It’s the holiday season and if the thought of packing up the kids, the dogs, the husband, a metric ton of presents and hauling your fruitcakes to grandma’s house again this year makes you feel like imbibing some spirits, rather than filling you with Christmas spirit, it may be time to expand your travel plans.
Let’s face it, millions of Americans are heading home for the holidays, and we at National Today love our families. But sometimes, doing a little something different — mixing it up, creating new and interesting holiday traditions — is critical for everyone’s mental health.
That’s why this year we’re suggesting that instead of sitting in traffic on the Garden State Parkway, you hop a flight to someplace new, exotic and off the beaten path. To help, we’ve put together a short list of places, similar to our calendar, that are seriously up-and-coming, and/or seriously great holiday destinations. There will be no Disney’s, all-inclusive cruises, or tourist traps on this list. If you’re looking for that there are plenty of other places on the internet to find them. We want to help you bring only unique and memorable holiday travel experiences this year.
Ambergris Caye – Belize
Lush rainforests, Mayan ruins, gorgeous beaches, and one giant beautiful blue sinkhole make Ambergris Caye the kind of place you could just relax, play with the kids, and make some real memories. Central America has had its share of rough times, but Belize is emerging as a scenic place to unwind that’s nearly in our backyard. Also, Richard Branson is planning to mount an expedition to the bottom of the Blue Hole sometime soon. If it’s good enough for the Virgin Galactic founder, it’s good enough for us.
The Catskills – New York
Not looking to update your passport for a little holiday jaunt then look no further to upstate New York’s Catskill mountains. Quietly becoming a hotspot for hipsters, the Catskills boast some of the east coast’s finest skiing and the restaurants have become top-notch. Best of all, it’s just a short trip outside of the city but feels like a world away.
Lisbon – Portugal
This is the first off-the-beaten-path European destination on this list but it won’t be the last. Lisbon boasts all of the old world charm you’re looking for in a holiday destination. Visit the Sao Roque church for wonderful Christmas concerts, check out the lights along Rossio Square, and round out your Christmas shopping at the Christmas market in Campo Pequeno. While you’re at it, grab some rabanadas (Portuguese french toast) for the full Lisbon experience.
Colmar – France
Quaint doesn’t even begin to describe this delightful enclave near the German border. Medieval and Renaissance- era architecture surrounded by cobble-stoned streets make for a picturesque holiday experience. Enjoy the Gothic architecture of the Eglise Saint-Martin Church and sample some of the Alsace region’s best wines (once the kiddos have gotten in bed).
Kyoto – Japan
Even though most Japanese are Buddhist and Shinto, they are not above a little Christmas spirit. Satisfy your heart’s desire for eastern culture (and food) by visiting this ancient city at the holidays. In fact, it’s a particularly good time to dine on eastern cuisine as most Japanese use the Christmas season as a time to check out western-styled restaurants. Buck that trend and check Japan off your bucket list.
These are just a few of the non-traditional holiday destinations that the family will enjoy and will help create memories for years to come. Visit grandma next year, she’ll understand, especially if you bring her back some sweet swag from your travels.
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