Tag Archives: holiday travel

Apps To Help You Survive Holiday Travel

Airport delays, flight cancellations, and long waits in the security line are some of the not-so-welcome gifts we get during the holiday season. Though we can’t avoid all holiday travel snafus, we can be prepared because our smartphones are a great resource. Check out this list of apps and other services that can help.

Your airline’s app
Flight status, gate changes, alerts, nearby lounge info, and your mobile boarding pass—you’ll get all of these through your airline’s app.

Tracking flight delays and cancellations
Apps like FlightStats and FlightAware track flight status and can alert you to delays or weather cancellations, sometimes more efficiently than the airline will. If your flight does get cancelled due to a storm and you want to do what I do—which is to find alternate flights that connect in cities that are having no weather issues—they can tell you which large hubs are unaffected by the current weather situation.

An app for monitoring the wait at airport security lines
The line at security used to be one of the most unpredictable pain points in your journey. Luckily, that has changed, because a few apps can now show you what to expect. The TSA’s official MyTSA app shows you estimated wait times, provides tips on what you can and cannot bring through security, and has a handy “Ask TSA” live-chat feature. MiFlight has real-time info crowd-sourced from fellow travelers using the app (available on iPhone only). You can also check the website of the airport; some (like JFK, EWR, and ATL) offer real-time waits at security and customs.

Real-time updates and answers from your airline
X (formerly Twitter) may have its flaws, but following your airline’s feed is typically one of the quickest ways to find out about delays or cancellations. It can also be an effective way to get in touch with an airline rep fast: Direct your question or complaint to the airline’s social media, and they’re incentivized to give you a speedy answer.

Emergency airline assistance
Cranky Concierge isn’t an app—it’s a website and (gasp!) a phone service—but when your flight is canceled or delayed, and you really need to get where you’re going, this is the help you need. Sure, you could choose to spend frustrating hours on the phone with unhelpful airline customer-service centers, trying to reroute your own trip—or you could let the Cranky team handle it. They have knowledge of and access to info you won’t be able to get on your own, and they can research and rebook you with the best possible option while you get a drink at the airport bar. Cranky Concierge’s urgent assistance service starts at $175 and is accessible through the website and via phone (U.S.: 888-747-1011 x9; global: +1-74-200-4200 x9).

Finding an airport lounge
You no longer need to hold special status or specific credit cards to access certain airport lounges—just pay a fee and you’re entitled to all the comfy couches, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary snacks the elite travelers get.

Priority Pass is a lounge subscription service. For an annual membership fee between $99 and $469, Priority Pass grants its members access to over 1,300 airport lounges and experiences worldwide. Some credit cards, such as American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and certain Capital One cards, offer Priority Pass membership as a free perk, so check out your card’s benefits package before signing up.

Navigating the airport
FLIO covers nearly 6,000 airports globally, connecting you with information on the airport you’re in—everything from where to find power outlets to hotels that offer day-use rooms for long layovers. Services featured vary, depending on the airport. A check of services offered at Newark International Airport (EWR) includes details on where to find nursing suites and how to transfer to other New York-area airports. In Chile’s Santiago airport (SCL), you can find lounges and luggage storage. And at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, the app tips you off to baby lounges, an in-airport park, and locations of massage chairs. It’s helpful to know your airport’s IATA code, since airports are listed alphabetically by their three-letter code, and these aren’t always obvious.

A quicker Global Entry experience
Global Entry members can use this app to skip the lines and kiosks at more than 75 airports: Snap a selfie with the app, flash the submission receipt on your phone screen to the Customs and Border Control officer, and you’ll be quickly waved through immigration.

The shortest immigration line without Global Entry
If you don’t have Global Entry, download the Mobile Passport Control app, which allows you to submit necessary customs and immigration paperwork electronically. I’ve seen much shorter lines for app users at the airports that recognize this speedier immigration option.

When you don’t speak the language
When you’re struggling to communicate with a taxi driver, a good translation app can be a godsend. Google Translate lets you speak right into the phone, and then it can translate, out loud, into the selected language. The app’s Google Lens function also decodes written text via your phone’s camera—super-handy for reading menus or museum display panels—and it’s all available offline with dozens of downloadable language dictionaries. Another good option is Apple’s Translate; it features type, voice, or picture translation, like Google, but only offers 17 languages at the moment.

Last-minute hotel stays if your flight is delayed
Sometimes things don’t go as planned, or maybe you didn’t plan at all, and you need a hotel room right now. HotelTonight is made for those times, offering last-minute discounts on hotels of various star levels. The app doesn’t cover every destination in the world, but it does include a lot of big cities and popular travel spots in the U.S. and overseas. One helpful feature is that it sorts urban areas both by neighborhoods and by airports.

Getting to or from the airport, or anywhere else
When you need a ride and you don’t want to drive (or shouldn’t), Uber and Lyft are still the go-to rideshare apps every traveler should have in their phone. Uber is particularly useful in many other countries around the world.

Another alternative to airport taxis
Landing in an airport in an unfamiliar city can be an unsettling experience if ridesharing is banned and you have no idea how reliable or reputable the taxis are. Welcome Pickups contracts with drivers and limo companies in 160 cities worldwide, and you can schedule a transfer from their app or site in seconds. For roughly the price of a local taxi, your driver will meet you at baggage claim or in a specified area and deliver you to your destination. Communication is done within the app, and you can pay by credit card.

Calling and texting for free
Forego costly international calling charges and use WhatsApp to communicate when you’re abroad—both with friends and family back home, and with your private guide or other locals in your destination. With WhatsApp, texts and calls are free anytime your phone is connected to Wi-Fi.

Restaurant reservations
The last thing a weary traveler wants after a long flight is to have to wander the streets looking for a meal. Google and Apple Maps will show you highly rated restaurants in your area, but I love the ease of the reservation app OpenTable to book a table. Particularly helpful, especially when visiting a new city, is the “near me” function. OpenTable, already well entrenched in the U.S., is expanding its international footprint and now serving countries such as the U.K., India, Singapore, Mexico, Australia, Italy, and beyond. One tip: You will want to establish your free account before you leave home.

Maps and navigation
What makes Maps.me so useful is that it offers complete city and country downloads, perfect for touching down in a foreign country where you don’t want to incur roaming data fees.

Getting around town and beyond
Rome2Rio incorporates public transportation schedules with drive, walk, and even scooter/bike times to give you step-by-step travel options in each format within a clean, clear interface. It’ll even tell you which train car to ride in and what subway exit to take. It’s not just city-focused; you can plan trips between cities, and Rome2Rio will offer recommendations of flights, trains, and buses, along with how much they cost.

Calculating currency conversions
An app like Currency lets you skip the mental math of currency conversions—and it saves the latest conversion rate so that it works offline too.

What other apps have saved you during holiday travel? Tell us about them in the comments below.

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Great Gift Ideas for Travelers, From Travelers

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Looking for holiday gift ideas for travelers? Look no further. Below you’ll find items that Wendy and her staff actually use themselves and love. Try one for the travel-lover in your life—or for yourself, because you deserve great presents too! If you have more gift ideas to add to the mix, tell us about them in the comments below. And when it comes time to pack up those presents for a flight, check Wendy’s tricks for flying home with souvenirs or holiday gifts and her essential packing list.

Wallaroo sun hat

Wendy never travels without a Wallaroo sun hat—and it proved invaluable in French Polynesia. Photo: Timothy Baker

I have seven of these hats, in different styles and colors, and I can’t remember the last time I took a trip without one. They’re lightweight and malleable—you can crush them, yet they don’t crease or rumple—so they’re easy to throw in any bag. And, with their UPF 50+ fabric and wide brims, they offer serious sun protection ($40-$70). —Wendy

Apple AirTags

When you’ve packed an AirTag, you can help the airline find your lost luggage. Photo: Timothy Baker

I try never to check bags. But when I can’t carry on everything I need for a trip, I rely on my AirTags—not the airlines—to reunite me with my luggage at my final destination. Apple has now added a new feature, “Share Item Location,” that allows iPhone users to show certain airlines (currently a list of 15, including Delta and United) exactly where their bags are. This could be crucial when weather or equipment malfunctions overwhelm the airlines’ own luggage tracking systems ($29 for one, $99 for a four-pack). —Brook

T Spheres

Getting rid of knots while traveling can be easier than you might think. Photo: T Spheres

Throw one or two of these small rubber balls (about 1/3 the size of a tennis ball) in your carry-on, and you’ve got an instant massage in any hotel room or even in an airplane seat. Roll it on stiff muscles and feel the tension melt. My favorite way to use them after a long flight is to lie on my back on the floor, with a T Sphere placed between the floor and my shoulders or upper back, then slowly roll until the knots disappear ($30–$38). I carry a tennis ball too, which I find works better on hips, legs, and feet. Add a couple of resistance bands and a stretch-out strap, and you can turn any hotel room into a gym. —Wendy

A gadget that lets you use Bluetooth headphones in flight

Bluetooth transmitter receiver for TV to wireless headphones

This Bluetooth transmitter/receiver pairs your wireless headphones with an airplane’s seatback entertainment system. Photo: 1Mii

These days, the best noise-cancelling headphones bring sound to your ears via Bluetooth technology rather than cords. The problem? Most airline entertainment systems are years behind the curve and still require that you receive audio via a headphone jack. The solution is a little Bluetooth-enabled dongle (like this one, for $30) that transmits the plane entertainment system’s audio to your wireless headset. An added benefit? No cords to negotiate every time you or your seatmates go to the bathroom. —Brook

