Avanti Destinations Shares Changing Trends for Winter Independent Travel

Travelers booking independent vacations this winter have shifted their focus away from Europe, according to a new trends report from FIT tour operator Avanti Destinations.

Avanti Destinations is a Portland, Oregon-based wholesale tour operator that specializes in selling independent travel. The company books exclusively with travel advisors, and offers a range of FIT options, such as air, rail, rental cars, transfers, hotels, and experiences.

According to the tour operator, travelers are heading to far-flung warm destinations like Australia, Thailand, and Costa Rica this winter, as well as the always popular European countries like Italy, the UK, and France.

“Europe has always been our top seller in all seasons, but we’re seeing something quite different in advisor bookings for independent travel between November 2026 and March 2027,” said Paul Barry, Avanti’s CEO. “Non-European destinations now account for 60% of winter bookings: Australia is #1, followed by Italy, Japan, Germany, France, New Zealand, Thailand, Costa Rica, the UK, and Argentina. Warmer weather in the southern hemisphere and tropical places near the equator make these logical choices for travelers looking to escape the cold and experience a different culture.”

Avanti also identified the interests and activities that are popular with FIT travelers this winter. This includes spas/wellness, winter sports, wildlife-spotting in Australia, Central and South America, food and wine/beer, and set-jetting to film locations for Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and Outlander.

Holiday travel is another draw. Avanti noted that Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s are nearly sold out for Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, where the tour operator offers cruises on 14 ships ranging in size from eight to 55 cabins.

“Japan, which has the same seasons we do in North America, has become a strong year-round destination for independent travelers,” said Barry. “Those who choose Europe and the UK in the winter are attracted to the full cultural calendar of theater and concerts in the cities, and the fact that there are fewer tourists and a more authentic experience compared to the crush of summer. Naturally, Christmas markets and winter festivals in Europe are always popular.”