Travel advisors are seeing a surge in early holiday bookings for 2026, with December air travel up 57% and hotel reservations up 76% compared to last year. Internova Travel Group’s data shows Americans are planning trips farther in advance, and advisors are ready with recommendations that suit families, couples and multigenerational groups.
Austria: Vienna and Salzburg
Suzy Gustafson, founder and CEO of Unrivaled Travel Experiences, suggests combining Vienna and Salzburg for a classic European Christmas. She notes the region’s historic city centers, decorated markets, classical music, and easy rail connections. Gustafson advises travelers to book the first two weeks of December to enjoy the festive atmosphere while avoiding the peak‑week rush.
Finnish Lapland
Eric Hrubant, founder and president of CIRE Travel, recommends Finnish Lapland for families who want a magical Christmas among snowy forests, reindeer, saunas and the northern lights. He suggests staying a week or more to improve aurora‑watching chances, but cautions against building an entire itinerary around the lights alone. Early booking is essential for popular hotels and private experiences.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Lainey Melnick of Dream Vacations points to Ljubljana for travelers who have already explored German or Austrian markets. The compact, walkable capital offers a distinct Slovenian holiday vibe, and Melnick recommends a day trip to Lake Bled. She advises a three‑night stay and booking six to nine months ahead, especially for historic‑center hotels.
Québec City, Canada
Royal Ahmadi, senior vice president of The Vacation Group, highlights Québec City’s German Christmas Market, which runs from November 19 through December 23, 2026. Staying in the historic district allows visitors to walk between six market locations. Ahmadi urges travelers to check the market calendar and secure flights and lodging early for December dates.
Oman
Melnick also recommends Oman for warm‑weather holidays. Muscat averages around 79°F in December, offering beaches, desert camps in Wahiba Sands and the Hajar Mountains. She suggests splitting time between the coast and inland experiences, and booking luxury resorts and desert camps well in advance.
Egypt
Marianne McNulty of Andrew Harper advises Egypt for history lovers. Winter temperatures average 68°F, making Nile cruises and site visits comfortable. Because demand for cruises is high, McNulty recommends planning at least a year ahead and tailoring itineraries to personal interests.
Los Cabos, Mexico
Ahmadi adds Los Cabos as a nearby warm‑weather option, renowned for whale‑watching that can begin in December. He suggests scheduling a whale‑watching tour early in the stay to allow for rescheduling if sea conditions change. The destination suits couples and families seeking resort amenities and water activities.
Patagonia, Chile
Ruchi Harnal of Harnal Travel promotes Patagonia for active holiday travelers. While often seen as a serious hiking region, it also offers blue lakes, glaciers and wildlife. Harnal notes the area works well for multigenerational families, with lodges providing a range of guided activities.
Insider Booking Tips
Across all destinations, advisors stress the importance of early reservations—especially for popular hotels, private experiences and holiday markets. Booking six months to a year ahead can secure better rates and ensure availability during peak holiday periods.
Whether you prefer snowy European markets, Arctic auroras, desert landscapes or tropical whale‑watching, these nine destinations offer diverse experiences for a memorable 2026 holiday season.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