Traveler’s modem

Photo of a TP-Link wireless travel router

TP-Link Wireless travel router. Photo: TP-Link

Even while traveling, I need to stay connected. On cruises to far-flung destinations like Iceland and French Polynesia, I know better than to rely on the ship’s Wi-Fi (both countries have the kind of craggy mountain ranges that block signals). I felt pretty clever when I discovered that you could rent portable modems from local airports. Costing $7–$10 per day, the devices were a lifesaver, totally worth the nearly $200 investment. I felt a little bit less like the cat-that-ate-the-canary when I realized you could actually buy a good portable modem for about $40. No more rental fees, though you do have to pay for your provider! I chose the TP-Link Nano. For $34, it works in hotel rooms, on cruise ships (in sight of land), and in your car, and it’s travel-sized, so is not bulky. —Carolyn

A travel-emergency-assistance membership

Summer beach vacation concept, Asia woman with hat relaxing and arm up on chair beach at Koh Mak, Trad, Thailand

A membership that gives travelers peace of mind. Photo: Shutterstock

This is a way to give your loved ones (and yourself) peace of mind when you travel. Medjet is an emergency assistance program that gets you from any hospital where you don’t want to be back home to the doctor and hospital you trust, saving you many tens of thousands of dollars. Medjet offers an optional, add-on layer of crisis protection too: If during your trip you feel that your safety may be threatened—because of terrorism, a political incident, a natural disaster, or other crisis—they will come to the rescue. Transparency disclosure: Medjet is a sponsor of WendyPerrin.com. But that’s because I use their services myself and have for years: A Condé Nast Traveler colleague gave me the gift of a Medjet membership shortly after my kids were born. She said that, now that I was a parent, I couldn’t risk something happening to me overseas and not being able to get home to the kids. Today I’ve got a family membership, so my kids are protected too, even when they’re traveling on their own. (Short-term memberships start at $99; annual memberships are $315.) —Wendy

Donatella rain coats

Photo of a green reversible coat worn by a woman

Donatella’s functional and fashionable rain coat is a great gift for travelers. Photo: Donatella

Over the past 20 years, I have acquired at least four rain coats by Donatella because they are fashionable, reversible, and scrunch up in the corner of my suitcase without wrinkling. Shake it out, put it on, go. They’re great for everything from unexpected squalls to unplanned dressy dress codes. There’s a hood that’s micro-pleated and also can serve as a scarf. I love the swinging A shape, and yes, they keep you perfectly dry. And there’s this, too: You can express yourself, via vibrant colors, leopard motifs, and more (which explains why I own so many). They start at about $300. (Full disclosure: I once scored a gorgeous Donatella in lavender at a thrift shop for about $20!) —Carolyn

142-country memoir Escape Clauses—Getting Away With a Travel Writing Life

Travel writer Bob Payne’s memoir may make you green with envy. Photo: Timothy Baker

There are travelers. And there are travelers. And then there’s Bob Payne, the guy who took an around-the-world trip over a long weekend just so he could hear the stories of fellow travelers. When asked, at check-in at JFK, what was his final destination, he was able to answer in all honesty: JFK. Bob tells this story and many more in his humorous and entertaining 142-country memoir ($15 from Amazon). You can travel vicariously through it or let it inspire you to take your own adventures. Read more about Bob in If You Think YOU’ve Traveled, Wait Till You Read This.—Tim

A way to celebrate your favorite destinations before the holidays

A chocolate advent calendar from Venchi.

Count down to Christmas with a Venchi chocolate each day. Photo: Food52

Travel-related advent calendars for all ages are a fun way to celebrate the season and make wonderful pre-holiday gifts. My favorite calendars are themed around destinations, such as the Venchi Prestige Italian Chocolate Advent Calendar ($99)—whose drawers are filled with the Piedmont-based company’s confections—and the Bokksu Japan Wonderland Advent Calendar ($199), filled with handmade snacks and miniature gifts. —Carolyn

Celebrate heritage with a gift of the auld sod

Irish peat—as well as Irish Breakfasts by the basket—deliver a bit of Erin go bragh. Photo: FoodIreland

My in-laws have extended family in Ireland, and when my husband was a teen, he spent a summer visiting Uncle Tom in the ancestral village. It was the stuff movies are made of. Not the dreamy kind, with a montage of the teen strolling cliffs with rediscovered kin. The kind where the teen thinks he’s going to stroll the cliffs, and gets put to work cutting peat from the bog. No matter; my relatives love anything Irish, and when I discovered FoodIreland.com, it was like I found them a pot o’ gold at the end of the rainbow. The site sells peat logs from the auld sod ($38-$99), which was great fun to have delivered, but I think they found the Irish breakfasts I sent in subsequent years a little more appetizing. —Nichole

Water filtration kit

A water purifier helps eliminate waste from plastic water bottles. Photo: SteriPen

I hate the plastic waste that comes from drinking bottled water. So when I’m traveling to a place where the tap water is unclean, I bring along a filtration kit. The brand I’ve used for years is SteriPen ($125); make sure to choose a device that filters out viruses (which can be present in tap water), not just bacteria and protozoa. My SteriPen is lightweight and uses ultraviolet light to purify water: Activate the lamp, swirl the stick in your water bottle for about a minute, and you’re good to go. —Brook

Rat-a-Tat Cat

Rat-A-Tat-Cat can be a great way to pass the time while traveling. Photo: Gamewright

We’re a big board- and card-game family both at home and on the road. The older my son gets, the more complex his favorite games are—and the harder to pack—but Rat-a-Tat Cat remains a perennial favorite. It’s a card game that’s simple enough for a six-year-old, but compelling enough to keep parents happy through round after round. Having a few small games like this on hand helps pass the time (and avoid giving in to electronic devices) in airports and on planes. ($13) —Brook

Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

Deep Sleep Pillow spray can help you fall asleep more easily when traveling. Photo: thisworks

I first discovered Deep Sleep Pillow Spray while browsing, drowsily, in London’s Fortnum & Mason the day I arrived on a sleepless, red-eye flight. The spray is comprised of natural oils of lavender, vetiver, and wild chamomile and is meant to be spritzed onto your pillow. That night, with the help of the Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, I slept, easily and deeply. Two discoveries I later made: First, I thought this was a British product, so would stretch my supply for months until I returned to London to buy another, but it’s actually super easy to find in the U.S. Second, it works beyond the pillow: On long-haul flights, I’ll often spray a bit into my scarf, and it definitely calms the nerves ($33 for the 2.5-ounce carry-on size). —Carolyn

Portable power banks and back-up chargers

Photo of a PowerAdd portable phone charger

A portable charger is one of the best ways to ensure your phone doesn’t run out of battery on a day out. Photo: PowerAdd

A portable charger is indispensable. I’d hate to be halfway through a day of, say, Mongolia’s Golden Eagle Festival and have my phone die. Especially since it’s my only camera. That’s why I always pop a lightweight backup battery in my bag. And I don’t mean one of those tiny lipstick-size bars—those won’t charge your phone even halfway. A portable battery has to have at least 10,000 mAh to be worth its weight—that will charge even the big phones two to three times. And, of course, it has to be light. I use a tiny 10,000 mAh by PowerAdd ($20); it’s one of the lightest on the market at that power level. If you want a little more juice in order to accommodate multiple charges of a tablet and a phone, Anker’s PowerCore 20,1000 mAh ($50) gets good reviews. Neither of these will work for a laptop, however; those require a different kind of charger and a lot more juice. In that case, the OmniCharge ($99-$399) is a cool and useful toy. It’s a smart power bank that can tell what you’re charging as soon as you plug it in, and handle it all: phone, tablet, laptop, camera, etc. Omnicharge comes in a range of power capacities and weights, and they all have travelers in mind. —Billie

Inexpensive but invaluable stocking stuffers

There are a few small items I never travel without and can never have too many of. They are inexpensive but invaluable and therefore make great stocking stuffers for travelers. A bandana is an endlessly useful tool: it can serve as a hair tie, a dust mask, a baggage identifier, an extra handle, a pillow cover, a camera lens cleaner, a bandage, a tourniquet, a washcloth. I’ve even hung one over a car window to block the afternoon sun. Carabiner clips are similarly helpful, especially for securing your phone or camera to your bag. Finally, I always carry a foldable nylon shopping bag in my day bag, because you never know when you’re going to need to carry more stuff—supplies from a grocery-store run, a hefty souvenir purchase, or just some items you want to take out of your carry-on and keep under your seat on the plane. I’m partial to Ikea Knalla bags because they are sturdy, have big shoulder handles, and are super cheap ($3). —Billie

A summer vacation

famiy with giant tortoise in the Galapagos

Popular summer destinations for families sell out months ahead. Take the Galapagos (that’s Brook with her family there): To get the cabins you want on the right ship for your clan, book before the holidays.

It’s no surprise that we think travel is the best gift you can give to those you love. Wendy has taken her boys to Romania, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Belize, Morocco, Sri Lanka, Zambia and Zimbabwe; Brook has introduced her son to Norway, Egypt, Southeast Asia, Namibia, the Galapagos, and a few U.S. national parks; and Billie took her mom on a culinary-themed trip through Italy. But on top of all the memories and rewarding experiences that you give someone when you give them a trip, you can also remove something: stress. Many popular summer vacations—say, renting a villa in Tuscany, hiking the Inca trail, exploring the Galapagos Islands, going on safari in Africa—are selling out many months ahead. The more they appeal to families, the earlier they sell out. By booking your summer vacation now as a holiday gift, you’ll ensure that you get the experiences and accommodations you want and that you avoid the time-consuming struggle a few months from now to pull together a meaningful, affordable, logistically sensible trip.

