Holiday Travel Trends I’m Seeing This Season

How travelers are celebrating, reconnecting, and making memories this year

By Jennifer Hawthorn, your Travel Advisor for Central Arkansas and beyond

The holiday travel season is in full swing, and I’m seeing some beautiful themes emerge from the way my clients are choosing to celebrate this year. If you’ve been dreaming of a trip, whether it’s for this winter or a future holiday, these trends might spark an idea or two.

Group Travel Is Having Its Big Moment

This year, more clients are choosing to travel with their favorite people. Group trips are becoming one of the most meaningful ways families and friends are reconnecting, celebrating, and taking a break from the everyday.

Here are a few of the group trips I’m planning right now:

• A Friends Getaway After a Big Life Season – A friend group I’m working with is wondering if they should postpone their cruise next year because they’re all having babies. I encouraged them to keep dreaming. Sometimes a five day getaway is exactly what you need to reset and remember who you are outside of diapers and schedules. A short break can help you return home refreshed and reconnected.

• A Multigenerational 21st Birthday Cruise – Another family is planning a nephew’s 21st birthday cruise in January 2027. It’s turning into a fun, meaningful trip where everyone can celebrate together without the stress of hosting or planning activities.

• A Spring Escape to Warmer Weather – I’m also planning a group sailing on the Carnival Vista for March 21, 2026. It’s a great option for travelers who want to shake off late winter and enjoy sunshine before the busy summer season.

• A Thanksgiving Spent Relaxing Instead of Cooking – One of my favorite holiday trends is families choosing to spend Thanksgiving on the Mariner of the Seas in 2026. Instead of worrying about cooking or hosting, they’ll be enjoying ocean views, great meals, and stress free time together.

What I’m noticing most is that people want shared experiences. Whether it’s friends, family, or a mix of both, group trips are becoming a powerful way to slow down, make memories, and reconnect.

Holiday Cruising Is Expanding Beyond the Usual Season

Cruising isn’t just a summer activity anymore. I’m booking clients, and even taking a trip myself, on some incredible holiday time sailings.

This December, I’ll be on the Norwegian Viva, visiting ports like Harvest Caye, Roatan, and Costa Maya. These aren’t your typical December destinations, and that’s exactly why holiday cruising has become so popular.

More travelers are discovering that November and December cruises offer festive atmospheres, milder weather, unique itineraries, and a relaxed way to celebrate the season.

New Local Flight Routes Are Opening Doors

For my Central Arkansas travelers, the growth at Little Rock airport is creating exciting possibilities.

With new nonstop flights to Salt Lake City and Nashville launching in March, I’m seeing a surge in clients exploring destinations that once felt inconvenient or out of reach. These flights make weekend getaways, ski trips, and family visits easier and far more appealing than ever before.

Sometimes all it takes is one new route to unlock a whole world of options.

Holiday Travel Is About Heart More Than Anything Else

The biggest trend I’m noticing isn’t about destinations or deals. It’s about the reason behind the trip.

People are choosing experiences that help them:

• Reconnect with loved ones

• Celebrate milestones

• Step away from the noise

• Create traditions that feel meaningful

• Gift themselves or their families unforgettable experiences

Travel has become one of the most emotional and intentional gifts you can give to yourself or someone you love.

What Holiday Travel Dreams Are You Considering?

Whether you’re imagining a winter escape this year or planning years ahead, I’d love to help you bring it to life. Send me a message and let’s start creating something memorable.