Where Should You Go For Christmas?
Are you feeling like taking Christmas Day international this year? Maybe the post-Christmas-clean-up really took it out of you last year, or maybe the kids have grown up and moved out and it’s the perfect time to get everyone together for a holiday. Whatever the reason, taking Christmas overseas is a great idea, and I’ve got some destination inspiration for you!
My first piece of advice would be that – no matter the destination – you should book your Christmas getaway early. Travel costs over Christmas have naturally higher rates than low season, and with more and more people going away over the holidays every year, availability can get snapped up fast. That’s not necessarily to say that you’ll have missed the proverbial boat if you only have a couple of months to make it all happen, but you can expect that costs will be a bit higher again as flights, ships, and hotels get booked up.
Without further ado, here are some amazing travel destinations for you to add to your Christmas list!
Maldives
The dry season in the Maldives is from November to April, making Christmastime one of the best (and most popular) times to visit! Being a predominantly Muslim country, Christmas isn’t typically celebrated in the Maldives, but you’ll find that many resorts will offer Christmas-themed activities or parties, and perhaps special Christmas dinner options as well.
Most resorts in the Maldives will have a minimum-stay requirement over the Christmas period, so make sure you look into it before booking your flights!
Cologne, Germany
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, look no further! Cologne is renowned for its multitude of Christmas markets and festive decorations sprawling from street to street, and even has a mini-train – the Christmas Market Express – available for you to ride between markets if you’d rather not walk.
Christmas festivities are spread far and wide across Germany, so I recommend adding Cologne to a larger itinerary. Consider doing a Christmas Market river cruise! This way you’ll travel to the most festive parts of Europe as efficiently and easily as possible.
Phuket, Thailand
December is one of the best months to visit Phuket due to the dry, sunny weather. Resorts and restaurants will host festive Christmas events, and for adult travellers, bars will often throw parties with live music and DJs.
Thailand is a great option for groups and families looking for a hot, beachy Christmas!
New York City, USA
If a cooler Christmas is on your list, NYC has it all! With no end to the list of things to do, it’s a wonderful holiday destination for all types of travellers.
Don’t miss ice skating in Central Park, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, or the spectacular Christmas displays and light shows on Fifth Avenue.
Antarctica
December is right in the middle of the tourist season for Antarctica, so why not tick off this big bucket-list item at Christmastime? December brings the phenomenon of the midnight sun, giving you 24/7 daylight so you can keep an eye out for penguins and whales round-the-clock.
There are a huge variety of cruise operators travelling to Antarctica on all kinds of budgets. This trip will be pricier than your average Bali escapade, but you’ll never forget it (or regret it)!
The Philippines
If you love a summer Christmas and exploring other cultures, the Philippines should be at the top of your list. Not only is December – the start of the dry season – one of the best months to visit, but Christmas in the Philippines is incredibly festive!
Filipino Christmas celebrations begin as early as September, and involve an abundance of lights, decorations, and merriment. The Philippines would be the ideal holiday destination if you’d like to celebrate Christmas a little differently, but celebrate nonetheless.
Lapland, Finland
And finally, for the most magical Christmas you could dream up – Santa’s Village!
Lapland is the ultimate Christmas destination for young families, but it’s perfect for festive travellers of all ages!
See the Northern Lights, go snowmobiling or on a reindeer safari, and meet Santa Claus in his red Christmas House. This is guaranteed to be a holiday you’ll remember forever!
Get in touch with me today to book your dream Christmas holiday!