Where to Go for the 2024-25 Winter Holidays

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Time is running out to make plans for your end-of-year holiday travel. Below are places where you can still find enough availability of charming hotel rooms and savvy private guides to put together a high-caliber trip. (For other months of the year, see Where To Go When.) Click the black buttons below to connect with a top local expert to plan an extraordinary trip for you. Here’s how to get a WOW trip.

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European Holiday Cheer
Tropical Beaches and Seas
Winter Wonderland
Exotic Lands and Cultures

European Holiday Cheer

Italy, from cultural capitals to Sicily and Lake Como

A lit Christmas tree at night in front of Santa Maria del Fiore Florence Italy

Florence lights up for the holidays. Photo: Shutterstock

Italy is crowded and pricey in summer. To get a true taste of the culture, go in winter, when the weather is mild and the cities and countryside have a more local flavor. Ride a Vespa around Rome; learn how to make pasta in Venice; take in an opera at La Scala in Milan; gather with your family at a private villa on Sicily or Lake Como; or stroll holiday markets in the Dolomites.

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France: Paris, Strasbourg’s holiday markets, even Provence

Colmar, France, Christmas village lights December 29 2015. Traditional french houses in Petite Venise, Alsace, Europe.

Christmas lights in the village of Colmar, France. Photo: Shutterstock

If you’re avoiding France this summer because of the Olympics, think instead about a December trip. The light in Provence in winter is why so many famous artists moved there, and this month is prime time for the region’s acclaimed truffles. Of course, Paris is fabulous for Christmas and New Year’s—the City of Lights gets even more dressed up for the holidays. France’s best Christmas markets are in Strasbourg and Colmar and in 2024 will run until December 27 and 29, respectively. If your trip dates include December 25 or 31, don’t worry that everything will be closed: The right expert can arrange a private cooking class on Christmas, or concert tickets on New Year’s Eve.

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London for a festive Christmas

Big Ben clock and the red telephone booth during Christmas time in London, England.

Big Ben shines during the holiday season in London. Photo: Shutterstock

Enjoy a Dickensian Christmas in London, which puts on a display of spectacular lights and holiday markets. A knowledgeable local guide can make the city’s history come alive, whether via an after-hours tour of the Tower of London, an exploration of the city’s street-art scene, or a pub crawl to the best local watering holes.

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A castle in the English countryside

Broughton Hall, in the Yorkshire Dales, at Christmastime.

Looking for a place to gather with extended family? Consider a stately home—even your very own castle—that suits a group of 16 or more in England. These houses are tastefully decorated throughout, tree and all, and come fully staffed, so you need not worry about cooking or cleaning over the holidays. Nearby you’ll often find Christmas markets to stroll, but you can just as easily stay on property and enjoy plenty of activities that bring your family together and put you in the Christmas spirit: wreath-making workshops, cocktail masterclasses, even a brass-band recital.

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Central Europe’s Christmas markets

Traditional Christmas market in Vienna, Austria.

Just one of Vienna’s many Christmas markets. Photo: Shutterstock

Many of Europe’s charming, illuminated Christmas markets close on December 24, but a growing number are staying open past the holiday. That’s true at many festive markets in Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Belgium. A savvy trip designer will work your itinerary to hit the markets that still have a truly local feel. If you’re near the Netherlands, don’t miss the Amsterdam Light Festival too; it runs until January 19 in 2025.

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Tropical Beaches and Seas

Belize, from coral reefs to jungle adventures

Tiny island with coconut trees and boat in Belize

One of countless tiny cayes off the Caribbean coast of Belize. Photo: Shutterstock

Nonstop flights to Belize take off from several U.S. cities that are only about three hours away. Once you’re there, you can explore world-class coral reefs, visit uncrowded Mayan ruins, learn to scuba dive as Wendy’s son did, fish for 100-pound tarpon (which kept her husband busy), and laze beside sparkling Caribbean waters. Accommodations range from beach resorts to overwater bungalows to remote jungle tree houses. You can even charter your own private yacht to enjoy fabulous snorkeling, sunbathing, kayaking, and endless horizons.

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Costa Rica, from cloud forests to volcanoes

beach, coastline lined with green jungle at Costa Rica Carrillo and Samara Beaches in Costa Rica

It’s easy to combine beach and jungle in Costa Rica.

From beach to cloud forest to volcanoes, Costa Rica packs a lot of highlights into a small country. The skies are generally dry in December, but the land is lush and green from the recent rainy season. If you’re having trouble finding hotel rooms for your family over the holidays, our experts can help: They already have rooms set aside at their favorite properties.

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Panama for its marine life and prime surfing

pier and overwater bungalows in Bocas del Toro Panama

Enjoy an overwater bungalow in Bocas del Toro, on Panama’s Caribbean Coast. Photo: Costa Travel

Under-the-radar Panama has hotels and private villas on both the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, which deserve to be better known for their diverse marine life and prime surfing spots. It also has verdant highland landscapes, VIP Panama Canal tours for would-be engineers, and coffee and chocolate fincas that will welcome you for tours and tastes.

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Colombia for its vibrant cities and buzzing food and arts scenes

Picturesque buildings in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.

The colorful city of Cartagena, Colombia. Photo: Shutterstock

Colombia’s charms range from Bogota, sitting 8,000 feet up in the Andes, to Cartagena, with its charming walled Old City on the Caribbean coast. In between you’ll find boutique haciendas in the coffee regions, cable cars to scale the mountains around Medellin, and a rich diversity of wildlife. The interior cities are quieter over the holidays—a plus when it comes to exploring museums and navigating traffic—while places along the coast often demand multi-night stays. Not all of Cartagena’s beaches are alike; work with an expert to find the right strand for you.

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Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the island paradise of French Polynesia

overwater bungalows in Bora Bora with green mountain in background and kayakers in foreground and very clear ocean

Kayaking the crystal-clear waters near Le Bora Bora resort. Photo: Pearl Resorts

It’s not too late to snag an idyllic overwater bungalow for the holiday weeks—even for New Year’s Eve at the Hotel Kia Ora on Rangiroa, which puts on one of the islands’ best celebrations with a fireworks show, dinner, and a band with Polynesian dancers. You can also still book a cabin on the Aranui 5, a supply boat that doubles as a passenger ship and sails 12-day itineraries through the remote Marquesas archipelago.

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The Maldives for private-island resorts

Picture yourself in the Maldives this winter. Photo: Shutterstock

What better tropical getaway than jetting off to these idyllic islands in the Indian Ocean? Most are home to just a single resort, where you can spend your days snorkeling with manta rays, digging your toes into the sand at beachside restaurants, and relaxing in your private overwater bungalow. Pure bliss.

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WINTER WONDERLAND

Canadian Rockies: Snowy Thrills

Moraine Lake surrounded by snow covered mountains during Christmas time in Banff National Park, Canada.

Moraine Lake, in Canada’s Banff National Park. Photo: Shutterstock

The Rockies are gorgeous when covered with snow, making them a winter wonderland for an active family: Think snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and ice canyons. You can go dogsledding near Lake Louise, cross-country skiing near Jasper, and snowmobiling outside Banff. Wind down your day in a cozy private cabin or a cushy resort with spa treatments to ease any sore spots from your adventures.

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The Alps, from rustic huts to chic chalets

Ski Resort of Corvara at Night, Alta Badia, Dolomites Alps, Italy

The Alta Badia ski resort at Corvara, in Italy’s Dolomite mountains. Photo: Shutterstock

Wintertime Alpine fun comes in many flavors, from rustic huts on the Italian slopes to chic French ski towns to Zermatt’s après-ski scene. Whether you’re after a private guide to take you off-piste skiing, a hut-to-hut adventure, or a more civilized locale with options for non-skiiers, we can probably connect you with the right expert. Deciding between the Alps or a ski trip out west? You’ll pay more for the flights to Europe, but lift tickets there are considerably less expensive.

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Norway: Northern lights, reindeer sledding, ice fishing

December is a great time to see the northern lights in Norway.

Consider a cozy adventure with your family in Norway: Ride a sled pulled by reindeer in search of the northern lights, go snowmobiling above the Arctic Circle, learn about the indigenous Sami culture, enjoy locally sourced meals inside your timber lodge or ice hotel, and warm up between outdoor pursuits in a wood-fired sauna. Here’s more on when and how to see the northern lights.

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Antarctica cruises: penguins and a polar plunge

Zodiac cruise through the ice, Antarctica. Photo: Abby Suplizio

A zodiac cruises through the ice near Antarctica. Photo: Abby Suplizio

If seeing wildlife is your goal, the latter half of December is the very best time to cruise in Antarctica. By then, thousands of penguins, including their fluffy chicks, have made their home along the coastline, the sea ice has usually broken up enough to allow great access, and the weather is generally better than earlier or later in the season.

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EXOTIC LANDS AND CULTURES

African safaris: Take advantage of “Green Season”

lion sitting in savannah grass in botswana africa

A lion in Botswana. Photo: Shutterstock

South Africa and Kenya are already largely booked up, but there’s still good availability in Botswana and Zimbabwe, where December falls during the “green season.” In return for the possibility of an afternoon or evening rain shower, you get lush vegetation (which makes for great photos), more prolific predators (because the grazing species are having their babies), and significantly lower rates at many camps and lodges.

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Peru: Machu Picchu and beyond

A view of the ruins at Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate. Photo: Aracari

Imagine spending the holidays at Machu Picchu, or riding the rails in luxury on the Andean Explorer train line from Cusco to Lake Titicaca to Arequipa. There can be afternoon showers in Peru at this time of year, but smart planning can focus your outdoor activities on the mornings. You can even hike the last few miles of the Inca Trail and arrive at Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate, which has a spectacular, panoramic view of the ruins.

