New research from KAYAK, the world’s leading travel search engine, suggests that British travellers are more eager than ever to trade mince pies and mistletoe for sunshine and adventure this festive season. KAYAK festive travel trends

The data, published in KAYAK’s Travel Check-In: Christmas & New Year 2025, reveals that festive flight searches from the UK are up 13% year-on-year, signalling a growing appetite to see out 2025 abroad rather than at home.

A New Kind of Christmas Getaway

Forget cozy jumpers and family board games — this year, the sound of departure gates may be the new holiday soundtrack. British travellers are increasingly looking beyond Europe, with flight searches to Africa up by nearly 24% and Asia seeing a 5% jump compared to last year. That’s a clear signal: long-haul travel is in, and staying put is out.

According to KAYAK, seven out of the top ten trending festive destinations for Christmas and New Year 2025–26 are outside of Europe. Even more interestingly, flights to more than half of those far-flung spots are cheaper than last year, showing that global travel doesn’t necessarily mean breaking the bank.

The Top Trending Festive Destinations

So where are the Brits heading this winter? Unsurprisingly, destinations that blend sunshine, culture, and great value are leading the charge. Here’s how KAYAK’s top ten looks:

1. Manila, Philippines – Searches up 42%, though prices have risen 25% to around £1,320 return.
2. Islamabad, Pakistan – Up 21%, with fares dropping by 7% to £920.
3. Marrakech, Morocco – Up 20%, and even more appealing with fares down 11% to £219.
4. Cape Town, South Africa – Up 17%, with a 4% dip in price to £1,197.
5. Granadilla, Spain (Tenerife) – Up 15%, with average return prices now £391, down 17%.
6. Mumbai, India – Up 12%, and slightly cheaper year-on-year at £796.
7. Doha, Qatar – Up 10%, though prices are up slightly at £796.
8. Sydney, Australia – Up 8%, with average returns around £1,542.
9. Geneva, Switzerland – Up 6%, prices rising modestly to £190.
10. Krakow, Poland – Up 5%, and even cheaper this year with fares down 10%.

While classic European favourites like Geneva and Krakow hold steady, the real growth is happening far beyond the continent—particularly across Asia and Africa, where cost, culture, and curiosity combine.

Long-Haul Wanderlust

What’s behind this festive shift? In a nutshell, it’s about value and experience. Travellers are rethinking what makes a memorable holiday, and they’re no longer content with the same local celebrations. Instead, destinations like Marrakech and Cape Town offer an appealing blend of exotic scenery and affordability.

Moreover, many of these trending destinations—including Islamabad, Mumbai, and Doha — cater strongly to Britain’s diverse diaspora communities, suggesting a growing number of travellers are using the holidays to reconnect with family abroad rather than staying local.

Interestingly, while flight searches to Asia are only up 5% overall, demand for specific cities like Manila (+42%) shows that post-pandemic wanderlust remains strong for Southeast Asia. The Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam continue to shine as destinations that balance affordability with adventure — a formula that’s likely to continue well into 2026.

The Rise of Five-Star Festivities

It’s not just about where people are going — it’s how they’re getting there. KAYAK’s data reveals a 17% rise in business class flight searches and a 25% increase in searches for five-star hotels. That’s despite the fact that luxury prices have stayed almost identical to last year.

In short: travellers are levelling up.

Rachel Mumford, KAYAK’s UK Travel Expert, summed it up perfectly: “This year, the glow of the Christmas tree is being replaced by the thrill of departure gates. Our data shows that travellers are swapping tradition for exploration, venturing further and embracing bolder ways to celebrate the year’s end.”

This is more than a throwaway quote—it’s a telling insight into a broader lifestyle trend. Post-pandemic travellers have learned to prioritise experiences over possessions. A luxury flight or hotel is no longer seen as an indulgence but as a reward — a way to close the year in style and start the next one recharged.

For the Christmas travel season, domestic airfares will rise 31% from 2019.” Additionally, staffing shortages and winter weather will result in longer airport lines and increased delays

A Wider Travel Trend—And Not Just in the UK

The rise in festive travel isn’t limited to British flyers. Similar data from Skyscanner shows a 15% increase in searches for December and January getaways globally, with destinations like Dubai, Bangkok, and Tenerife ranking high for affordability and availability. Meanwhile, Expedia’s 2025 Holiday Travel Report highlights that over 60% of travellers plan to spend Christmas or New Year away from home, a notable jump from pre-pandemic levels.

This wider pattern underlines how the holiday season is evolving. Instead of peak domestic travel, we’re seeing a wave of “festive migration”, where travellers treat the holidays as a second summer — combining vacation time with family reunions or once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

It’s also worth noting that long-haul destinations like Manila, Cape Town, and Sydney are increasingly marketed with flexible pricing and attractive stopover packages, making them accessible even to mid-range travellers. Airlines such as Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines have played a major role here by expanding seasonal capacity and maintaining competitive fares throughout the December–January period.

Tech Meets Travel Planning

Another interesting layer: the rise of travel tech platforms like KAYAK, Skyscanner, and Google Flights has made these shifts easier than ever. With AI-powered fare alerts, smart filters, and mobile-first interfaces, travellers can now plan complex festive itineraries in minutes.

KAYAK’s app, for example, lets users track price drops, explore flexible date options, and even compare sustainable flight routes. As the cost of living remains a concern, tools like these help travellers make data-driven decisions — a major factor behind this year’s long-haul surge.

The Verdict: From Routine to Remarkable

If there’s one clear takeaway, it’s that British travellers are done with routine. Christmas and New Year 2025–26 are shaping up to be defined by escapism, experience, and elevation. The numbers don’t lie: more people are flying farther, staying longer, and spending smarter. KAYAK festive travel trends

While KAYAK’s findings confirm the UK’s shift toward global holiday travel, they also mirror broader market sentiment seen across platforms like Expedia, Skyscanner, and Booking.com — all reporting growing demand for long-haul flights, upgraded cabins, and luxury stays.

Ultimately, the festive season is no longer a pause—it’s an opportunity. A time to trade wrapping paper for boarding passes, to discover somewhere new rather than revisit the familiar. As 2025 winds down, British travellers are clearly telling the world: the best gift this Christmas might just be a new stamp in the passport.