Why Florida Reigns Supreme in 2025 US Holiday Travel, and How it Outperforms California and Texas

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

As US holiday travel continues to evolve in 2025, Florida has solidified its position as the top destination for family getaways. Thanks to its accessibility, affordability, and exceptional variety of attractions, Florida remains unbeatable, outperforming states like California and Texas.

From its world-renowned theme parks and sprawling beaches to vibrant cruise ports, Florida offers something for every type of traveller, making it the go-to option for both domestic and international visitors. The Sunshine State’s strategic location ensures that flights are plentiful and competitively priced, offering seamless access from nearly every major US city.

According to recent FlightHub data, holiday searches and bookings for Florida destinations like Orlando, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale have seen a significant rise, with more people choosing the state as their primary destination.

But what’s driving this surge? It’s not just the sunny beaches. Florida’s consistent appeal, year after year, makes it an attractive option, especially for families looking to make memories. As travel costs rise across the board, many families are turning to Florida’s more affordable options, avoiding expensive overseas travel while still enjoying a fantastic holiday experience.

FlightHub data shows how the affordability and variety of Florida have kept it at the top of the list, especially as other states like California and Texas see declining interest. With easy access, excellent connectivity, and endless family-friendly experiences, Florida’s dominance in the holiday travel market continues to thrive in 2025.

What are the key reasons behind Florida maintaining its top spot for U.S. holiday travel in 2025, and how does it continue to outperform states like California and Texas?

Ultimately, Florida’s accessibility, affordability, and consistency are to thank. Within the FlightHub platform, searches and bookings for popular Florida destinations (e.g., Orlando, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, etc.) spike earlier and stay strong throughout the season. 

The tropical state has plenty of options, from its beach escapes, theme parks, and cruise ports, which certainly help support its appeal. Not to mention, Florida offers great connectivity from nearly every major U.S. city, which keeps flight prices competitive and options plentiful. For many travellers, it’s the easiest warm-weather getaway without crossing an ocean.

FlightHub data shows holiday airfare is trending lower than last year — what factors are driving this early-year price drop?

We’ve been seeing more deals and cheaper pricing earlier in the season. Airlines are increasing capacity on trending routes, but as an online travel agency, we also see how competition between carriers and online sellers is influencing fare prices. Travelers are shopping around for the right price more often, comparing different websites, and timing their bookings strategically. Tech-savvy planning is paying off this year, and consumers should try to be as flexible as possible when booking. 

You mentioned that late bookings could hurt travellers’ wallets. What specific trends or booking patterns are you noticing among consumers this year?

Travelers are more intentional with their timing while booking, but also comfortable taking risks. Some are playing it safe and booking their trips months in advance—others are waiting to see if any dips in prices will happen over time. 

Our data suggests a shift toward shorter planning windows for domestic trips, which works if demand stays the same. However, for major holidays, this may lead to increased price ranges or limited seating choices. Travelers are also staying alert for any price change notifications and flash deals more than ever before by using tracking tools. 

Nevada entering the top five is a big shift — what’s fueling the move from beach destinations like Hawaii to more urban experiences such as Las Vegas?

Travellers are looking for experiences, activities, and entertainment, which really bodes well for Nevada, since Las Vegas has it all. Similar to Florida, it’s easy to reach from nearly anywhere in the continental U.S., resulting in more flight options and a short trip. 

For many travellers, that combination makes it an attractive alternative to longer, more expensive beach vacations, allowing it to become one of the most dynamic destinations in the country. 

The New York to Fort Lauderdale route overtaking L.A. to New York as the most popular — what does that say about current traveller preferences and regional demand?

This trend shows that travelers are leaning toward booking a quick getaway to warmer weather from the East Coast. The NY–Fort Lauderdale route is great for family visits, cruises, and short trips, and is well served by multiple airlines. This keeps fares accessible, and at a time when travelers are prioritizing convenience and shorter flights, it has become one of the most popular routes. 

Boomers leading the holiday travel surge and women representing 58% of bookings are fascinating stats. What’s behind these demographic shifts in domestic tourism?

These numbers tell us that travel demand is broad-based, but the motivations differ by segment. Boomers are driving the recovery in domestic leisure travel because they have both the time and the motives to plan meaningful trips. Boomers, they’re prioritizing family connection and reliability. Because of that, they tend to book earlier, giving them more choice and value.

The higher share of women travellers, now at 58 percent of our holiday bookings, reflects how women continue to play a leading role in trip planning. Whether it’s organizing family holidays, coordinating group getaways, or booking solo experiences, women are often the decision-makers behind travel. 

With airfare predicted to rise as November approaches, what’s FlightHub’s advice for travellers who haven’t booked yet but still want affordable holiday trips?

We’re advising travelers to book soon, but stay flexible. Flying midweek instead of weekends and comparing nearby airports can help travelers save, and it’s always a good idea to check for package deals if any are available. Set fare alerts, watch travel trends, and book when you see a price that fits within your budget. 

Looking ahead, what does FlightHub foresee as the next big trend shaping holiday travel behaviour in 2026 and beyond?

Travel planning will continue to get smarter and more personalized. Now, more than ever, travellers are turning to their tech stacks to find and compare options, track prices, and plan their trips as efficiently as possible.

Overall, I expect to see continued growth in travellers having flexible itineraries, taking shorter trips, and prioritizing experience-based travel that fits around life and work schedules. The focus will be on getting more value out of every trip, not just the lowest fare.

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