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Chile and Argentina: from wine country to the Lake District to the Atacama Desert

Chile’s Atacama Desert. Photo: Shutterstock

December is prime time for many of the Southern Cone’s highlights: Toast the holiday with top-value wines in Chile’s Colchagua Valley or Argentina’s Mendoza province; burn off those extra calories with hiking and kayaking around Bariloche, where glacial lakes meet the foothills of the Andes; and ring in the new year with a nighttime light show—no fireworks needed—under the Atacama Desert’s spectacularly starry skies (or a more urban celebration in Buenos Aires or Santiago).

START A HOLIDAY TRIP TO CHILE AND ARGENTINA

Ecuador for hiking, horses, and hacienda life—or even an Amazonian adventure

Horseback riding is one of many activities at Hacienda Zuleta, Ecuador. Photo: Hacienda Zuleta

Options are dwindling in Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands for the holiday weeks (availability is easier to come by at Galapagos hotels than for boat-based journeys), but mainland Ecuador is a better bet, especially if you’re seeking affordability. December temperatures there are in the 70s. It’s easy to combine Quito’s Old Town with a historic hacienda in the nearby Andean highlands, where you can explore craft villages, hike in ecological reserves, and horseback ride on quilt-like pastures. Nature lovers shouldn’t count out a visit to the Amazon, either: While some parts of the region are rainy in December, the Ecuadorian portion is relatively dry (for a jungle, of course).

START A HOLIDAY TRIP TO ECUADOR

Mexico’s charming colonial cities (with award-winning cuisine)

Colorful buildings in San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato, Mexico

Colorful buildings in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Photo: Shutterstock

Our southern neighbor is a perennial favorite for the winter holidays, but several corners of the country still have good availability in December. For gorgeous beaches and great dining options, head to the Riviera Nayarit, north of Puerto Vallarta, or to Los Cabos. For an urban experience without the crowds (because the locals are all at the beach), try Mexico City, where the springlike weather brings warm days and cool evenings. Southeast of the capital is Puebla, known for its colonial history, colorful architecture, and culinary and art scenes. And on the Yucatán Peninsula there’s Mérida, a hotspot during both the Mayan and colonial eras, today rich in history and culture.

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Sri Lanka: safe, welcoming, fascinating

Elephants bathing in the river in Sri Lanka.

Elephants bathing at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Sri Lanka. Photo: Shutterstock.

Sri Lanka’s political unrest is long over, but the country has yet to see tourism bounce back. That’s great news for intrepid travelers, as many hotels still aren’t charging peak rates. Combine the country’s cultural landmarks with a scenic train ride and incredible hikes through tea plantations in the hill country, then overnight in a tented “cocoon” near a national park that abuts the ocean and offers frequent leopard sightings.

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How to Use Thanksgiving to Improve Your Summer Vacation

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If you’re gathering with family this Thanksgiving and could use a safe conversation topic, we’ve got a suggestion: If those are the same family and friends you travel with for summer vacation, then while you’re passing the turkey and cranberry sauce, go around the table and ask everyone what sort of travel experience they’re dreaming about for next summer.

Why start thinking about this now? It might feel like summer 2025 is a long way off, but it’s going to be busy out there, especially in Europe. Remember, many people are still catching up on several years without any overseas travel—so it will take awhile to resolve all that pent-up demand. If you can figure out now what sort of experience you and your family would enjoy most, it can save you money and headaches later.

Family summer-vacation options with limited inventory—villas on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, African safaris, Galapagos expeditions—are already surprisingly full. But there are smart alternatives that are on savvy travelers’ radar and do still have plenty of availability, and we’re happy to help you find them and plan for them. So use your Thanksgiving get-together to create a travel wish list for 2025, read our compilations of traveler reviews to brainstorm ideas, then go to The WOW List or our Get a Personalized Trip Recommendation feature to make those wishes come true. By using our WOW approach to trip planning, you can avoid the crowds, minimize logistics, and enjoy WOW trips like these.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

10 Ways to Minimize Holiday Travel Hassles

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It’s that most wonderful time of the year when U.S. airports are jammed, overhead bins crammed, flights delayed, and travel headaches numerous. And this year will be no different. Nerves understandably frazzle when delays hit on a tight travel schedule, so prepare yourself with the following tips, don’t forget your documents, and remember what’s ultimately waiting at your destination: family, friends, and holiday cheer.

1. Download must-have apps.

There are apps that tell you which security line at your airport has the shortest wait time, help you get the assistance you need when your flight plans derail, and more. Here are a few of my favorites.

2. Don’t wrap gifts before you travel with them.

The TSA can ask you to unwrap gifts in your carry-on for examination, slowing down you and everyone else in the security line (and ruining your crisp corner folds). They can unwrap gifts in checked luggage as well. Wrap your gifts when you arrive or send them by mail.

3. Pack so it’s a breeze to get your holiday gifts home.

You may have figured out how to get to Grandma’s with only carry-ons (maybe you ordered all your gifts for your aunts and uncles and cousins online and had them shipped), but what about getting home again with the gifts they give you? Here’s my strategy for bringing home a lot more stuff than you started with.

4. Check in for your flight online 24 hours ahead.

Checking in the day before reduces your chance of getting bumped from an oversold flight and increases your chance of snagging a better seat—one made available 24 hours in advance. That’s when elite-status frequent fliers get upgraded from coach, leaving behind prime empty seats in the forward cabin or exit rows.

5. Leave for the airport earlier than usual.

You know all those drivers you battle with for a parking spot at the mall? You’ll now be battling them on the road to the airport. And in the parking garage. Allow time for being stuck in traffic. Use the predictor function in your favorite navigation app (Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze, etc.) to estimate your travel time and alert you when to leave, based on the current traffic pattern and your desired arrival. And if possible, pre-book a parking spot; we’ve had good experiences with The Parking Spot. If you can’t prebook, some airports offer frequently updated availability reports for their own parking lots.

And: If you’re scheduling a car service or you’re ride-sharing to the airport, add an extra 15 to 20 minutes to your start time to account for any traffic delays.

6. Flight delayed? Relax in an airport lounge.

More and more pay-as-you-go independent lounges have been popping up all over the U.S. For $25 to $50 you can escape the circus in the terminal and kick back in comfy armchairs—with Wi-Fi, televisions, and snacks—or even shower or nap. As for club lounges run by airlines, many now sell day passes for $60—and give you access to airline agents who can be more helpful in fixing travel snafus than agents you talk to at the gate or on the phone. LoungeBuddy is an app that helps you find and book lounges in your airport; it’s being retired January 13, 2025, but should still be of use for the upcoming holidays. Priority Pass is among the membership organizations that offer access to lounges; pre-paid packages start at $99 per year (Priority Pass is also offered as a perk with credit cards such as American Express Platinum and Chase’s Sapphire Reserve).

7. Be the first to know if your flight is canceled.

If a storm cancels your flight, you’ll be in a mad race with everyone else to grab what few seats are available on alternate flights. If bad weather is brewing in the days before your trip, sign up for flight status alerts, and also check your airline’s website frequently so that, as soon as the airline announces it’s waiving ticket-change fees, you can take action. Also monitor the airline’s social-media feed; it sometimes provides the quickest updates. Be prepared for anything by downloading essential apps and tools for winter travel.

8. Flight canceled? Look for a storm-free hub to connect in.

FlightStats.com tells you at a glance which airports and airlines are suffering weather-related delays and, just as important, which are not. Note which hubs are having no weather issues (Las Vegas, for instance) and rebook to connect through one of them. (Vegas may not be in the linear path to your final destination, but you could end up at your destination much quicker than if you remain in a snowbound airport. And, if you need to overnight in Vegas, there are inexpensive hotels and frequent flights out.)

9. Don’t waste time waiting on hold.

Rather than phoning the airline’s jammed U.S. customer service line and getting stuck on hold for hours while the few available seats to your destination vaporize, call one of the airline’s English-speaking overseas reservations numbers—say, in England, Germany, Australia, or Singapore. (You’ll find these numbers on the airline’s website.)

Or check your airline’s app. You can often rebook yourself without paying change fees. Initiating a text chat session from the app (if available) will also result in quicker responses. Plus, your frequent-flier status can push you up the queue.

10. Score a free future airline ticket.

‘Tis the season for oversold flights, so there’s a chance you could score a free or discounted ticket by volunteering to take a later plane. Delta and American are among airlines that actually ask flyers to name their own voucher amount when checking bags at their kiosk, so passengers compete with themselves and avoid escalating gate auctions. Another strategy: If you’re willing to volunteer to be delayed for a few hours in exchange for a discounted or free future ticket, consider approaching the gate agent before they have made an announcement, so you’re first on the list of volunteers. But don’t accept a voucher without making yourself aware of all the restrictions (blackout dates, expiration date, etc.) and ensuring you have a confirmed seat on a later flight.

These 2024 Winter Holiday Trips Are Available Now—But Not For Long

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If you haven’t made travel plans for the December holidays yet, we understand: It can be hard to focus on a winter trip in mid-summer. But the wisest options for a festive trip are dwindling, and with each passing week, availability shrinks further. So that you know your best options, we asked experts what travel experiences for Christmas and New Year’s are still available now but won’t be by fall.

First, a few general tips that apply regardless of destination:

If possible, travel before Christmas or after New Year’s. This year, you’ll find lower prices and fewer crowds before December 21 and after January 5.
Stay longer in one place. Many resorts and hotels offer a better deal the longer you stay—perhaps in the form of a free fourth, seventh, or tenth night.
Don’t plan complicated logistics right around Christmas or New Year’s. Customer-service people are on vacation or very busy, and alternative options are in short supply if something goes awry. On the other hand, it’s often a good idea to:
Fly on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, or New Year’s Day. Flights are often less expensive on these days.
Venture to smaller towns and out-of-the-way places. That way, you’re more likely to connect with locals, avoid crowds, and be a part of meaningful holiday traditions.
Get creative about timing. You may need to arrange components of your trip to fit with holiday closures and reduced holiday hours. Fortunately, WOW List trip-planning experts know what is closed when and can coordinate all the moving parts so that you’re never shut out.

