Classic Vacations® – the #1 rated travel advisor resource known for curating immersive experiences for discerning travelers, has published the results from its 2025 holiday travel forecast report, which was structured to offer key insights and strategic guidance ahead of the peak season.
Going by the available details, this particular platform brings forth a full range of premium travel components, including luxury accommodations, flights, car rentals, private transfers, curated tours and excursions, and travel protection. Leveraging that, readers can efficiently manage complex, multi-room and multi-destination itineraries with real-time pricing, flexible courtesy holds, and integrated payment solutions.
Talk about the given report on a slightly deeper level, we begin from how Europe remains the most popular destination for festive escapes. The same is especially applicable for cities like Paris, Rome, and London. Beyond that, Italy’s Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena, and Madonna di Campiglio are grabbing attention of more and more travelers due to their charm, relative affordability, and proximity to the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics across Lombardy and Northeast Italy.
Next up, Classic Vacations’ report found how Aspen, CO, Big Sky, MT, and Deer Valley, UT, make up another slew of popular ski destinations this year, thanks to their festive events, torchlight parades, trending wellness programming, and après-ski parties.
Another detail worth a mention is rooted in the fact that Maui and Kauai, HI, Turks & Caicos, and St. Lucia remain top choices, especially for families and multigenerational groups seeking festive beach escapes. The given lowdown would also dig into how a large chunk of travellers are finalizing plans 30 to 60 days out from travel, driven by factors like flexible/hybrid work schedules and juggling family availability around the holidays.
Alongside this particular detail, it further found properties, giving travelers more freedom of choice within their itineraries, are now a major point of attraction. The report also took the opportunity to share recommendations in the form of Grand Velas in Mexico and Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui, each of these properties offering far more than five-star accommodations.
The demand for travel around health and wellness also shot up. As a result, pampering spa treatments, unplugging, or enjoying hiking trails and outdoor activities emerged as popular preferences.
For larger families or groups, resort villas and multi-bedroom suites were found to strike the perfect balance between togetherness and privacy. In fact, many properties are now also complementing that balance with private chefs, decorated trees, and family-friendly activities.
Turning our attention towards some of the popular stays among travelers for their holidays, they include Ashford Castle (Mayo, Ireland), 800-year-old estate, which makes it possible for guests to enjoy fireside Christmas storytelling, private screenings in the castle’s historic theater, and Santa’s enchanting arrival by boat across Lough Corrib. Guests can also come expecting roaring fireplaces, refined dining, and timeless hospitality.
Next up, we have the Villa d’Este (Cernobbio, Italy). This one brings to your disposal a whimsical Chocolate Room, and elegant holiday greenhouses, while simultaneously offering gourmet dining on Christmas Eve and Day, a New Year’s Eve gala with fireworks and live jazz, as well as curated wine dinners with iconic labels. Family-friendly touches like visits from Santa, holiday crafts, and nearby Christmas markets complete the experience.
Then, there is the Grace Bay Club (Providenciales, Turks & Caicos). Grace Bay Club basically delivers a full calendar of festive programming, right from sand “snowman” contests and glow-in-the-dark dance parties to menorah lightings and wine tastings.
Velas Resorts (Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit) also makes the cut by offering guests a vibrant, culture-rich celebration of the season. Enabling guests to enjoy traditional holiday activities like gingerbread house decorating alongside sun-soaked experiences, such as surf workshops and foam parties, the property even features Hanukkah festivities, themed cultural nights, elegant dinners with live music and fireworks on both Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
“This year, Classic and the travel advisors we serve are seeing travelers redefine the holidays as a chance to reconnect, recharge, and create lasting memories,” said Melissa Krueger, CEO of Classic Vacations. “Whether it’s celebrating the holidays on a Caribbean beach, ringing in the New Year in the Italian Alps, or gathering loved ones in a private villa, travelers are choosing immersive experiences that really resonate with them and their loved ones – and that’s where Classic truly shines.”
