KAYAK has analyzed its search data to reveal how and where Spaniards can save this Christmas and which destinations are trending: Tokyo stands out with average prices 8% lower for flights and 39% for hotels compared to last year. Furthermore, according to historical data, December 24 could be the most economical day to fly, while December 20 and 22 register the lowest average prices for check-in at international and national destinations, respectively.
Although it may seem early, many Spanish travelers are already planning their Christmas and New Year vacations. According to search data from KAYAK, a leading travel search engine, searches for flights to Mexico City, Bogotá, or Tokyo this Christmas are already showing increases of 45%, 36%, and 27% respectively compared to last year.
These, and that traveling at the end of the year is not always more expensive everywhere, are some of the conclusions from the new report Travel Check-In: Christmas and New Year 2026 from KAYAK. The analysis includes the most searched destinations and the trending ones among Spanish travelers for these dates, those that register the largest price drops in flights and hotels, as well as the most economical and practical tips to help travelers save.
At Christmas and New Year, Spanish travelers put distance between themselves
The ranking of trending destinations among Spanish travelers for this Christmas and New Year is entirely made up of international cities. There is particularly notable interest in Latin America: searches for flights to South America increase by 8% compared to last year and those directed to the Caribbean, by 15%.
Mexico City and Bogotá top a list that also includes two other Latin American destinations like Lima and Santo Domingo, with an increase in flight searches to the Peruvian capital of 11% and 19% to the Caribbean island, compared to last year.
Top 10 trending destinations for travel at Christmas and New Year 2026
This is the ranking of the ten most trending destinations for travel at Christmas and New Year 2026, along with the increase in flight searches, compared to last year, in percentage and the average price of round-trip flights in economy class.
Mexico City, Mexico, +45 %, 966 €.
Bogotá, Colombia, +36 %, 1,297 €.
Tokyo, Japan, +27 %, 925 €.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, +19 %, 1,121 €.
Vienna, Austria, +15 %, 194 €.
Prague, Czech Republic, +15 %, 181 €.
Lima, Peru, +11 %, 1,151 €.
Marrakech, Morocco, +9 %, 223 €.
Brussels, Belgium, +1 %, 154 €.
New York, United States, +1 %, 659 €.
The destinations with the largest price drops in flights and hotels
Currently, some of the largest drops in flight prices for Christmas and New Year 2026 are occurring precisely on long-distance routes, with destinations in Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean cheaper than last year.
Natalia Diez-Rivas, commercial director of KAYAK for Europe, points out that "among the destinations that offer savings opportunities are also some of the most trending among Spaniards for these holidays. Tokyo stands out for recording the largest price drops in both flights and hotels, with average prices 8 % lower in flights and 39 % in hotels compared to last Christmas. Additionally, flying to Santo Domingo currently costs on average 5 % less than last year, while staying in Vienna during Christmas and New Year is 11 % cheaper".
Top 5 destinations with the largest price drops in flights for traveling during Christmas and New Year 2026
This is the ranking of the five destinations with the largest price drops in flights for traveling during Christmas and New Year 2026, along with the drop in flight price, compared to the same period last year, in percentage and the average price of round-trip flights in economy class.
Tokyo, Japan, - 8 %, 925 €.
Rome, Italy, - 6 %, 142 €.
Istanbul, Turkey, - 5 %, 277 €.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, - 5 %, 1,121 €.
Cancun, Mexico, - 4 %, 1,047 €.
Top 5 destinations with the largest price drops in hotels for traveling during Christmas and New Year in 2026
This is the ranking of the five destinations with the largest price drops in hotels for traveling during Christmas and New Year 2026, along with the drop in hotel price per night, compared to the same period last year, in percentage and the average price of accommodation per night.
Tokyo, Japan, - 39 %, 82 €.
Bruges, Belgium, - 18 %, 130 €.
Strasbourg, France, - 17 %, 136 €.
Istanbul, Turkey, - 13 %, 79 €.
Palma de Mallorca, Spain, - 12 %, 118 €.
Three keys from KAYAK for planning vacations and saving
When to book flights for Christmas 2026. Historically, the national flights with the best value for money appear during the week of Christmas, with an average price of €130. In the case of international flights, this occurs at the beginning of December, with an average of €220.
What is the cheapest day to fly at Christmas and New Year. December 24 is expected to be the cheapest day to fly to both national and international destinations. Choosing this day could mean a potential saving of 5% on national flights and 53% on international ones. December 22 and 19 are shaping up to be the most expensive days to depart, respectively.
When to check-in. According to the analyzed data, December 20 and 22 currently offer the lowest average prices for check-in at international hotels (€100 on average per night) and national hotels (€120) respectively.
"The patterns of previous years can serve as a clue, but prices change and do not always repeat. My advice is for travelers to set up price alerts to know when fares for flights and hotels go up or down and get recommendations on whether it is worth booking at that moment or waiting a little longer," concludes Diez-Rivas.
To consult the full report, visit Travel Check-In: Christmas and New Year 2026 from KAYAK and discover more trends, destinations, and tips for planning the holidays.