Not sure where to go over the holidays? We can help. Just ask us via the black banner below.

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Skiing in the Rocky Mountains

Skiing in Vail, Colorado. Photo: Meg Austin

“There’s still great availability at U.S. ski resorts for the holiday season,” advises WOW List ski expert Meg Austin. “Prices are high, but not as high as they were during the pandemic.” For now, Austin can negotiate for extra amenities and even extra nights, but as time passes and families rush to book last-minute trips, demand will drive up prices.

If you’re traveling with adults and/or older teens, Austin recommends adults-only resorts. “They often lower their prices during the holidays, and some will take kids 16 and older. These can be great options, and you’re not surrounded by babies,” she says. If you need a rental house or condo for your group, Austin can stock it with a decorated tree and a fridge full of holiday provisions for your arrival.

There are direct flights from Newark to Eagle, Colorado, with a 45-minute drive to Vail, and it’s a similarly quick drive from Salt Lake City to Park City. And there’s plenty for non-skiers too, from spa treatments to free concerts.

START A HOLIDAY SKI TRIP

Isla Mujeres, Mexico, for Beachy Beauty

Isla Mujeres is a small island that’s close to Cancun yet feels remote. That’s Wendy and her sons having a picnic! Photo: Timothy Baker

If beaches are more your vibe, Cancun is an easy nonstop flight from many U.S. cities—and from there it’s a quick ferry ride to tiny Isla Mujeres. The island cranks up the holiday spirit, and the town square fills with twinkly lights, vendors, parades, and plenty of family-friendly island charm.

ATELIER, a luxury all-inclusive on Playa Mujeres, got a Michelin mention for its modern Mexican restaurant María Dolores—but if you want a table here over the holidays, you’ll need to book soon.

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Italy’s Lake Region, Including Lake Como

View of the Town of Menaggio and lake Como, Milan, Italy.

The town of Menaggio on Lake Como, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

The busy season on Lake Como and northern Italy’s other lakes is from June to September. But Andrea Grisdale, an Italy expert on The WOW List, lives on Lake Como and knows firsthand that the holidays can be a smart time to visit. “There are local festivities and a great atmosphere,” says Grisdale, “and gorgeous festive lights. The towns are all lit up.”

Acclaimed hotels like Passalacqua and Villa d’Este, which used to close for wintertime, are now open through January 6—but word has gotten out and space is already limited. (Don’t plan a visit for later in January or February, as such properties are busy with maintenance and construction, and many restaurants and cafes shutter for off-season.)

If you’re focused on a tourist magnet such as Lake Como, “get out into smaller towns and villages,” Grisdale advises. “You’ll get much better value for money and really get to have a slow and authentic experience—a restaurant manager might be able to sit down and have a coffee with you. Those are the memories people really take away with them.” Grisdale likes to arrange such experiences where travelers can connect with interesting local people.

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Nativity Scenes in Naples, Italy, and the Amalfi Coast

Fireworks in the village of Albori on Italy’s Amalfi Coast.

New Year’s Eve fireworks illuminate the village of Albori on Italy’s Amalfi Coast.

Naples is full of buzzy culture, and it really shines at Christmastime, with classical music concerts and themed art exhibitions. The concept of a nativity scene actually developed in Naples in the 15th century, and they’re more than just depictions of the birth of Jesus—they’re incredible works of art. San Gregorio Armeno, also called “Christmas Alley,” is the center of this age-old tradition, full of artisan workshops and displays that range from gorgeous to funky. Booking now will give you access to a broader pick of curated experiences, choice English-speaking guides, and unique seasonal cuisine.

Naples also makes a smart wintertime base for day trips to nearby islands and the Amalfi Coast. The Amalfi Coast is famous as a warm summer destination, but it’s beautiful in wintertime too. Grisdale recommends heading to Ischia, a volcanic island known for its mineral-rich thermal waters, instead of Capri. “It’s the same length ferry ride from Naples, and you’ll get a more authentic experience.” Since Ischia is home to more locals than touristy Capri, in winter it’s still full of life. There’s a festive-season ice rink in Ischia Porto and a Bosco Incantato (“enchanted forest”) with a dazzling display of lights.

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European Christmas Markets and Musical Events

The Christmas market in Rathausplatz, Vienna.

The Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is one of Vienna’s many holiday markets.

Christmas markets in some European countries are starting earlier every year. Austria’s holiday markets used to open circa Thanksgiving; now they start on November 8. Budapest’s and Prague’s Christmas markets open the following week. In Germany, however, the markets are open only during advent season, starting four Sundays prior to Christmas.

The holiday season in Central and Eastern Europe also brings an array of cultural offerings. “There are so many incredible cultural events: opera, ballet, symphonies,” says WOW List Austria and Germany expert Gwen Kozlowski. For art lovers, “it’s the perfect time of year to visit museums; there is always a good show going on, including special exhibitions for locals.” For example, through January 12, Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum is showing an unprecedented variety of Rembrandt’s major works. These tickets sell out quickly, so don’t delay.

River cruise ships are also now cruising through the festive season, making for a scenic, effortless option. “They’ll be busy, but nowhere near the levels of busy-ness you see in summer,” says Kozlowski.

To add to a festive trip, Kozlowski can even organize holiday dinners in local homes and visits to Krampus runs, which involve curved horns, terrifying masks, and occasionally the flick of a whip. Pro tip: Don’t wear expensive clothes—Kozlowski’s friend got her favorite cashmere scarf swiped with soot.

START A HOLIDAY TRIP TO CENTRAL OR EASTERN EUROPE

A Galapagos Land-Based Adventure and Mainland Ecuador

Blue-footed Booby on rocks, in Galapagos Islands.

Blue-footed boobies in the Galápagos Islands. Photo: Shutterstock

The Galapagos Islands are enormously popular over the holidays: Kids are out of school, and December is the start of summer, so the water is warming up for more pleasant swimming and snorkeling. Many ships are already booked up, but if your heart is set on a holiday-season Galapagos trip, WOW List Ecuador specialist Allie Almario suggests a land-based trip, where you stay in a lodge and take a boat each day to nearby islands. “A land-based trip is great if you’re a little more independent or want a lot of downtime and beach time,” she says. Whereas a cruise might travel to five or seven different islands, the land option is “more relaxed, and perfect for families, and there are now at least three islands with good hotels.” That includes The Finch Bay Hotel, a little resort tucked away from the town of Puerto Ayora, with gorgeous private coves and boats available to visit nearby islands. These are selling out too, so time is of the essence.

Mainland Ecuador is also a smart option for Christmastime travel, offering particular value. It’s convenient too, with “hardly any time-zone changes, the same voltage as the U.S., and even the U.S. dollar,” says Almario. Direct flight options are plentiful, especially from Miami. Just one example of a lodge option that works well for a family holiday is Hacienda Zuleta, the 17th-century Andean hacienda and working farm of former Ecuador president Galo Plaza Lasso and his family: Festive food like just-caught rainbow trout, melt-in-your-mouth cheese, and organic produce are sourced from the grounds, and the Christmas decorations are beautiful.

Bonus: “Ecuador is a very Catholic country, so they have cool religious ceremonies you don’t see anywhere else,” adds Almario. She recommends catching a New Year’s Eve parade where communities burn paper mâché effigies to symbolize saying goodbye to all the bad in the year behind them. “There are fireworks and bonfires, and it’s great fun.”

START A HOLIDAY TRIP TO THE GALAPAGOS & ECUADOR

The Northern Lights in Norway (and Possibly Sweden for Heli-Skiing)

Northern lights explosion on snowy mountain range near coastline at Lofoten islands, Norway

Northern lights in the Lofoten Islands, Norway. Photo: Shutterstock

December through March is peak season for an experience of the northern lights—here is more intel on how to maximize your chances of seeing them—so “if you’re looking at the holidays, move now because it’s already getting really full,” says Torunn Tronsvang, a Norway expert on The WOW List. Her advice: “Choose either Christmas or New Year’s to highlight. So, the celebration itself could be below the Arctic Circle, then the other half of the holiday could be focused on the northern lights.”

Norwegian hotels are known for gorgeous Christmas celebrations, replete with stunning decorations and foodie-acclaimed fare. Tronsvang suggests celebrating Christmas in the fjords, like the Hjørundsfjord. Use Hotel Union Øye or Hotel Storfjord as a base, then travel north to view the aurora borealis.

Refrain from flying anywhere between December 22 and December 27: “Schedules are just so irregular, and it’s hard to get help when something goes wrong. Back-up solutions are limited because everything is full.”

For a blow-out trip, top it off with Sweden for heli-skiing! More specifically: Start your itinerary in Norway, combining Lofoten (northern lights, the midnight sun, and small villages) with Narvik (home of the world’s northernmost zoo), then take the Arctic Circle Express—an icy, gorgeous Arctic train ride—to Niekhu for heli-hiking and skiing.

START A HOLIDAY TRIP TO NORWAY & SWEDEN

The Pyramids, the Nile, and a Warm Welcome in Egypt

Balcony view from the Old Cataract hotel in Aswan, Egypt.

People have been traveling in Egypt safely—and receiving an unusually warm welcome—despite (and perhaps because of) the Israel-Hamas war. Read these Egypt trip reviews from WOW List travelers to understand what it’s like now.

