Staying home for Christmas can be a blessing and a beautiful experience, however it can also be quite the headache, especially if you tend to have quarrels with the in-laws. You either travel somewhere or you stay home, and if you stay put, you either have to travel or play host, which can be trying at times. But why not give a Christmas vacation a try? To tell you the truth, I used to stay home every year, where one family group hosted the rest of us, followed by loads of food, white elephant game, and a long nap, typically with some football on the television screen.
Now-a-days, I look to see my friends and family around Christmas, but in a more spread out and balanced manner, and I can’t rave more about it – my holidays are much more relaxed, yet new and exciting, each and every year. This year, I’ll be visiting a dear friend in Florida, and two years ago, I was in Europe (and it was glorious!).
Options vary and range quite a bit, though, identifying what you wish to accomplish on your trip is an important first step. Do you want to explore? Do you wish to relax? Does traveling outside of the country make sense? How does a romantic holiday sound? Or how about something less Christmas themed, like a beach trip or cruise?
Traditional hotel/resort
As with anywhere in the world, a traditional hotel stay or resort style vacation is possible. But if you do a little research, you can find a really lovely place to stay, with lots to do, and perhaps something a little more fun and exciting, as far as your hotel goes. Just because there are hotels all around the world that are exactly like what you have at home, doesn’t mean that you must choose this option – how boring is that?! Try finding something more unique and interesting. Typically, family-owned and/or quirkier options are aplenty, no matter where you go; they simply require a little searching and discovery.
Road trip/backpacking
My personal favorite way to see a new place abroad is to road trip or backpack around the country. This requires more guts, and a whole lot more planning – unless driving around and winging it sounds like your style (and believe me, it’s awesome!); sleeping in the car really isn’t so bad. Anywhere around the world, you will find random hostels, mini hotels, and a variety of economy priced motel-style inns. This is by far the best option if you wish to explore and keep moving, however, this may not be the most comfortable and relaxed holiday.
Stay local
With all of that said, if you wish to have an uncommon, yet truly quality experience, staying with a local in their home may be the absolute best vacation choice. There’s nothing like traveling in a new country, where you know no one and perhaps don’t even speak the language, yet a local family has offered their home to you. There are services like AirBnB and Couchsurfing, which can offer you safe stays, but I would suggest trying HouseTrip first. Knowing someone local, especially during the holidays, can be greatly beneficial, and can tremendously enhance your experience. Entertain the idea of bedding with a local, because you will have a unique experience, where the culture, outlook, and local perspective are offered to you, unadulterated.
Wherever you plan to go this Christmas, be sure to make the most of it! Happy holidays!
(Photo by rose_des_vents via Flickr)
Written by Brandon Scott
Options vary and range quite a bit, though, identifying what you wish to accomplish on your trip is an important first step. Do you want to explore? Do you wish to relax? Does traveling outside of the country make sense? How does a romantic holiday sound? Or how about something less Christmas themed, like a beach trip or cruise?
Traditional hotel/resort
As with anywhere in the world, a traditional hotel stay or resort style vacation is possible. But if you do a little research, you can find a really lovely place to stay, with lots to do, and perhaps something a little more fun and exciting, as far as your hotel goes. Just because there are hotels all around the world that are exactly like what you have at home, doesn’t mean that you must choose this option – how boring is that?! Try finding something more unique and interesting. Typically, family-owned and/or quirkier options are aplenty, no matter where you go; they simply require a little searching and discovery.
Road trip/backpacking
My personal favorite way to see a new place abroad is to road trip or backpack around the country. This requires more guts, and a whole lot more planning – unless driving around and winging it sounds like your style (and believe me, it’s awesome!); sleeping in the car really isn’t so bad. Anywhere around the world, you will find random hostels, mini hotels, and a variety of economy priced motel-style inns. This is by far the best option if you wish to explore and keep moving, however, this may not be the most comfortable and relaxed holiday.
Stay local
With all of that said, if you wish to have an uncommon, yet truly quality experience, staying with a local in their home may be the absolute best vacation choice. There’s nothing like traveling in a new country, where you know no one and perhaps don’t even speak the language, yet a local family has offered their home to you. There are services like AirBnB and Couchsurfing, which can offer you safe stays, but I would suggest trying HouseTrip first. Knowing someone local, especially during the holidays, can be greatly beneficial, and can tremendously enhance your experience. Entertain the idea of bedding with a local, because you will have a unique experience, where the culture, outlook, and local perspective are offered to you, unadulterated.
Wherever you plan to go this Christmas, be sure to make the most of it! Happy holidays!
(Photo by rose_des_vents via Flickr)
Written by Brandon Scott
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