Florida Leads Holiday Travel Searches as Airfares Near a Decade High

With the holiday season approaching, Florida is commanding the attention of American travelers. Fresh Kayak search data shows the Sunshine State claiming five of the top 10 trending domestic holiday destinations for 2026. Punta Gorda leads the way, with searches up 44% year over year and average airfares of just $307.

Valparaiso and Sarasota, Florida, each saw searches increase by 30%—a trend that may reflect new airline routes and competitive pricing. Travelers are “chasing sunshine without blowing the holiday budget,” says Kayak travel expert Kayla DeLoache.

There’s a catch: Booking platform Hopper reports that holiday travel in 2026 is on track to be the most expensive in at least a decade, largely because soaring jet fuel costs are pushing airfares higher.

Travelers can still find some domestic fares under $400 to destinations including Punta Gorda, the Carolinas, and Minneapolis. Experts recommend booking soon, as demand is expected to drive prices even higher in the coming weeks.

Source: Axios – America’s Holiday Travel Hot Spots 2026