Start in Cairo. “Counterintuitively, Egyptians take great pleasure in revving up for the holiday season,” says Jim Berkeley, an Egypt specialist on The WOW List. Even though some 90% of Egyptians are Muslims, “they are great hosts, and they know Westerners are traveling for the holidays. They really make the effort to help foreigners feel welcome on an important holiday.” The Four Seasons and the St. Regis in Cairo have spectacular trees and Christmas decorations, Berkeley says—ideal for family photos.

After Cairo, move on to a Luxor to see the ancient treasures and tombs, and a Nile cruise. By New Year’s, you want to be in Aswan, at the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract hotel. “It’s the place to be,” says Berkeley, “with cocktails, champagne, a belly-dance show, live music, hats, everything you can imagine, and a million balloons falling from the ceiling.” Tickets to the hotel’s New Year’s Eve Gala and rooms in the hotel are still available now, but not for long, says Berkeley, so don’t delay.

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Cape Town and an African Safari

Cape Town, South Africa. Photo: Cape Town Tourism

Safaris are popular for the holidays, and because the best lodges and camps are small, they fill up fast, but with creativity and insider connections, you can find availability.

Start in Cape Town, says WOW List safari specialist Cherri Briggs. “Cape Town is unbelievably beautiful for Christmas, but move fast before European crowds descend,” she urges. Continue to Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Why? The Delta has “small lodges that haven’t been promoted much yet, and some great new lodges,” says Briggs. “Plus, they’re more water-based, which is a big advantage for the heat.” In fact, many lodges and camps will charge low-season rates because of the heat. This can save you thousands of dollars per person. If you’re sensitive to high temperatures, though (remember, December is summer in southern Africa), this is not the time for you.

December is sometimes called the “secret season” or “emerald season” in southern Africa: It tends to be not only hot but also wet and green. In the Kalahari Desert, game concentrates on the open plains starting in early December, says Briggs, so “there will be a ton of animals.” The continent’s largest population of elephants is in Botswana, and you can also see hundreds of species of birds, crocodile, hippo, buffalo, lion, leopard, hyena, the highly endangered wild dog, as well as many other rare species such as cheetah and aardwolf.

START A HOLIDAY SAFARI

Sail the British Virgin Islands

Tropical beach with white sand, turquoise ocean water and blue sky at Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands in Caribbean.

Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. Photo: Shutterstock

If your dream is a week aboard a private yacht, it’s hard to beat the British Virgin Islands during the holiday season. Much of the rest of the Caribbean is off the table, as the easterly trade winds—aptly named “the Christmas Winds”—make the water too choppy for sailing. And, of course, the Mediterranean Sea is too cold and windy in December for a yacht charter. But the Virgin Islands’ mountainous terrain protects the sea from the winds—and many boats there are still available for the holidays.

With copious water sports, parties, and live music on the beach, this is a fun trip for families or groups of friends. Prices go up as the holiday season approaches, so the best time to secure a spot is now. Fair warning: Many boat owners will only accept charters that end on December 26 or 27, and begin on December 27 or 28, so they can make the most of the two holiday weeks.

START A HOLIDAY YACHT CHARTER

WOW Christmas Experiences: How Your Fellow Travelers Have Spent the Holiday Abroad

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Are you considering a holiday trip, but anxious about what Christmas Eve and Christmas Day might look like when you’re so far from home? Read on to see how some of our travelers have spent those days—enjoying festive meals, making new friends, and sharing in local traditions, all thanks to the insider connections of the folks on our WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts.

Unsure where to go for the holidays? Click the black button below for our help.

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Portugal: Lisbon and Sintra with a family of 14

“Goncalo and Patricia planned an incredible Christmas Eve day and evening! We started our day with our loved tour guide Rita who took us to Sintra, her hometown! We toured Beister’s Palace and Gardens. It is a hidden gem! Rita showed us the perfect pastry shop to buy what she translated as ‘pillows!’ They were so good! She sent us on our way to the coastal small city of Azenhas do Mar for our Christmas Eve lunch. The view is stunning and the food so delicious. Christmas was a great celebration for us at our hotel, The Lumiares Hotel, in Lisbon. Most everything is closed, so Goncalo and Patricia made sure the hotel we were at had a very special Christmas dinner and set a time that would be enjoyable for our family of fourteen. We travelled with our four children, their spouses and four grandchildren ages 6, 3, 1 1/2 and 3 months. We loved it! It was beautifully decorated and festive with crackers on the table for everyone. The set menu was incredible. They were very flexible for the grandchildren. We loved eating foods we had never had before that were as beautiful to look at as good to eat! They provided a vegetarian option for our daughter to enjoy as well! It was a very Merry Christmas Eve!

Our family had a wonderful time traveling over Christmas! We had not exchanged gifts with each other in the States before leaving but shopped through our trip and exchanged gifts on New Year’s Day! It was so much fun! Each gift meaningful and thoughtful and from Portugal and/or Spain. Those gifts will be a great reminder of our incredible time together.” — Michelle Bodine

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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Vienna: “key to making it feel like a family Christmas…”

“Christmas Eve we went to Midnight Mass at St Stephen’s Cathedral, as suggested by Gwen. It was lovely. Long and late, but great. For Christmas Day, Gwen had recommended the Christmas Brunch at the Grand Hotel just down the street. That was excellent. We hadn’t realized that it was a massive celebratory meal so didn’t budget the three hours that others seemed to be settling in for, but the food, room, service, etc. were great. As Vienna reopens early on the 25th, we went off to Schonbron Palace and then had a great dinner at Chez Bernard, at the Motto Hotel. We were a group of seven, so I had booked a suite for our stay at the Bristol to provide room for stockings and presents, and that was key to making it feel like a family Christmas.” —James Thomas

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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Australia: “breathtaking” helicopter ride over the 12 Apostles

two women in a helicopter flying over the 12 apostles

WOW Moment: A helicopter ride over the 12 Apostles. Photo: Jennifer Mann

“We began our trip in Melbourne, where Liz picked us up at the airport and we were on our way to tour, hoping to see some of the city before things shut down for Christmas the following day. On Christmas Day, we drove the Great Ocean Road outside of the city and were completely surprised with a WOW Moment of a helicopter ride over the 12 Apostles. It was breathtaking!” — Jennifer Mann

To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.

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Morocco: private jet to the Sahara, ATVs, and a traditional Berber lunch

Lauren Schor and family on ATV's in the Sahara desert

Riding ATVs over sand dunes in the Sahara. Photo: Lauren Schor

“We do not celebrate Christmas but actually had our favorite, most memorable day of the trip to Morocco on Christmas! Christmas Eve was our last night in Fes and our riad had a special dinner, a Moroccan feast with all of the local dishes. They had a henna artist as well, which the moms and teen girls in our group did. Christmas morning we flew on a private jet to the Sahara Desert, where we were transferred to a secluded oasis for a traditional Berber lunch in the middle of the desert. After lunch, we drove through the desert for a couple of hours taking in the scenery until we arrived at a small group of tents where Berber nomadic families live. We were served traditional Moroccan mint tea by the matriarch of the family, her twenty-something-year-old daughter and her toddler granddaughter. Through our guide translating, we learned how they live (without running water or electricity), how they get food and the basic things they need and how they spend their days. We were able to ask them questions and spend time learning about their way of life. This was very eye-opening, especially for the teenagers in our family. We felt sad for them, but they seemed perfectly content with their lives.

After this very memorable experience, it was time for adventure! We suited up for riding ATV’s through the gorgeous sand dunes of the Sahara—it was both thrilling and terrifying at the same time. It felt like we were driving through the pages of National Geographic magazine—we couldn’t believe where we were. At the end of our drive we were dropped off to a group of camels who had been waiting for us. We rode the camels to the top of a sand dune to watch the most unbelievable sunset—there is nothing quite like a sunset in the Sahara, truly a magical experience and a dream come true. The camels then took us directly to our luxury tented camp, home for the evening. We were treated to a fabulous dinner, we still have no idea how they managed to cook such a feast in the middle of the desert. After dinner there was live Berber music around a campfire and the most unreal stargazing any of us had ever seen. And then we got to sleep in our luxury tents in the middle of the Sahara desert—it was most definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a Christmas to remember!” — Lauren Schor

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Chile: a solo adventure making new friends

Harvesting ingredients for a private cooking class at Viña Vik. Photo: Jeannie Mullen

“When it comes to the holidays, my family and friends have always thought that being away from home over Christmas and New Years, in a foreign country no less, is unusual, sad even. But I find it exactly the opposite. Holiday travel is my gift to myself. It’s also a great time to see how and when other cultures observe these same holidays (a great example is Russia, where Christmas is celebrated on January 7 on the Gregorian calendar). While I always look forward to learning about and experiencing these holidays, I also bring reminders from home (small, packable things like Christmas cards and small gifts) to open on Christmas morning.

One year I spent Christmas at Viña Vik, a lovely vineyard property in the wine country south of Santiago. The staff organized a cocktail party with live music before dinner on Christmas Eve. I met the majority of the other hotel guests there, which was a lot of fun and easy to do. Everyone, including the staff, was in a festive holiday spirit and dressed accordingly. Among those that I met that night were members of a multigenerational Chilean family that sought me out the following morning at breakfast to officiate a family dispute about a Christmas gift.

