Winter travel is taking new directions

Where will travelers go this winter? Their destination might not even be on their radar yet.

With travelers increasingly open to new possibilities, the path from inspiration to booking is evolving. AI is entering the planning process, lesser-known destinations are gaining attention, and seasonal demand is creating opportunities for brands to connect with consumers.

These shifts raise important questions for travel marketers. When are travelers most ready to book? What influences their destination choices? And how can brands turn changing preferences into measurable results? Criteo’s Winter 2026 Travel Pulse explores the answers through global traveler insights and real-world commerce data.