Holiday travel is a conundrum for many people. For some, competing school and work schedules make the holidays one of the only times that a family can go away together…for others, it is an annual tradition to escape the cold weather for tropical destinations. Prices in popular warm weather resort destinations are often 3 to 4 times higher between Christmas and New Year’s than other times of the year. AND, many of the most popular resorts are sold out by early summer.
Several of my clients have called me recently regarding trips to Mexico or the Caribbean for “festive season”
and I am having an incredibly difficult time finding availability. Add
to that, room rates that are ridiculously overpriced and air fares in the
thousands (which for a family of five will quickly carve a huge chunk out of
your vacation budget). Suddenly, “thinking outside the box” sounds like a really
good idea.
and I am having an incredibly difficult time finding availability. Add
to that, room rates that are ridiculously overpriced and air fares in the
thousands (which for a family of five will quickly carve a huge chunk out of
your vacation budget). Suddenly, “thinking outside the box” sounds like a really
good idea.
How about spending the holidays in Europe instead?? Believe it or not, at this point in early September, it would be easier to plan a European vacation than to find space in the Caribbean or Mexico…and it is also a better value!
Imagine Christmas in Rome – from Midnight Mass by the Pope at the Vatican to beautiful nativity scenes in many churches – not to mention delicious Italian holiday food traditions. I have clients headed to Rome for Christmas this year and I was able to get them an excellent deal at the iconic Hotel Hassler for half the price of most high end tropical resort destinations.
Last year, I had clients spend the holidays in Germany – they loved the wandering through the Christmas Markets and seeing the landmarks illuminated for the holidays while also enjoying sightseeing with very little crowds. The price of their nightly hotel room at a Regent Berlin – a five star Virtuoso property – probably wouldn’t even cover a night at a three star property in the islands.
How about long leisurely days sipping chocolat chaud in Paris or shopping in Knightsbridge followed by a decadent afternoon tea in London? Insert any European capital into the above scenarios for a similar unique experience. You might not go home with a suntan that will fade after a few days, but you will have created memories that will last a lifetime…
So, why not save your warm
weather travels for Spring Break (which, by the way, you should be
planning NOW) and experience another
culture’s Holiday traditions this year?
weather travels for Spring Break (which, by the way, you should be
planning NOW) and experience another
culture’s Holiday traditions this year?
Beyond Europe, the list
is as long as the world is vast…I will post later in the week about a
few wonderful “alternative” holiday travel ideas on this side of the pond.
You have me dreaming…and was this post done with me in mind lol. I love the idea of thinking outside the box and was immediately taken to wandering through a quaint German village and taking in all the festivities. Fun and great post idea……enjoy your day:)
Now that our kids are grown it's easier to get away during those off seasons. Even here in Seattle the tourist season is no fun for the locals. It seemed like this year was one of the worst and I don't have the patience for the crowds. We are considering a trip next year to visit friends in Italy and are targeting the fall time period. Looking forward to that! Have a great week:)
Sandy, I can personally attest to spending Thanksgiving in Europe, several time, England, Scotland, Paris, Germany and more and I loved it each and every time. As for the Christmas holidays well, Paris, Scotland, England are just a few of the places that I have done as well.
Everything is beautifully decorated and festive and fun. Typically the weather in Europe is cool and sometimes there is snow in Nov, Dec but that is what makes it special. The markets, and shops are enchanting.
Now spending Christmas in Rome is not something I have done but we sent my mom there for Christmas one year and she spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at the Vatican attending Mid-night mass and the mass in the morning and she LOVED it. She said it was a once in a lifetime experience.
This year our Christmas holidays will be in Argentina! I am so excited to see Christmas in a different place!
Hope that your arm is feeling a bit better!
Dear Sandy! I won't be planning any trips for next year; we are all tapped out from our trip this summer and hope to do some home improvements, but how are YOU dear friend? Feeling well? Anita
GREAT idea! We have a blended family of eight children ranging in ages 21 years to 9 years so scheduling a family vacation is an issue for us. We took our "holiday" trip in August last summer and took everyone to Hawaii. We saved a lot of money going in the summer and it was not crowded anywhere. We are trying to plan our "holiday" trip for next year and the actual holiday time frame is probably going to be the only time we can get all eight kids together. I am definitely going to look at Europe! I found that things are already booked up for Christmas 2016 in the warm climates!
So glad to have you back, sharing great travel ideas that I'm adding to my "Places Sandy Recommends" list!
Hi, I just found your blog the other day and wanted to say it's beautifully done. I'm loving this post–the pictures are gorgeous! Hope you are feeling better.
I love to see the big cities around Christmas time, well anytime as long as it's dark. The night gives them a whole new look. Just come across your blog, so glad I did. Chel x
My sister and her family did Christmas in London and New Year's in Paris one year. They had a lovely time, but my sister didn't take into account that the shops would be closed on Boxing Day in London. We Americans are not used to having businesses closed.
These are all fabulous ideas, Sandy! And living in sunny South Florida, I actually welcome any cold I can get at Christmas time!
XOXO,
The Glam Pad
Sandy,
What brilliant ideas! I love the idea of strolling the streets of London, Paris or Rome during the holidays.
xoxo Elizabeth