On Christmas Day I took a private cooking class with a local chef. We toured Vik’s organic garden, harvesting the ingredients for lunch: strawberry, cucumber and tomato gazpacho, and sweet potato gnocchi, paired with Vik wines. It was a lovely experience with a truly delightful young man. Afterward I took a long hike in and around the Vik vineyards and the natural reserve.” — Jeannie Mullen

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Thailand honeymoon: longtail boat around Bangkok, local lunch, and visiting the Royal Palace

“On Christmas Eve, we had a fun street-eats tour of Bangkok, and on Christmas Day, we had a great time taking a traditional boat ride around Bangkok, a great local lunch, and capped off with us visiting the Royal Palace. Our hotel (the Kimpton Maa-Lai, a fantastic choice) was very in the Christmas spirit, so we had an amazing experience.” — Ryan Dierker

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Italy: ski resort with a strong holiday spirit

Philip Goldman and his family celebrating Christmas in Italy. Photo: Philip Goldman

“Jennifer booked us at Le Massif Courmayeur, nestled on the Italian side of Mont Blanc. The location is stunning, and the town was bustling with holiday travelers taking advantage of the ski slopes, abundant dining options, and shops. I expect Courmayeur is the toy poodle capital of Europe! Le Massif has a lodge at the top of the ski lifts with a remarkable restaurant (try the seafood) and views that can’t be beat. We decided to take it easy and booked the Christmas Eve dinner (feast?) at the hotel and were not disappointed.” — Philip Goldman

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Chile: glaciers, hiking, & a Hannukah to remember

Barbara Schoenfeld and her husband on Lago Grey in Patagonia on Christmas Eve. Photo: Barbara Schoenfeld

“On the day of Christmas Eve, we took a boat ride on Lago Grey in Patagonia to see the glacier. The boat pulled close enough to the shore that we were able to observe the deep blue fissures in the ice. A few of the crew disembarked onto the beach, hacked chunks of ice and hauled it up onto the boat on their shoulders. When on deck, they shattered it with picks and packed most of it up to transport to the hotel. They set aside a stash for the boat’s bartender to use for drinks during the return trip. I’m sure my pisco sour would have been delicious anyway, but it was super-special served over ancient glacier ice. I chose the pink one, flavored with the Rica-Rica herb that grows in the Atacama desert. At dinnertime back at the hotel that evening, the only decision we had to make was the meat menu or the vegetarian. I said no thank you to guanaco carpaccio and went with the veggies instead.

During the day on Christmas Day, my family split up among different excursions. On one extreme, my son and girlfriend did a 10-hour hike up a steep hill, while I chose a pretty flat hike in the morning followed by horseback riding in the afternoon. My hiking trail led me by the vista depicted on the 1000 peso note. The money shot!

We celebrate Hannukah, and our first night there coincided with the holiday. The hotel served a barbecue of roasted lamb in one of the outbuildings on the property. I had packed a small Hannukah menorah and perched it on the edge of our table. We lit the candles and recited the Hannukah blessings with the other family in the barbecue — turns out they were Jewish as well. Small world.” — Barbara Schoenfeld

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Cambodia: sunrise over Angkor Wat

Susan Bailey and family riding in an ox cart in Cambodia on Christmas Eve. Photo: Susan Bailey

“On Christmas Eve we had quite an exploration in the countryside. We were taught how to make some reed Christmas ornaments by a local family, took a hilarious ride in an ox cart and then enjoyed an outdoor dinner at sunset. We ended that event a little early because the hotel where we were staying (Jaya House River Park) had planned a surprise event. We arrived back to find a cocktail party in the restaurant, which had been transformed into a hanging ice-art exhibition surrounded by dry ice and a shallow moat. Quite an impressive feat!

Sunrise over Angkor Wat was on Christmas morning. It was a beautiful, peaceful way to celebrate the day. Our family does celebrate Christmas and we enjoyed doing it in a completely nontraditional way this year.” — Susan Bailey

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South Africa: Cape Town interlude between safari camps

Mike Modak and his family in Cape Town with a beautiful landscape in the background.

Mike Modak and his wife in Cape Town’s Cape Point Nature Reserve. Photo: Mike Modak

“We spent a relaxing Christmas at the Cape Town One & Only hotel. This was a welcome break between our visits to a number of safari camps. After a nice tour of the city on Christmas Eve, we returned to our room to find a ‘Christmas in Africa’ manger, as well as a nice selection of treats. On Christmas day, the already extravagant breakfast buffet went even further with wonderful Christmas cakes and pastries. But the real treat was the small choir singing Christmas carols from a staircase that overlooked the restaurant. After breakfast we had a walk to the waterfront shopping district, which featured a large Christmas tree decorated with drawings of the faces of local grade-school students. We ended the day with a wonderful dinner at Nobu in the hotel. This was a great rest before heading out the next day on the Rovos Rail to Pretoria.” — Mike Modak

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Argentina: “wonderful dinner, followed by desserts until well past midnight”

“We were at the Xelenia Hotel in El Calafate over Christmas and they had an entire program laid out. Fantastic hors d’oeuvres followed by a (very late) wonderful dinner, followed by desserts until well past midnight. They celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve, so it was festive and the staff looked exhausted the next morning.” — Gigi Coe

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Ecuador: festive decorations and energy in Quito’s plazas

Robyn Smyers and family in Galapagos with a beautiful landscape in the background.

Robyn Smyers and family in the Galapagos on Christmas Day. Photo: Robyn Smyers

“On Christmas day, we traveled from Quito to the Galapagos, and had our first outing on one of the islands. It was a travel day with some wonderful highlights at the end. But it didn’t really have any special Christmas elements. As a general matter, we did enjoy the Christmas spirit in Ecuador. The energy in the public plazas in Quito were fun and there were lots of decorations. Also on San Cristobal Island.” — Robyn Smyers

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Where to Go for the 2022-23 Holidays

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Time is running out to book a trip over the December/January holidays. We’ve tapped the experts on Wendy’s WOW List—the well informed, on-the-ground trip planners who’ve been wowing our readers throughout the pandemic—to find destinations that are still able to be booked for Christmas or New Year’s vacations. These are places where they can still find you charming hotel rooms and savvy private guides and can put together a high-caliber trip.

To understand what makes a trip WOW, read these recent reviews from our travelers. And don’t miss the rest of our “Where to Go” series on the best destinations for every month of the year.

Italy

Florence lights up for the holidays. Photo: Shutterstock

Italy was incredibly crowded and pricey this summer. For a true taste of the country, the answer is to go in winter, when the weather is mild and the cities and countryside have a more local flavor. Ride a Vespa around Rome; learn how to row a gondola in Venice; gather with your family at a private villa on Sicily or Lake Como; take in an opera at La Scala in Milan; or stroll holiday markets in the Dolomites.

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France

The Champs-Élysées at Christmas time, Paris. Photo: Paris Perfect

If you got shut out of France this summer, now is your chance to book a December trip. The light in Provence in winter is why so many famous artists moved there, and this month is prime time for the region’s acclaimed truffles. Of course, Paris is fabulous for Christmas and New Year’s—the City of Lights gets even more dressed up for the holidays. France’s best Christmas markets are in Strasbourg and run until December 24. If your trip dates include December 25 or 31, don’t worry that everything will be closed: The right expert can arrange a private cooking class on Christmas, or concert tickets on New Year’s Eve.

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Costa Rica

Carrillo and Samara Beaches, Costa Rica.

From beach to cloud forest to volcanoes, Costa Rica packs a lot of highlights in a small country. The skies are generally dry in December, but the land is lush and green from the recent rainy season. If you’re having trouble finding hotel rooms for your family over the holidays, our experts can help: They’ve blocked rooms at their favorite properties expressly for you last-minute planners.

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Belize

Belize. Photo: Shutterstock

Nonstop flights to Belize take off from several U.S. cities that are only about three hours away. Once you’re there you can explore world-class coral reefs, visit uncrowded Mayan ruins, learn to scuba dive as Wendy’s son did, fish for 100-pound tarpon (which kept her husband busy), and laze beside sparkling Caribbean waters. Accommodations range from beach resorts to overwater bungalows to remote jungle tree houses. If you’re traveling the week leading up to Christmas, you can even charter your own private yacht to enjoy fabulous snorkeling, sunbathing, kayaking, and endless horizons.

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Canadian Rockies

Lake Louise. Photo: Billie Cohen

The Rockies are absolutely gorgeous when covered with snow, making it a winter wonderland that is perfect for the active family…think snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and ice canyons. You can go dogsledding near Lake Louise, cross-country skiing near Jasper, and snowmobiling outside Banff. Wind down your day in a cozy private cabin or a cushy resort with spa treatments to ease any sore spots from your snowy adventures.

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London

London skyline. Photo: Julian Love/London and Partners – Visit London

Enjoy a Dickensian Christmas in London, which puts on a display of spectacular lights and holiday markets. A knowledgeable local guide can make the city’s stories come alive, whether via an after-hours tour of the Tower of London, an exploration of the city’s street-art scene, or a pub crawl to the best local watering holes.

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A castle in the English countryside

Broughton Hall, in the Yorkshire Dales, at Christmastime.

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Panama

Bocas del Toro on Panama’s Caribbean Coast. Photo: Costa Travel

Under-the-radar Panama has hotels and private villas on both the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines—which deserve to be better known for their diverse marine life and prime surfing spots—not to mention verdant highland landscapes, VIP Panama Canal tours for would-be engineers, and coffee and chocolate fincas that will welcome you for tours and tastes.

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Colombia

Cocora Valley, Colombia.

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Norway

Northern lights in Norway.

Enjoy a cozy holiday with your family in Norway: Ride a sled pulled by reindeer in search of the northern lights, go snowmobiling above the Arctic Circle, learn about the indigenous Sami culture, enjoy locally sourced meals inside your timber lodge or ice hotel, and warm up between outdoor pursuits in a wood-fired sauna.

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The Maldives

Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives. Photo: Shutterstock

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The Alps

Corvara ski resort, Alta Badia, Dolomites Alps, Italy. Photo: Shutterstock

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Mexico

Gorgeous view of Teotihuacan, The Sun´s Pyramid surrounded by hot air balloons, shot take at the dawn.

