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The festive season is approaching, and October is a great time to start planning your Christmas and New Year getaway. Whether you dream of exploring historic European cities, enjoying a vibrant tropical holiday, or discovering a destination you've never visited before, the right planning can make your year-end trip more memorable.
Google's October 2026 holiday travel report, Wheels up: Trends and tips for 2026 holiday travel, shares insights from Google Flights data on airfare booking patterns and destinations experiencing increased search interest. The report offers inspiration for travellers planning their next adventure, while highlighting the importance of comparing flight options and booking strategically.
For Indian travellers considering an international holiday, these insights can serve as a starting point for exploring destinations and planning a personalised year-end itinerary.
According to Google Flights, these five destinations recorded the highest year-over-year percentage increases in searches for international trips departing from US airports between December 20, 2026, and January 3, 2027. This is a trend ranking based on search growth, not a global ranking of the most popular holiday destinations.
Athens offers a fascinating combination of ancient history, Mediterranean culture, lively neighbourhoods, and memorable food experiences. Travellers can explore the Acropolis, discover historic streets, enjoy Greek cuisine, and experience the city during the festive season.
It is worth considering for travellers who enjoy cultural sightseeing and want to combine iconic landmarks with relaxed city exploration.
For travellers dreaming of a winter holiday, Québec City offers historic architecture, charming streets, and a distinctive European-inspired atmosphere in North America. During the winter season, visitors can enjoy seasonal decorations, local food, and snowy surroundings when weather conditions permit.
Pack appropriate winter clothing and check seasonal attraction schedules before travelling.
If your ideal festive holiday involves sunshine rather than snow, Rio de Janeiro offers beautiful beaches, dramatic mountain scenery, and a lively cultural atmosphere. Visitors can explore Copacabana and Ipanema, admire views from Sugarloaf Mountain, and experience the city's famous energy.
December falls during Brazil's summer, making weather, beach activities, and seasonal travel demand important considerations when planning a trip.
Hanoi is an appealing option for travellers who enjoy a blend of heritage, local cuisine, and authentic city experiences. Explore the Old Quarter, visit Hoan Kiem Lake, admire traditional temples, and discover the city's lively cafés and street-food culture.
Travellers can also consider extending their holiday to include Ha Long Bay's limestone landscapes or the scenic countryside around Ninh Binh. These experiences can turn a city visit into a more varied Vietnam itinerary.
Guatemala City offers museums, historic sites, local markets, and a window into Guatemalan culture. It can also serve as a starting point for exploring destinations elsewhere in the country, including the colonial architecture of Antigua Guatemala and the remarkable landscapes around Lake Atitlán.
Travellers should plan onward transport and sightseeing arrangements in advance to make the most of their visit.
Google's analysis of five years of aggregated Google Flights data provides useful insights into airfare patterns for flights departing from the United States.
The report found that Christmas flight prices for US departures typically reached their lowest average level around 56 days before departure, with a broader low-price range of approximately 33 to 67 days beforehand. It also found that international flights departing from the US generally reached their lowest average prices around 89 days before departure.
These figures are historical averages, not guaranteed booking rules. They should not be applied directly to flights departing from India, where fares depend on route, airline, travel dates, availability, and demand.
For Indian travellers planning a December holiday, comparing fares early, monitoring prices, and checking alternative departure dates can help make the booking process more informed.
1. Start researching early: Popular festive travel dates can have limited flight and hotel availability. Begin comparing suitable options before finalising your itinerary.
2. Be flexible with travel dates: If your schedule allows, compare nearby departure and return dates to identify better combinations of price and convenience.
3. Compare flight routes: Check baggage allowances, layover durations, arrival times, and total journey time instead of comparing ticket prices alone.
4. Choose your destination based on your travel style: Consider winter scenery in Canada, cultural exploration in Greece, beaches in Brazil, or a food-and-culture holiday in Vietnam.
5. Plan the complete trip: Check passport validity, visa requirements, travel insurance, accommodation, airport transfers, and seasonal opening hours before departure.
Your year-end holiday can be an opportunity to explore a new culture, spend quality time with family, or turn a long-awaited travel dream into reality.
At Benchmark Holidays, we help travellers explore international destinations and plan holidays around their interests, preferred travel dates, and budgets. Whether you are considering Vietnam, Europe, or another international destination, our team can assist you in exploring suitable travel options.
Start planning your Christmas and New Year getaway early to give yourself more time to compare options and create an itinerary that suits your travel preferences.
Ready to plan your next holiday? Contact Benchmark Holidays to explore international holiday options for the festive season.
Source: Google – Wheels up: Trends and tips for 2026 holiday travel
Note: Google's destination rankings and airfare analysis are based on US departure searches and historical US airfare data, respectively. They do not establish the most popular destinations or cheapest booking windows for travellers departing from India.