Italy reigns supreme as the ultimate festive haven, clocking in nearly 93,000 average searches from September to December this year.

An ever-popular year-round destination, Italy transforms into a winter wonder with charming markets, exceptional skiing facilities, and high-altitude luxury in the Italian Alps – a must-visit for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

 

Taking an unexpected second place is Japan, with 33,275.49 average searches. Despite the chilly temperatures ranging from 37°F to 54°F, Japan’s blend of ancient traditions and modern festivities, set against serene winter landscapes and vibrant city lights, creates a unique and captivating holiday atmosphere.

In an intriguing third place is Thailand, with almost 23,000 average searches. Could it be the allure of an unconventional Christmas on the beach, with December temperatures soaring to a warm 88°F? Thailand’s tropical charm, warm hospitality, beautiful beaches, and cultural richness offer an unexpectedly popular choice for Americans seeking a break from tradition.

 

by Puntid Tantivangphaisal

Photo courtesy of Travel Daily Media

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-12-26

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

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Odd that Cuba is number 10 on their list.

 

Quote

Travel to Cuba for tourist activities remains prohibited by statute.

https://cu.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/traveling-to-cuba/

 

Nothing says ''festive'' like Thailand.  Miserable land of frowns.  F all decorations and no Christmas music.

17 hours ago, John Drake said:

Odd that Cuba is number 10 on their list.

 

 

the list of ok reasons to visit Cuba are so wide and various that no American should ever worry about visiting or returning from Cuba.  If by any chance your reason for going is not covered in the ok list, you can always go to Mexico or Canada and slip in that way....!!

19 hours ago, webfact said:

Thailand’s tropical charm, warm hospitality, beautiful beaches, and cultural richness

Not the Thailand I know, but I suppose if you are prepared to travel around a bit you will find some "beautiful beaches".  But dragging oneself around a temple does not in my book count as "cultural richness".

These numbers all relate to "searches", right? How many "searches" statistically become actual "visits"?

20 hours ago, Chris Daley said:

Nothing says ''festive'' like Thailand.  Miserable land of frowns.  F all decorations and no Christmas music.

Your right, We went for Christmas dinner to Central Phuket normally have a huge tree, not this year hardly any decorations inside this year. 

1 hour ago, ChipButty said:

Your right, We went for Christmas dinner to Central Phuket normally have a huge tree, not this year hardly any decorations inside this year. 

Central Festival Pattaya has done it up nicely, with a big tree and other decorations.  Very festive and there were large crowds yesterday when my spouse and I were there.  The mall, itself, has been refreshed with new paint and decorative finishes in the public areas and redone bathrooms.  

8 minutes ago, newnative said:

Central Festival Pattaya has done it up nicely, with a big tree and other decorations.  Very festive and there were large crowds yesterday when my spouse and I were there.  The mall, itself, has been refreshed with new paint and decorative finishes in the public areas and redone bathrooms.  

Maybe they have our tree, 

22 hours ago, Chris Daley said:

Nothing says ''festive'' like Thailand.  Miserable land of frowns.  F all decorations and no Christmas music.

 

True. That Japan is more popular, despite not having tropical beaches, or the draw of the infamous Thailand nightlife is telling. Perhaps it beats Thailand in regards to hospitality, service, infrastructure, and lack of scams...