snow and dark, cozy nights perfect for viewing the Aurora Borealis.
What To Do
You can visit Santa Claus Village to meet the man himself any day of the year. For adventure, book a reindeer or husky sleigh ride through the snow-covered forests. Many visitors choose to stay in glass igloos. These unique accommodations allow you to watch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your warm bed.
Tulum, Mexico
Tulum remains the king of the winter sun getaway. It sits on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and offers a blend of relaxation and history. The opening of the new international airport has made accessing this beach paradise easier than ever, driving booking numbers to record highs.
Why It Is Trending
Accessibility is key. Direct flights now land just minutes from the jungle, removing the long transfer from Cancun. Furthermore, the wellness trend continues to grow. Tulum attracts those seeking yoga retreats, sound baths, and organic dining options to reset for the new year.
What To Do
Spend your mornings exploring the well-preserved ruins of an ancient Mayan port city perched above the turquoise sea. In the afternoon, swim in the cenotes, which are natural limestone sinkholes filled with fresh water. End your day at a beach club enjoying fresh ceviche and local mezcal.
Niseko, Japan
Ski enthusiasts know Niseko as the holy grail of powder snow. Located on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, this resort town receives massive amounts of light, dry snow every winter. It has become the top choice for skiers and snowboarders who prioritize snow quality above all else.
Why It Is Trending
Japan continues to enjoy a tourism boom, and Niseko benefits from an improved infrastructure that caters to international guests. The resort area has expanded its luxury accommodation options, making it appealing to high-end travelers who want world-class amenities alongside world-class skiing.
What To Do
Hit the slopes at one of the four interlinked resorts that make up Niseko United. You can ski all day on a single pass. After the lifts close, partake in the traditional Japanese onsen culture. Soaking in these natural hot springs is the perfect way to soothe tired muscles. Finish the evening with a bowl of steaming Hokkaido ramen or fresh seafood.
Cape Town, South Africa
While the northern hemisphere freezes, Cape Town enjoys its peak summer season. This South African city offers a cosmopolitan experience surrounded by breathtaking nature. It is a favorite for travelers who want diversity in their itinerary, from mountains to beaches to vineyards.
Why It Is Trending
The exchange rate makes South Africa an incredible value proposition for many international visitors in 2025. Travelers find they can enjoy luxury dining, wine tasting, and accommodation for a fraction of the cost of similar experiences in Europe or the United States.
What To Do
Take the cable car up Table Mountain for panoramic views of the city and ocean. Visit Boulders Beach to see the famous colony of African penguins waddling on the sand. A short drive from the city center lands you in the Winelands, where you can sample world-renowned wines in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt offers the classic European winter experience. This car-free village sits at the foot of the Matterhorn, arguably the most famous mountain peak in the world. It retains a charm that feels timeless, with horse-drawn carriages and chalet-style architecture.
Why It Is Trending
Sustainability is a major driver for European travel in 2025. Zermatt has long been a leader in eco-friendly tourism due to its combustion-engine car ban. Travelers who want to minimize their carbon footprint while enjoying premium skiing flock here.
What To Do
Skiing and snowboarding are the main events, with miles of groomed runs connecting Switzerland to Italy. Non-skiers can take the Gornergrat railway, an open-air cog train that offers spectacular views of the Matterhorn. In the village, enjoy fondue or raclette at a cozy mountain restaurant.
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Guanacaste is the go-to destination for eco-adventure in a warm climate. Located in northwestern Costa Rica, this province boasts stunning Pacific beaches and biodiverse dry tropical forests. It attracts nature lovers who want to be active outdoors without the winter coat.
Why It Is Trending
"Blue Zone" tourism is rising. The Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste is one of the five places in the world where people live the longest. Travelers visit to learn about the lifestyle, diet, and habits that contribute to such longevity and vitality.
What To Do
Surfing is world-class here, with breaks suitable for beginners and pros alike. You can also zip-line through the forest canopy or go horseback riding on the beach at sunset. Visit Rincón de la Vieja National Park to hike around active volcanic craters and mud pots.
Banff, Canada
Banff National Park in Alberta offers rugged, dramatic beauty that few places can match. The town of Banff serves as a gateway to the Canadian Rockies. It is a destination for those who want their winter trip to feel like a true expedition into the wild.
Why It Is Trending
The majestic landscapes of Banff have gone viral on social media, driving a desire to see Lake Louise in its frozen state. It appeals to photographers and outdoor enthusiasts who want grand scenery. The lengthy ski season, often lasting until May, also provides flexibility for travelers.
What To Do
Skating on the frozen Lake Louise is a bucket-list experience. You can also ski at the "Big 3" resorts: Mt. Norquay, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Banff Sunshine. After a cold day outside, visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs to warm up while looking out at the snow-capped peaks.
Phuket, Thailand
Phuket remains the most popular island destination in Southeast Asia. It serves as a perfect base for exploring the Andaman Sea. Travelers love it for the blend of vibrant nightlife, cultural temples, and idyllic beaches.
Why It Is Trending
Phuket has successfully pivoted to offer more luxury and family-friendly options, moving away from its backpacker-only reputation. High-end resorts with private villas are seeing record bookings for early 2025 as travelers seek privacy and comfort.
What To Do
Island hopping is essential. Take a boat tour to the Phi Phi Islands or James Bond Island to see towering limestone cliffs rising from emerald waters. Visit the Big Buddha, a massive white marble statue that sits atop Nakkerd Hills. For foodies, the night markets offer an incredible array of spicy, sour, and sweet local dishes.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Reykjavik is the capital of adventure. It is the starting point for exploring a land of fire and ice. Winter travelers head here to witness the raw power of nature, from exploding geysers to massive glaciers.
Why It Is Trending
Stopover programs by airlines have made Iceland an easy addition to transatlantic trips. Furthermore, the solar maximum cycle in 2025 means the Northern Lights are more active and visible than they have been in over a decade. This astronomical event is a huge draw.
What To Do
Tour the Golden Circle to see Gullfoss waterfall and the Geysir geothermal area. Relax in the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa with milky blue waters rich in silica. For the brave, you can snorkel between tectonic plates in Silfra fissure, where the water is freezing but crystal clear.
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is the premier winter destination in the United States. It combines challenging ski terrain with high-end shopping and dining. It is where luxury meets the mountains, attracting celebrities and serious skiers from around the globe.
Why It Is Trending
Aspen continues to upgrade its lift infrastructure and on-mountain dining, keeping it competitive with European resorts. The après-ski scene is legendary and draws a crowd that enjoys the social aspect of skiing as much as the sport itself.
What To Do
Ski the four mountains: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Each offers a different terrain experience. Off the slopes, explore the downtown area, which features art galleries, designer boutiques, and award-winning restaurants. Visit the Aspen Art Museum for a dose of culture with a view.
