The Best Places to Travel for the Holidays

As the weather beings to cool down you can't help but start getting excited for the upcoming holiday season. We all have our holiday traditions, but why not switch things up and experience something new? Regardless if you want to stay in the U.S. or travel outside of the country, there is somewhere waiting to be discovered.

German Christmas Markets

Christmas Market in Frankfurt

​Germany is known for their iconic Christmas Markets throughout the country. These markets bring in thousands of tourists every year and for good reason. A visit to the Christmas Markets is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. You can find unique and special gifts for your friends and family (and maybe a few for yourself) that you cannot find in the States. Indulge in traditional Christmas Market food and drinks, such as Dampfnudel,a fluffy bread with cinnamon soaked in a vanilla sauce or Glühwein (mulled wine). A popular way to experience these markets is on a river cruise! This is a great choice for someone who wants to see multiple Christmas Markets while only having to unpack once!
​

New York City

Missi ice skating at Rockefeller Center

​"New York City during the holidays is simply pure magic. It's like a Hallmark Christmas movie come to life. The city is so beautifully decorated during the holidays with wreaths and lights everywhere. One of my most cherished memories during the holidays in New York is at Rockefeller Center. My husband and I decided to go ice skating and the famous Christmas tree was towering over the ice. Christmas music was playing and then in started to snow. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect moment that I will always remember!"
​
- Missi Wilson, Supervisor of Marketing

London

Tower Bridge in the winter

If you are looking for special attractions you can only find during the holiday season, head over to London. Take a ride on The Giant Wheel or try an ice sculpting workshop in Hyde Park. For Harry Potter fans, visit the Warner Brothers Studio and experience "Hogwarts in the Snow" to learn how the filmmakers created holiday magic in the films. Cozy up and watch your favorite Christmas movies in bean bags during the  Christmas Floating Film Festival at St. Katherine Docks. Spend the evening taking in breathtaking views of the illuminated Tower Bridge from the inside of heated igloos at Coppa Club. Walk through the famous shopping district, Oxford Street, for magical displays that will put you in the holiday spirit.

Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland

Meet reindeer in Finland

​Who wouldn't want to spend the holidays in the "official" hometown of Santa Claus? Take a visit to Santa Claus Village where there is magical fun for the whole family. Tour Mr. Claus' office and send greeting cards to your friends and family at home. Take a trip to a reindeer farm to meet the animals and even take a sleigh ride! (pictured) If you time your visit just right, you might be lucky enough to see the stunning Northern Lights. Be sure to have a meal at the world's only ice restaurant, Snowman World's Ice Restaurant and Ice Bar! Enjoy lunch, dinner, or drinks in the igloos, where almost everything is made out of ice or snow. A trip to Lapland, Finland will make for a memorable holiday vacation for the entire family!

Caribbean

Trade in the snow this year for waves and sand

​Escape from the cold with a trip to the Caribbean! Trade in your mittens and snow shovels for flip flops and a nice tan. As much as we crave cold weather during the hot summer months, once it finally comes around we are ready for summer again. Spend a few days warming up under the Caribbean sun with a cruise or a stay at an all-inclusive resort. The Caribbean is the ideal spot to relax and unwind after the stress of the holidays. Or start a new family tradition of spending the holidays at a tropical destination.

Disney World

Experience the magic of Disney with a holiday twist

Who could make the holidays even more magical? Disney, of course! Take your family on a trip to Disney World to see the park transformed into a winter wonderland with light displays, themed parades, and fireworks. Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Disney Springs, Animal Kingdom, and more will be decked out starting after Halloween until January, so there are many opportunities to get into the spirit while visiting Disney World. This season is a busy time for the park, but the memories you and your family will make are completely worth it!

Colorado

Hot Springs at Strawberry Park in Steamboat Springs

​“Colorado in the wintertime is EXACTLY what you think it would be. Absolutely beautiful. Located just outside of Denver is Steamboat Springs (about a 3-hour drive) where you can enjoy an array of outdoor activities to embrace the cold and the natural winter beauty. The drive from Denver is so beautiful, and this small town is everything you think a small, mountain town should be. We stayed at The Inn at Steamboat and enjoyed the beautiful mountain views from our balcony. During the day, we relaxed our minds and bodies by enjoying the beautiful NATURAL Hot Springs at Strawberry Park. Make sure to bring a winter beanie/hat because even though the water is hot, your ears won’t be!!! Other outdoor activities in Steamboat include skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, hiking, and there is also a Gondola nearby!”
- Christine Hakenjos, Travel Consultant

Check out our Cruise Expo Pre-Sale for AMAZING limited-time deals for 2019 and 2020 travel!
Hurry the sale ends 10/31. ​Find your perfect holiday getaway today!