Spending the holidays abroad is a wonderful way to learn about new cultures while creating lifelong family memories. If you’re looking for something a little different than the traditional trip to the Caribbean or Mexico, here’s a little inspiration.

Winter Wonderland

For those of us who don’t live in cold climates, enjoying a winter wonderland during the holidays can be truly memorable. Here are some interesting ideas for this holiday season:

Lapland, Finland

In the northernmost region of Finland, Santa Claus resides in the town of Rovaniemi. This Christmas village has all the festive activities from reindeers sleigh rides and building gingerbread houses to visiting the toy factory and the Elves’ post office. This time of year you can also enjoy ice fishing, dog sledding, and hunting for the Northern Lights. Bundle up in a glass igloo and watch from the warmth of your bed!

Antarctica

Venture to Antarctica for a holiday season like no other. Spend time with penguins and whales during daily Zodiac excursions, then celebrate with the festivities onboard your cozy and luxurious expedition ship. This otherworldly voyage will leave you in awe and with a greater understanding of the beauty and fragility of our planet.

The Swiss Alps

If you enjoy skiing, we’ve got to get you to the Swiss Alps! In addition to all your typical winter activities, in Switzerland you can also indulge in some you may never heard of like tobogganing and snow-kiting. After a long day of adventure, enjoy one of the many wellness spas or cozy up to a fire with some hot cocoa.

Celebrate in the Sun

If you’re more of a warm weather person, you can choose between tropical beaches and more adventurous experiences in the Southern Hemisphere. Here are some of our favorite spots to plan for during the holidays (but plan soon as things are filling up!).

Thailand

Shift your mindset from the stress of the holidays to Thailand’s mai pen rai, (it’s okay/it doesn’t matter) lifestyle. Settle into a luxurious escape on one of the country’s famous coastlines or islands and interact with locals as they embrace the holiday spirit. This picturesque holiday may make going back to reality a bit hard, but it’s sure to reset you for the new year.

New Zealand

Festive season in New Zealand is marked by the vibrant red blooms on the pohutukawa tree. Christmas is a summer holiday here, so you might find Santa in ‘jandals’ on the beach for the traditional family barbecue! Treat yourself to a stay in one of New Zealand’s ultra luxury lodges, like the three gorgeous Robertson Lodges.

Costa Rica

On a beach or in the rainforest, the holidays in Costa Rica are celebrated with parades, festivals, and togetherness. The Four Seasons on Peninsula Papagayo hosts events from surf lessons and zip-lining to pottery and yoga classes. Everyone will be busy trying new things while ringing in the new year.

If you’re considering a trip the week of New Years or Christmas, it is extremely important to start planning as soon as possible as this is the most popular time of year to travel. Reach out to us HERE to get started brainstorming.