Ultimate Christmas Trip Ideas: Best Destinations for the Holidays
Here are the BEST Christmas Trips to take this year! Whether you want to spend Christmas in the sunshine and the Seychelles or explore the Christmas markets in Germany, this is the best list of all your Christmas trip options!
Summer is long gone, and we are dreaming of our next winter holiday. I get it! The seasonal depression has yet to set in, but soon we will practically begging for summer to return. Nothing beats the winter blues like an exciting escape! Whether you want to hit the slopes and dust off those skis, explore a vibrant new city, wander through quaint Christmas markets, or flop down in the sunshine with your preferred {insert fruity drink here}, this list of the Best Christmas Trips has you covered.
Are you looking for help planning your dream getaway? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options on the internet or just don’t have the time to get started, I really encourage you to check out my travel planning services! You can download my “How We Work” guide here or submit your inquiry here!
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Telluride, Colorado
Telluride, Colorado, takes the number one spot on the best Christmas Trips. This little ski town is full of amazing food, good vibes, and great slopes. Christmas in Telluride is unlike any other experience!
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New York, New York
While the city that never sleeps is always a great visit, there is something special about New York during Christmas time. From watching the light show dance at Macy’s to ice skating in Central Park, a visit to New York this winter is sure to be one of the Christmas Trips you will remember forever.
Festive Germany
In the heart of Germany, you will find beautiful Christmas Markets and all the holiday charm you could wish for. Sip on a mulled wine or hot apple cider, and munch down on hearty German food to keep you warm while you explore the beautiful cities in Deutschland. One of my favorite ways to make this an incredible Christmas Trip in 2022 is through a boutique River Cruise. Join your ship in Frankfurt or Prague and sail through Germany, stopping at all of the quaint little villages along the way.
This is a great way to see a lot of one country in a small amount of time while still remaining totally relaxed!
Grindelwald, Switzerland
With melted cheese, impeccable skiing, and out-of-this-world train rides, Switzerland is a truly unique destination for a Christmas Trip. Grindelwald is not only a ski lover’s paradise but also cute as a button and lives up to its epic name. The views are unlike any you will ever experience!
Innsbruck, Austria
The 5th largest city in Austria certainly doesn’t feel like it. Known for its adventurous winter sports, Innsbruck is more than just a ski destination. Christmas Markets, amazing food, and Austrian culture will astound you on this wonderful Christmas Trip.
Paris, France
Simply put, Paris is never a bad idea. The city’s charm during the festive season makes it perfect for a couple wanting to escape for a week, shop, explore, and enjoy the city of love at a truly special time of year. The Galeries Lafayette has impeccable decor that amazes in true French Fashion.
South Africa
Want to escape the cold and have some adventure this Christmas? South Africa is an incredible place full of adventure, wine, safari, and stunning resorts.
Spend the first part of your trip exploring Capetown and the Capetown peninsula. After that, head into vineyards for a few nights and try some of the impeccable wine that the South African wineries have lying in wait. Finish your trip with an adventure into the bush and see the Big 5 at Kruger Reserve—or if you’re feeling extra saucy, fly on out to the Seychelles for some time at the beach before you head home!
Maldives
An overwater bungalow with bright sunshine while everyone at home is battling to get to work in the blistering cold? Sign me up! The Maldives are known for their stunning resorts, and while there seems to be an endless list of options, it takes a professional to truly match you with the resort that is best for you. Do you want all-inclusive? Over water? Beachfront? Sunset or Sunrise facing? Glass Floor? How many restaurants on site do you want? Underwater restauranteurs? Private picnics? Honestly…the list of resorts that will supply you all these things. is limited. If you’re curious about a trip to the Maldives PLEASE, reach out to your favorite travel advisor (hi, hello, that’s me ???? ) so we can plan a PERFECT trip to the Maldives!
Japan
With a completely unique culture and a landscape that will intrigue everyone, Japan is a wonderful choice for a winter trip. Whether you want to ski in the Japanese landscapes or add Tokyo to a trip to the Pacific Islands, Japan is a Christmastime trip you will remember for a lifetime.
