London, Rome, Barcelona, Paris, Madrid, Lisbon, and Budapest Top the List of U.S. Christmas Travel Favorites for 2024, New Report – Travel And Tour World

GuruWalk, the leading global platform for free walking tours, released an in-depth report analyzing booking behaviors of American travelers over the past three holiday seasons. The findings highlight notable shifts in travel destinations, reflecting a growing desire among U.S. tourists to embrace diverse cultures and experiences.

Europe Leads the Way as Americans’ Top Choice

Europe remains the favorite holiday destination for American travelers, with its popularity growing from 60% in 2022 to 66% in 2024. This upward trend underscores the enduring charm of a European Christmas, blending tradition with modern appeal.

Asia has also witnessed significant growth, attracting 12% of U.S. travelers booking free walking tours this Christmas—the highest share for the region in the study’s history. Meanwhile, travel within the Americas has seen a decline, with bookings falling from 30% in 2022 to 20% in 2024. The data suggests a preference for long-haul trips among American holidaymakers, with fewer visits to neighboring countries.

Spain Dominates, the U.S. Enters the Spotlight

Spain remains the top destination for Christmas travel, securing 18.5% of all bookings by Americans on GuruWalk. Italy follows closely, climbing to the second spot with 12%, up from 7% the previous year. The United Kingdom makes a significant leap, rising to third place with 7% of total bookings in 2024.

Other destinations in the top 10 include France (6.5%), Mexico (4.5%), and Vietnam, Germany, and Portugal, each capturing 4% of bookings. Colombia holds 3.8%, while the United States enters the ranking for the first time with 3.3%. Vietnam’s presence highlights its growing appeal, while the inclusion of the U.S. signals increased interest in domestic tourism.

Shifting Preferences in Cities

City-specific trends reveal dynamic changes. London and Rome have emerged as the most sought-after cities in 2024, experiencing a surge in bookings. New entries such as Florence and Hanoi reflect a broadening interest in unique cultural experiences.

Spain continues to feature prominently, with three of its cities—Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville—ranking among the top destinations for the Christmas season. Notably, Barcelona has regained its status as the top Spanish city for American travelers, surpassing Madrid. Seville, previously excluded in 2022, has made a comeback. Meanwhile, Budapest, the capital of Hungary, has dropped out of the rankings after two years in the spotlight.

Top 10 cities for Christmas from 2022 to 2024 based on the given data:

Impact of the Pandemic and Tourism Recovery

“These changes can be partially attributed to the post-pandemic recovery of international tourism, where travelers seek less traditional destinations and more authentic experiences,” comments Belén Casanova, head of Supply at GuruWalk.

Casanova emphasizes that free walking tours are crucial in these experiences because “thanks to GuruWalk’s local guide partners, travelers can thoroughly explore their destination and respectfully engage with its culture and traditions.”

Study Methodology

The analysis was based on bookings made by American travelers via GuruWalk’s website and app, covering over 800 destinations in 120 countries. The study examined data from Christmas periods spanning December 24 to January 5 for the years 2022, 2023, and early bookings for 2024 and 2025. This comprehensive approach allowed GuruWalk to identify both consistent and emerging trends in free walking tours during the festive season.

What Are Free Walking Tours?

Free walking tours are guided experiences—focusing on history, culture, or gastronomy—led by knowledgeable locals. Participants decide how much to pay at the end of the tour based on their satisfaction. These tours often explore a city’s historic center, uncover architectural gems, delve into local legends, or highlight significant historical events, such as World War landmarks.

This analysis not only underscores evolving travel preferences but also reaffirms the growing popularity of free walking tours as a favored way for Americans to connect with destinations around the globe.