The 10 most popular travel destinations this Thanksgiving, according to Google Flights

An airplane taking off over a city.
Google Flights revealed the top searched destinations for Thanksgiving 2024.Denis Belitsky/Shutterstock
  • Google Flights shared the top-searched destinations on its platform for Thanksgiving 2024.

  • The data is based on the most-searched travel destinations for November and December 2024.

  • Orlando is the most-searched-for destination for this year's Thanksgiving travels.

For many people, Thanksgiving is a time to gather and reconnect with loved ones over treasured traditions, but for others, it's the perfect opportunity to tick off a bucket-list travel destination.

With Thanksgiving a little over two months away, it's a good time to think about booking flights, and Google Flights' most-searched travel destinations might serve as some inspiration.

The list is based on the most-searched destinations on Google Flights for travel between November 24 through December 1.

Orlando topped the list, hinting that many travelers want to enjoy a warm, sunny Thanksgiving, while Cancún and New York followed in second and third place, respectively.

Here are the top 10 destinations.

10. Honolulu

An aerial shot of Waikiki Beach.
Thanks to its crystal-clear waters, Waikiki Beach is among Honolulu's most popular tourist attractions.Ronnie Chua/Shutterstock

This capital city has no shortage of natural wonders, thanks to its pristine beaches, green valleys, and panoramic mountain views.

If you're planning to head to Honolulu this Thanksgiving, some sights to add to your travel itinerary include the Iolani Palace, once home to the last reigning monarch of Hawaii, the Heʻeia Fishpond, and of course, Waikiki Beach.

Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Liveability Index also recently named it one of the best places to live in the US.

9. Las Vegas

An aerial view of Las Vegas.
The Las Vegas Strip is lined with neon-lit upscale casinos and themed hotels.randy andy/Shutterstock

When one thinks of Las Vegas, the first image that comes to mind is its neon lights and casinos lining the 4.2-mile Strip. And while that picture still stands true, a lot has changed in Sin City over the years.

Visitors can savor a dinner experience from one of the many celebrity chef-led restaurants, get a glimpse of Venetian life by riding a gondola at the Venetian resort, or partake in a supercar or go-karting experience at Exotics Racing.

About 13 scenic miles away from the Strip, amid sandstone hills, is the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It can be explored via its hiking trails or by biking. It's also a great spot for picnicking and horseback riding.

8. Los Angeles

Scenic views of LA's skyline.
Panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline.Larry Gibson/Shutterstock

The hub of America's entertainment industry is also the eighth most-searched travel destination on Google Flights holiday list.

The city is known for its iconic Hollywood studios, such as Paramount Pictures, Universal, and Warner Brothers, as well as its beaches and museums. November also brings some of its best weather, with the exception of some rain showers.

If you plan to visit LA during Thanksgiving, catch the Hollywood Christmas Parade on the Sunday following the holiday. Much like the Macy's parade in New York, this one is filled with festive floats, balloons, and marching bands.

7. Paris

The Parisian skyline features the Eiffel Tower.
The Parisian skyline with the Eiffel Tower.Catarina Belova/Shutterstock

From arts and culture to food and architecture, there's a little something for everyone to enjoy and explore in Paris.

This time of the year, the City of Lights has an added layer of glitz thanks to its festive decor. The weather is getting colder, but it's still pleasant enough to stroll the streets and take in some of the historic sights, bite into a buttery croissant, or sip on some hot chocolate.

Of course, some popular tourist haunts include the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the nearby historic Palace of Versailles, but there are more low-key must-dos, including visiting a food market, walking through Buttes-Chaumont public park, or exploring Le Marais. For shopping enthusiasts, the designer boutiques along Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré are a must-visit.

6. Miami

An aerial view of Miami Beach.
The Miami coastline at dusk.pisaphotography/Shutterstock

If your idea of Thanksgiving involves chilling on the beach while sipping on cocktails by day and club-hopping by night, Miami has many white-sand beaches and buzzing nightclubs to pick from.

For those who prefer a culturally immersive experience, there's the Wynwood Arts District, which features large murals across 50 city blocks, or if you manage to stay for a little longer, there's the annual Art Basel Miami Beach event early December, where according to Travel + Leisure, over 4,000 artists showcase their work.

The city enjoys breezy yet warm weather all year round.

5. London

London skyline featuring The Shard, Tower Bridge, and River Thames.
The Shard and Tower Bridge by river Thames in London.Balate.Dorin/Shutterstock

While London dropped five places compared to Google Flights' summer travel list, the English capital remains popular among festive travelers.

Much like New York City, London is famous for its world-renowned restaurants, national museums, and thriving arts and theater scene. And while the weather can get chilly — with unexpected showers — there's plenty to explore and enjoy.

By this time, the city is already bursting with Christmas energy, with many markets, food pop-ups, and festive-themed events. For first-time sightseers, ensure you visit the iconic London Eye, the Big Ben clocktower, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace.

4. Tokyo

An aerial view of the Tokyo Tower.
Built in 1958, the Tokyo Tower stands 333 meters tall, overlooking the city.Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

If you plan to go the distance, it's the perfect time — season and weather-wise — to visit Tokyo.

According to Gotokyo.org, you'll be right in time to watch the fall foliage across the city's many parks, especially the ginkgo trees at Meiji Jingu Gaien and the chrysanthemums at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

Other highlights easily accessible by the city's public transit system include the Imperial Palace, Shibuya Crossing, the Tokyo National Museum, and the many towering skyscrapers.

3. New York

New York City's skyline.
A stunning view of New York City's skyline.phototrip2403/Shutterstock

The city undergoes a full-festive transformation this time of the year.

Home to a never-ending list of tourist attractions — the Statue of Liberty, the Met Museum, the High Line, and many more — New Yorkers recommend visiting Chelsea Market, the New York Botanical Garden, and the Williamsburg Bridge, among other locations.

In addition to its regular tourist programming, the Big Apple draws many visitors for its iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

2. Cancún

Boats and yachts parked by the bay on Isla Mujeres island in Cancún.
Boats and yachts at the Isla Mujeres island in Cancún.Arkadij Schell/Shutterstock

Ranked sixth on Google Flights' 2024 summer travel list, this Mexican city is up four spots this holiday season.

Another contender for the warm, beach-friendly weather, Cancún is known for its velvety seashores, luxury resorts, and wild nightlife. But some activities are more affordable, making it a popular choice among students and those on tighter budgets.

When you've enjoyed the seaside swimming and tanning, there's also plenty to see at El Centro, the city's downtown, where you can watch a bullfight at Plaza de Toros or shop local handicrafts at Mercado 28, a large flea market.

1. Orlando

Universal Studios theme park.
The entrance to Universal Studios theme park in Orlando.Christopher Chambers/Shutterstock

Given that Orlando topped Google Flights' most-searched holiday destinations list this year, we can only assume that many people are considering celebrating a warm, Southern Thanksgiving.

The city has several theme parks, like Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, which make it an attractive option for families. But beyond its theme parks and its proximity to beaches, the city is also home to over 100 lakes and has a buzzing food scene.

Read the original article on Business Insider