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Americans Put Italy at Top of Holiday Travel List; Japan, Thailand, Hawaii and Aruba Also Popular

A new study by photo wall art creator StoryBoards revealed that Italy is the most popular destination for a Christmas trip for Americans. 

The study analyzed travel-related keywords such as “flights”, “restaurants”, “ski facilities”, and more next to 43 popular vacation destinations to discover where Americans are interested in spending their holidays the most. 

Italy takes the crown with almost 93,000 average searches from September to December 2023. One of the most popular destinations for Americans all year long, Italy can be especially magical during the winter months and Christmas, with markets scattered around the country, as well as offering great skiing facilities and high-altitude luxury, as the Italian Alps are a must-visit once in a lifetime.  

In second place comes Japan with 33,275.49 average searches. The island during the holiday season can be extremely cold, as average temperatures in December can vary from 37°F to 54°F, and the blend of ancient traditions and modern festivities, coupled with serene winter landscapes and vibrant city lights, provides a unique and captivating holiday atmosphere. 

San Leo is a stately hilltop town in Emilia-Romagna. PHOTO COURTESY TOURISM EMILIA-ROMAGNA

Thailand is third with almost 23,000 average searches, which may be driven by the desire to spend a different Christmas, perhaps on the beach, given the average temperatures in the country during December of 88 °F. Thailand’s tropical allure and warm hospitality offer a non-traditional Christmas escape with beautiful beaches, cultural richness, and a festive ambience, making it an unexpectedly popular choice for Americans seeking a different holiday experience. 

Further down on the list, Greece ranks fourth with 12,293.11 average searches from September to December, while Aruba closes the top five with 11,096.67 average searches. 

Here’s the top 10:

  1. Italy
  2. Japan
  3. Thailand
  4. Greece
  5. Aruba
  6. Hawaii
  7. Germany
  8. Jamaica
  9. Cuba (still tricky for Americans to visit, but there you go)
  10. Mexico