Florida and California Lead Winter 2025 Travel as Latino Families Fuel U.S. Tourism Boom

As winter approaches, new data from Airbnb shows Latino travelers in the United States are reshaping the end of year travel calendar by prioritizing sunshine, family gatherings and group trips, strengthening domestic tourism as the 2025 holiday season nears.

According to Airbnb’s latest winter travel insights, Florida has emerged as the clear favorite destination among U.S. Latino travelers, followed closely by California. The Sunshine State stands out sharply, with Latino guests booking accommodations at a rate three times higher than the national U.S. average. Orlando and Miami are leading the surge, confirming Florida’s ongoing appeal for families seeking warm weather and entertainment centered vacations .

The trend reflects a broader shift toward domestic travel and extended family reunions. Airbnb’s U.S. Latin and Hispanic Traveler Report shows that nearly 75 percent of Latino travelers vacation with extended family members, driving strong demand for large homes and multi bedroom properties rather than traditional hotel rooms. Group bookings now account for the majority of winter reservations among Latino guests, reshaping how and where Americans travel during the holidays .

Industry data points to the economic significance of this shift. Analysts estimate Latino travelers will spend more than $165 billion on travel in the United States in 2025, fueled by an expected increase in leisure trips and higher average spending per journey. Travel researchers note that Latino households often prioritize shared experiences, longer stays and accommodations that allow families to cook, gather and celebrate together, which has positioned short term rentals as an increasingly popular alternative.

While sun driven destinations dominate the rankings, winter classics still hold appeal for those traveling in groups. Airbnb data shows rising demand for cabin destinations such as the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and Big Bear Lake in California. These locations have become popular options for large families seeking colder weather experiences without sacrificing space, privacy or togetherness.

Travel experts say the combination of warm weather hubs and cozy mountain retreats reflects the diversity of Latino travel preferences, even within the winter season. Whether gathering around a beachside patio in Miami or a fireplace in the mountains, family remains the central motivator.

As domestic tourism continues to recover and evolve, Latino travelers are playing a decisive role in shaping seasonal demand. States such as Florida and California are expected to feel the impact most directly this winter, benefiting from sustained bookings, longer stays and higher household participation.

With the winter travel window expanding beyond traditional peak weeks, tourism officials and rental platforms alike are adapting offerings to cater to large groups and multigenerational families.