Here we are in the beginning of July – ready for beach days, backyard BBQs and lots of ice cream. But believe it or not, it’s time to start thinking about the holidays. With work slowing down and kids on break from school, festive season is one of the most popular times of year to travel. To avoid limited availability and high pricing, it’s best to think ahead! Here are some of my favorite ideas for Festive 2019:
BEACH RETREAT: COSTA RICA
A lot of families will head off to the Caribbean or Mexico for some R&R over the holidays, but Costa Rica is a great alternative. The beaches on the Pacific coast are pristine, with great surfing and plenty of activities. For families looking to mix in some adventure with their beach retreat, you can easily include a few days in the rainforest or a trip to the Arenal volcano.
SKI VACATION: ZERMATT
Snow can be a bit tricky in December – you never know if you’ll have a foot of powder or be skiing on ice. But Zermatt, in the Swiss Alps, is fairly reliable when it comes to early season snow. The snow depth in Zermatt at the beginning of the season has averaged 5+ feet over the last 8 years. Plus, Zermatt is easy to travel to via train from Zurich or Geneva. And once you’re there, you needn’t worry about a car in this quaint, pedestrian village. Bonuses: Views of the famed Matterhorn, cheese fondue, and Swiss hot chocolate!
QUINTESSENTIAL CULTURE: THE COTSWOLDS
I have a hard time imagining a more idyllic Christmas than one spent in the Cotswolds in the English countryside. With just a hop over the pond, you’ll live out your Downton Abbey dreams – attending horse races, shooting sporting clays or practicing falconry, and sipping spiced tea in the afternoons by the fire. Not to mention, you’ll get to enjoy all the delicacies of a traditional English Christmas – from Yorkshire pudding to mince pies!
WILD ADVENTURE: LAPLAND
If seeing the Northern Lights is on your life list, then head to Lapland in Northern Scandinavia. Though sunlight will be limited, there’s plenty to do – from polar plunges to Finnish saunas, mushing with huskies to searching for reindeer, snowmobiling to ice fishing – you’ll have the adventure of a lifetime. And the chance of seeing the majestic Aurora Borealis dance through the Arctic night sky is pretty high!
We have plenty more ideas on unique places to spend the holidays. We’d love to work with you on a memorable vacation – please contact us here to start planning!