Christmas Breaks: Five Top Christmas Break Suggestions

On Saturday, November 6th, 2010 at 6:43 pm, No Comments »

One of the most wonderful parts of the Christmas holidays are when family and friends get together. For many, Christmas means staying home to enjoy the festivities. But for those who prefer to getaway from it all, here are 5 top Christmas break suggestions that I call the 5 ‘S’ Christmas vacation breaks: sun, snow, sightseeing, shopping and Santa.

Even though the popular image projected by Christmas is one of it snowing outside, for many the Christmas holiday is an ideal time to search out the sun and avoid the cold weather. If you want to spend time with your family by the beach or scuba diving, a Caribbean Christmas break might be your choice. Or visit the beautiful islands of Hawaii. You could choose to celebrate Christmas in Goa in India, which is a beach lover’s paradise. Or Bali, or Phuket. There are many beautiful beaches all around the world, so a little research into your ideal Christmas vacation will be necessary.

On the other hand, if snow on Christmas is preferable, a winter vacation isn’t complete without spending time on the slopes. And of course, the luxury of warming up by a Christmas tree round a real log fire inside a ski resort is something anyone can appreciate.

If you are thinking that this would be a great way to celebrate the Christmas holiday, keep in mind that Christmas skiing getaways are now very popular, so early booking is advised. Vacations can range anywhere from self-catered stays or hotel breaks to a chalet for the more romantic. There are some great skiing destinations in the USA such as Colorado, California, Oregon, Washington State, Vermont etc. Many US resorts open earlier than European destinations, with excellent conditions in December. For those who decide to vacation in Europe, there are destinations such as Switzerland, Austria and France, that offer a variety of Xmas breaks, whethere it be a long or short stay.

As an alternative to planning a skiing vacation, why not choose a sight-seeing one instead? Sight-seeing is often on the wish list of many for the Christmas break. Cities such as Prague or Paris are a favorite. But if you wanted a relaxed and pampered vacation, why not consider a cruise? Many tour operators offer Christmas deals and special offers, with different lengths of stay, from 3 nights to much more. What better way to see the many different places without the hassle of driving! This can also make a wonderful Christmas gift.

As is often the case, when on a touring vacation during the Christmas holiday, shopping is an activity that goes hand in hand with Christmas. So, combining a Christmas break and doing the Christmas shopping thing at the same time is a great getaway choice. Christmas market breaks will fit the bill, especially for finding those unique gift ideas. The most popular markets are in Europe, in resorts such as Lille France, Brussels winter Wonderland in Belgium, Cologne in Germany and Denmark. Also, let’s not be forgetting some great Christmas market breaks in England such as the famous Leeds Christkindelmarkt, a traditional German Christmas market in the heart of the UK.

And let us also not forget about Santa! After all, Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without Santa, right? A visit to Lapland for the Christmas vacation could be a child’s (and adults) dream come true. Lapland is a snow covered winter wonderland located in the far north of Finland, close to the Arctic circle. You will certainly need to pack your thermal underwear for this trip as it will be at it’s coldest during Christmas. A holiday here offers the unique opportunity to visit Santa Claus Village and take reindeer rides. And, if you are lucky, you might even experience the Aurora Borealis or Northern lights.

Regardless of the type of Christmas break you decide to go with, it is worth spending the time thinking about what kind of vacation you want. You may be travelling alone or in a party, so it’s best to shop around for deals and Christmas offers. Check availability of flights, hotels etc. Book well in advance if your Christmas break is a popular location, and check travel plans to and from your destination.

The most important aspect of this time of the year is to relax, have fun and enjoy your Christmas vacation break.