Christmas travels: Whare are Floridians' most sought-after vacation destinations?
For many Americans, Christmas means getting together with family and friends at home; but for others, the holidays are a chance to escape on a vacation.
According to the Transportation Security Administration, 12% more travelers are going through U.S. airport checkpoints compared to this time last year.
Approximately 39 million people will board U.S. flights between Dec. 20 and Jan. 2, according to Airlines for America.
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While destinations are certainly varied, some of the favorites among Americans (and Floridians) are clear — at least according to Cloudwards.
The website, described in part as “a hub of information on all kinds of online security software,” released a study based on Google search data detailing “the most sought-after Christmas destinations worldwide, categorized into three sections: international cities, those favored by Americans globally, and dream U.S. cities for Americans.”
Here is what it discovered:
What is Florida’s most sought-after Christmas vacation destination?
According to the Cloudwards report, Florida’s most sought-after Christmas vacation spot is the same of half of U.S. states.
“It’s unanimous that Vienna is the most desirable international holiday season destination,” the Cloudwards report said.
The Austrian capital is also the favorite destination in 25 other U.S. states.
The list continues with:
Quebec City — seven states.
Paris — five states.
Barcelona — three states.
Vancouver, Prague, Tokyo, London and Amsterdam are also on the list.
Why is Vienna such a popular Christmas destination?
Vienna is the capital of Austria and has a population of approximately 1.9 million people.
“The city during the winter period is full of bustling Christmas markets — where tourists can sample the local culinary delights, including the infamous Christmas punch — with the smells of some seriously tasty stuff emanating from them,” the Cloudwards report said.
The several parks, churches, cathedrals and other spots decorated with Christmas lights are also an attraction, as well as its signature Christmas concerts.
“Those who have been lucky enough to spend time in Vienna describe it as a ‘gem that’s simply bursting with history, art, culture and music,'” Cloudwards’ report said.
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What is the most sought-after Christmas destination in the U.S. for Americans?
Cloudwards’ report also showed where Americans who travel domestically are most likely to go.
Floridians travelers have Helen, Georgia, as their most sought-after Christmas destination, according to the report. The city is also the favorite in three other states: Alabama, South Carolina and Tennessee.
The most popular destinations domestically, however, are Branson, Missouri, and Chicago — each are favorites in seven states.
An Ozark town in southwest Missouri, Branson is known as the country’s “Christmas Tree City.”
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The denomination comes from the almost 1,500 Christmas trees spread throughout the city, greeting locals and visitors at shops, restaurants, hotels and other attractions.
Some other popular cities on the list include:
Leavenworth, Washington — five states.
Boston — four states.
New York City — four states.
Las Vegas — three states.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: What is Florida's most popular Christmas vacation destination?
