Holiday Trips You Should Be Booking Right Now
Holiday Trips You Should Be Booking Right Now
It's already November – the time of the year when people get into a holiday spirit and think about the best and most adventurous way to spend the extra days off from work with their families. The best and most fun trips usually book fast, so now's the time to plan a getaway. Break the tradition of staying home for the holidays and you're guaranteed a time you'll never forget.
Cruise
Booking a cruise as soon as possible is one of the industry secrets. Some of the most desired specialty itineraries like Europe and Alaska require you to book in advance to avoid paying higher air and cruise fares. Early booking means larger discounts and better cabins available. The difference can easily be thousands of dollars. You can find 7-day trips during the last week of December for $949 right now.
New York City, New York
NYC is a popular tourist destination year-round, but many more people seem to flock to the city that never sleeps in December. They go to the world-famous Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas tree and its lights. Then they head to Central Park for a unique carriage ride. Buying a ticket to see The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall is impossible if you wait too long. Make sure you also visit Southern Brooklyn where neighborhoods compete for the best holiday decorations. A lot of people stay for the famous New Year's Eve celebrations at Times Square.
Climbing a famous mountain
Climbing a daring mountain is one of the 20 most popular bucket list activities, according to surveys. Conquering Kilimanjaro, for example, is recommended for late December and early January, right after the rainy season. A lot of group climbs are organized and many are already filled. The climb itself is not difficult. What makes it challenging is the altitude. You can also attempt Mt. Whitney in California in January. Only four spots are left.
Travel by train
A lot of people are traveling for the holidays. Consider getting to your destination by train. Choose the scenic route over the quick one and make getting to your destination part of the vacation. Relax, take in the stunning sights and explore parts of the world you have never seen before. One of the most beautiful routes in the U.S. is from NYC to Rutland, Vermont. You can travel on Christmas Day to save some money. Book now because fewer times are available on the holidays.
Cuba
Cuba is no longer off limits to Americans. Travel agencies have reported a huge spike in bookings. The options of wild adventures once you're there seem endless – cave and scuba diving, rock climbing, hiking epic peaks, and dancing in the famous Havana salsa clubs. Locals say that to see the "soul" of Cuba, you must visit the "Oriente," which is the region east of Camagüey. You'll see many historic sites, including propaganda billboards. Some of the country's most beautiful beaches are there as well.
Hawaii
The islands get very crowded around Christmas. Everybody wants to escape the cold. Tourists usually go to Hawaii for its stunning beaches, bustling nightlife, family adventures, and surfing. Add a delicious dinner that many restaurants and hotels offer. Just imagine you working on your tan while folks at home deal with ice and snow. The beautiful islands are home to many astonishing spots – some of them are even secluded shores you don't know about.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Holland's largest city is a popular place to be come Christmas time. Locals get really into the legend of Santa Claus. The beautiful century-old houses are stunningly lit and decorated as early as the first week of December. At Museum Square you will find Amsterdam's most spectacular ice rink and Christmas market. Some popular museums, such as Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum, are open on December 25. The city is famous for its clubs, almost all of which throw huge parties on New Year's Eve. The best ones sell out very early.
See the Northern Lights in Finland
Stay in glass igloos and log cabins with extraordinary views. They were designed so visitors can enjoy the Northern Lights in their full glory. Rooms fill up quickly as this time of year is one of the most popular. Vacationing there alone is an amazing experience even if you don't catch the lights. You can go on a husky and reindeer safari, ice fishing expeditions and snowmobile trips in the winter. Boarding an icebreaker cruise is also popular.
Family ski vacation
Kick off the ski season during Thanksgiving. Celebrate like a true adventurer and hit the slopes. Many resorts are going to be open by the last week of November. December and January are popular months as adults have more time off work and kids are out of school. Book resorts and other lodges now if you don't want to be unpleasantly surprised later. The more you wait, the fewer discounts you'll find, especially for lifts.
Key West, Florida
If Hawaii or a Caribbean destination is too far or expensive for you, consider the Keys. Many people go there for comfortable temperatures around the holidays. For better prices, consider renting a condo. The Upper Keys have a more relaxed vibe, according to reviews. Go swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, kayaking and parasailing. The more adventurous of you may want to try primitive camping, but you have to reserve your spot in advance. Don't miss the annual Lighted Boat Parade, a uniquely Key West extravaganza.
Visiting Disney
Disney World is most crowded when kids are out of school, including winter breaks. If possible, visit during the low seasons. However, many parents simply can't make other times because of conflicting schedules. Book now so you don't miss out on all of the discounts. Buy a multiday pass, stay at a hotel off site and purchase a dining plan to save as much money as you can.
Christmas Town USA, North Carolina
McAdenville is so into the holiday that it renames itself Christmas Town USA for the month of December. It is located close to the more famous destination in the state Charlotte. Hundreds of thousands of people visit during the last month of the year – 600,000 last year, compared to a local population of about 650 people – to marvel at the stunning lights the town puts up every year. About 400 trees are lit in downtown alone.
Santa Claus, Indiana
Another place in the U.S. that takes Christmas very seriously is Santa Claus, a small town of about 2,500 people. The local post office has been sending letters to kids "from Santa" for over a century. Dubbed "America's Christmas Hometown," it offers a lot to locals and visitors. Book now a package at Santa's Lodge, a pass to Santa Claus Land of Lights, an access card to chat with an elf on the Northpole Network at Santa's Candy Castle, story time and milk and cookies with Santa, and Christmas crafts.
Koziar’s Christmas Village, Pennsylvania
The village is in Bernville. Its Christmas décor has been internationally recognized – Display World Magazine has named it the best outdoor display in the world. The village has grown due to its increasing popularity. It opens on Nov. 5, and the earlier you go, the better. The village draws visitors from all over the country who come to see the more than a million lights and meet Santa himself. Many people go on bus group visits, but organizers need to know the time in advance.
Famous romantic destinations
Valentine's Day is one of the busiest times for romantic resorts. It may seem like a long time from now, but it flies by. The day is one of the most celebrated holidays around the world, second to New Year's Day. Don't miss your chance to find discounts by searching now. Don't buy a plane ticket to a romantic city at the last minute. Even off the beaten path romantic destinations get booked way in advance.