[title]
New York City isn’t just having a moment this winter; it’s having the moment. Tripadvisor’s new Winter Travel Index names NYC the top domestic destination for U.S. travelers, beating out Vegas, Orlando and even the sunshine-soaked charm of Key West. In a season when Americans could be anywhere, they’re choosing twinkly streets, holiday markets, museum marathons and the particular thrill of seeing their breath on a freezing sidewalk at 5pm.
The ranking shows off a booming winter travel trend: 60% of Americans are planning trips, bookings are up 45% year-over-year and more than half intend to spend more than they did last winter. Travelers are also committing to longer stays—54% say they’ll be away for five nights or more—which means hotels, restaurants and cultural pursuits are all in for a banner season.
On a global level, Tripadvisor’s data shows a clean split in winter preferences: half the country wants to bundle up in culture-rich cities like New York and London, while the other half plans to sprint to the nearest swath of warm sand in Cancun, Cabo San Lucas and Playa del Carmen. Even so, New York is both the top domestic pick and the number one domestic growth leader, outpacing every other American destination in year-over-year demand.
And once travelers get here, they’re not just posting skyline photos and calling it a day. Experiences are shaping itineraries more than ever, with 93% saying activities are a major part of their travel budgets. Cultural sightseeing leads the national list, something we have in bottomless supply, followed by nature, shopping and road trips. Across the U.S., the “Best of the Best” booked experiences include everything from Chicago’s architecture cruise to Salem’s ghost walks, D.C. day trips, Las Vegas exotic car tours and clear-kayak excursions in Florida.
Generational differences are also part of the season’s travel trends. Gen Z and Millennials pack their trips with activities and multi-city routes, while Boomers and Gen X are leaning into slower, family-oriented travel. Relaxation reigns supreme for older travelers, but younger ones prioritize meeting new people and doing as much as possible before checkout.
Overall, 66% of travelers are returning to familiar destinations this winter, but for the 34% venturing somewhere new, New York’s momentum speaks for itself. In a season full of both snow-globe fantasies and beachside temptations, New York remains the undisputed heavyweight.