Forget going home for the holidays, Americans are grabbing their passports and heading abroad.

This year, Americans are ready to go the distance withTokyonotching the No.

1 spot for top destinations for Christmas and New Years Eve,according to Google.

winter decorations on the streets of Tokyo

Winter Illumination in Tokyo seen from Roppongi Hills to celebrate winter, Christmas, and New Year holidays.Credit:wnmkm/Getty Images

But what makes this time of year so coveted is that the capital gets a serious glow-up literally.

(This years celebrations have yet to be announced, so check Go TokyosWinter Illumination guidebefore visiting.

Tokyo is not the only far-flung city travelers are looking at.

The Google data team also shared insight on the best time to book those holiday flights for thebest deals.

That means the second half of October is the time to target those flight deals.

When it comes to international travel, Googles rule of thumb is to always book as soon as possible.