Hawaii
Did you forget to renew your passport but still want to visit warm weather and a tropical island this winter? Consider adding Hawaii to your Christmas trip bucket list for a domestic getaway that will never disappoint. From history in Honolulu to inspiring views in Maui and Kauai, Hawaii is not only one of my favorite places to visit but also one of my favorite places to plan for clients!
St. Lucia
For all my East Coast babies, keep it a short and simple flight with some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and resorts. St. Lucia is one of my top picks for the Caribbean, as it is truly a luxury destination. The beaches are more perfect than a screen saver, and the resorts are full of incredible food, impeccable pools, and stellar service.
New Zealand
Escaping to the southern hemisphere is a surefire way to make all your friends jealous while they are battling to get to work in the heaving snow. From epic landscapes, the backdrop for J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings movies, to delightful wine, there is something for everyone in New Zealand. Self-drive your way across the islands and immerse yourself in Kiwi culture. This is a different Christmas Trip to most, but it will be one you always remember.
Bali
Relax, rejuvenate, and recover with a Christmas trip to Bali. Whether you are looking for a yoga retreat, a detox camp, or just time in the jungle and on the beaches, Bali is a wonderful place for everyone. Bali evokes beautiful beaches, a unique culture, a jungle backdrop, and a mindset unlike any other. Whether you are looking for a solo escape, a romantic getaway, or a gaggle of friends, Bali can serve your needs!
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is a good idea any time of year, and making it a special Christmas Trip will not dissapoint. Combine it with the Scottish Highlands or a week in Iceland, and you’ve got the best city and scenery you could hope for for your winter holiday.
Scotland One Week Itinerary
Best Tours in Scotland
Scotland Travel Guide
Prague
Prague is one of the most underrated European cities, which makes it a really great economical option for one of your Christmas trips! Not only is Prague a more budget-friendly destination than most European cities, but its unique history and architecture are sure to take your breath away. Prague is a great add-on to any European trip, but it works especially well to add it to your Festive River Cruise!
Italy
I know we all dream of the Amalfi Coast in the summer, but visiting Italy in the winter can mean fewer crowds, lower prices, and of course, Christmas Markets! Florence, Venice, Rome, and Milan are all wonderful places to visit during the Festive Season, and can easily paired with countries like Austria, Germany, or Switzerland.
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Rome Travel Guide
Florence Travel Guide
Sweden
A trip into arctic Sweden could be one of the best opportunities on one of your Christmas Trips to see the northern lights! Stockholm is a wonderful and vibrant city, and starting there and flying north or taking the night train can lead to exciting times and a great chance of the northern lights.
Iceland
Iceland is another wonderful option for a Christmas Trip to see the Northern Lights, but it offers much more than that. Incredible geothermal springs, a unique landscape, and steaming volcanoes await the adventure lover.
Iceland Travel Tips
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Iceland 1 Week Itinerary
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Ecuador
The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is November – May, so why not make your Christmas Trip this year to Ecuador and the Galapagos? Ecuador sits at the equator, meaning the weather is mild year-round, and is focused more on microclimates than the climate of the entire country! December & January are the perfect time to visit the Galapagos Islands! These are also some of the busiest months, so be sure to plan your trip well in advance!
Banos Travel Guide
Galapagos Packing Guide
Amazon Rainforest Travel Guide
Mauritius
This small island off the East Coast of Africa is a winter trip that you’ll come back from with a tan. Mauritius has tons of interesting resorts and beaches that rival those of the best Caribbean islands. It is a perfect destination to pair with South Africa or visit on its own! With lively island life and an incredible selection of resorts, you don’t want to miss out on visiting this beautiful corner of the world!
UNFORTUNATELY, AS RABBIE BURNS ONCE WROTE, EVEN THE BEST-LAID PLANS OF MICE AND MEN OFTEN GO AWRY. THAT IS WHY WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TAKING OUT TRAVEL INSURANCE TO COVER ALL EVENTUALITIES. OUR PARTNER, TRAVEL INSURED, IS OUR PREFERRED VENDOR FOR OUR CLIENT AND PERSONAL TRAVELS.