Mexico City is vibrant with arts, restaurants, and parks—and the historic Teotihuacan pyramid is nearby too. Photo: Shutterstock

Our southern neighbor is a perennial favorite for the winter holidays, but several corners of the country still have good availability in December. Head to the Riviera Nayarit, north of Puerto Vallarta, or to Los Cabos for gorgeous beaches and great dining options. For an urban experience without the crowds (because the locals are all at the beach), try Mexico City, where the springlike weather brings warm days and cool evenings. Southeast of the capital is Puebla, known for its colonial history, colorful architecture, and culinary and art scenes. And on the Yucatán Peninsula there’s Mérida, a hotspot during both the Mayan and colonial eras, today rich in history and culture.

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Galapagos Islands and Ecuador

Hacienda Zuleta, Ecuador. Photo: Hacienda Zuleta

Options are dwindling in the Galapagos for the holiday weeks, but availability is easier to come by at Galapagos hotels than for boat-based journeys. In mainland Ecuador, where December temperatures are in the 70s, it’s easy to combine Quito’s Old Town with a historic hacienda in the nearby Andean highlands, where you can explore craft villages, hike in ecological reserves, and horseback ride among quilt-like pastures.

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Peru

The ruins at Machu Picchu, Peru. Photo: Aracari

Imagine spending the holidays at Machu Picchu, or riding the rails in luxury on the Andean Explorer train line from Cusco to Lake Titicaca to Arequipa. There can be afternoon showers in Peru at this time of year, but smart planning can focus your outdoor activities on the mornings—you can even hike the last few miles of the Inca Trail and arrive at Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate, which has a spectacular, panoramic view of the ruins.

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Safari in Botswana or Zimbabwe

Rhino-spotting on safari in Botswana. Photo: Brook Wilkinson

South Africa and Kenya may be booked up, but there’s still availability in Botswana and Zimbabwe, where December falls during the green season. In return for the possibility of an afternoon or evening rain shower you get lush vegetation (which makes for great photos), more prolific predators (because the grazing species are having their babies), and significantly lower rates at many camps and lodges.

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Antarctica Cruises

Zodiac cruise through the ice, Antarctica. Photo: Abby Suplizio

If seeing wildlife is your goal, the latter half of December is the very best time to cruise to Antarctica. By then, thousands of penguins, including their fluffy chicks, have made their home along the coastline, the sea ice has usually broken up enough to allow great access, and the weather is generally better than earlier or later in the season.

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Southeast Asia

Sri Panwa, Phuket, Thailand.

2023 is Southeast Asia’s moment: Nonstop flights are coming back, and the crowds that descended on Europe this summer haven’t yet arrived. With so many great new hotels opening in Bangkok, it won’t be hard to find room over the holidays; there are still rooms aplenty in Hanoi and Saigon too. Flight options into Cambodia are more limited, but the reward is wide hotel availability in Siem Reap, and far fewer tourists at Angkor Wat than you’d have seen there in December 2019.

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Bora Bora and Tahiti (French Polynesia)

Hiva Oa Marquesas Islands French Polynesia

The Aranui 5.

Many resorts are booked up for the period between Christmas and New Year’s, but you can still snag an idyllic overwater bungalow for the week leading up to Christmas. You can also still book a cabin on the Aranui 5, a supply boat that doubles as a passenger ship and sails 12-day itineraries through the remote Marquesas archipelago.

ASK ABOUT A HOLIDAY TRIP IN FRENCH POLYNESIA

Europe’s Christmas Markets

Christmas tree and projected snowflake lights on a building at the Warsaw Christmas market in Warsaw Poland

Warsaw’s Christmas market. Photo: Polish Tourist Board

Many of Europe’s charming Christmas markets close on December 24, but a growing number are staying open past the holiday. That’s true at many markets in Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Belgium; in the Netherlands, the Amsterdam Light Festival runs all the way until January 22. A savvy specialist will work your itinerary to hit the markets that still have a truly local feel.

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Sri Lanka

Sigiriya Rock, Sri Lanka. Photo: Pixabay

Last year’s political unrest is over, but Sri Lanka has yet to see tourism bounce back. That’s great news for intrepid travelers: Many hotels aren’t charging peak rates, and the dollar is very strong against the rupee. Combine the country’s cultural landmarks with a scenic train ride through tea plantations in the hill country, then overnight in a tented “cocoon” near a national park that abuts the ocean and offers frequent leopard sightings.

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What to Know About Europe’s Christmas Markets in 2022

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After closures due to Covid the past two holiday seasons, most of Europe’s Christmas markets are finally expected to fully open again this year. These festive traditions are one of the best reasons to go to Europe in winter: You can see cities and villages illuminated for the holidays and fill your evenings with charming street scenes: stalls where artisans sell handmade local crafts, open-air choral concerts, ice skating and rides for kids, and a huge variety of piping hot street food, from local delicacies to hearty winter comfort fare and endless mulled wine.

Another advantage of Europe in the late fall or winter is lower airfares and hotel rates than you’ll find in the spring, summer, and early fall. While the weekends of Christmas and New Year’s can be crowded (especially with locals), November, Thanksgiving break, early December, and early January deliver low-season value.

Some of the most iconic Christmas markets are in Austria (Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, St. Wolfgang), Germany (Munich, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Berlin), and France (Strasbourg, Colmar, Reims), as well as Budapest, Prague, and Krakow.

Here’s how to make the most of them this holiday season.

Go early or go late—because market dates are extended.

Many European Christmas markets are running longer this year than they have in the past. This means you can plan your trip to avoid the worst of the crowds and air-travel hassle, while still getting an undiminished dose of all that holiday cheer and charm.

“Some of these Christmas markets that once had a firm closure on December 24th are now lingering longer—some into January,” says Gwen Kozlowski, a WOW List travel specialist for Austria, Germany, and Eastern Europe. Salzburg’s main market is planned for November 17 through January 1. The Christmas market in St. Wolfgang opens early too, on November 18. Those lasting through early January include Vienna’s Christmas market at Schonbrunn Palace (open through January 4), Innsbruck’s and Prague’s (open through January 6), Berlin’s Christmas market on Breitscheidplatz (open through January 8), and the Jardin des Tuileries Christmas Market in Paris (open through January 8).

Mix the bigger city markets with lesser-known ones in small villages.

Every country has its big-hit Christmas markets in major cities, but the holiday spirit can be especially charming in areas you might not have considered during the winter. In France, the biggest and most famous Christmas market is in Strasbourg, but you could combine that with Metz or with smaller markets in Provence or Champagne, suggests Jennifer Virgilio, a WOW List specialist for France.

Or you could make Colmar your base and visit smaller markets from there, such as Turckheim and Kayserberg, advises Philip Haslett, another WOW List specialist for France.

Combine more than one region for different experiences and flavors.

Nothing is really that far apart in Europe, and the train network makes for easy, quick travel. So take advantage of that proximity by combining a couple of regions into a mini-Christmas-market crawl, with stops along the way to enjoy Europe’s other delights.

“I like to do a Christmas market road trip and start in Paris, then to Reims which is easily reached—and a bit of Champagne is never a bad idea!” says Philip. “From there you can take a high-speed train to Strasbourg, which takes about 1h20; and after Strasbourg on to Colmar, 30 minutes by train or an hour by car, but with some lovely stops on the way for wine tasting and a visit to the iconic Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle.”

Last year Philip planned a Christmas-week road trip for WendyPerrin.com reader Margaret Harvey, who reported back to us:

“We started off in Geneva, Switzerland, where we kicked off our trip with a Christmas market that was across the street from our hotel. Our next stop was Gstaad, which felt like a winter wonderland. After that we drove to Chamonix, where we stayed in what was my husband’s dream spot at the top of Mount Blanc. It was truly something, we had to take the most charming red train to get to our hotel. The stars there were unlike we had ever seen. After Chamonix we drove to Fossano, Italy, where we visited a castle and stayed in a suite that felt as if we were in an old Italian romance novel. Next, we went to Monte Carlo, where our hotel key gave us access to the Monte Carlo Country Club. My husband is an avid tennis fan and this was really special for us. We stayed on the top floor and had the most incredible view of the city and water. Following Monte Carlo we went to St Paul de Vence, where we relaxed in a spa hotel with a Mediterranean influence. Next was Aix in Provence, where we stayed at a dreamy chateau. After that we went to Avignon, where we stayed across from the Pope’s Palace. We ended our trip in Paris on New Year’s Eve.”

Reader Richard Goldin enjoyed his late-December road trip too, planned by Jennifer Virgilio. He reported:

“Jennifer arranged for a rental car, all hotels and recommended events and restaurants as we drove from Paris to Strasbourg, Colmar, Dijon, Burgundy and back to Paris. Each hotel chosen was extremely well located. There wasn’t a hotel that we would not go back to. We thoroughly enjoyed all of the Christmas markets, especially in a small town called Kayserberg, near Colmar.”

Book through a local fixer who can monitor the situation on the ground and rearrange your plans if necessary.

There’s always the possibility that a market could close or that any of many other speedbumps that have affected travelers over the past couple of years could crop up and impact your trip. “Plenty of markets have said that they’re opening and have already listed dates and times,” says Gwen. “But it’s important to be flexible and ready to make changes if/when something happens.” Last year, when Christmas markets in Vienna, Munich, and Salzburg closed at the last minute because of Covid, Gwen rescued reader Sarah Wade’s trip, sending her to Budapest, Warsaw, and Krakow instead. Sarah’s report:

“Our original plan had us going to Munich, Salzburg, and Vienna for 9 nights in early December 2021. As we approached the time to depart we began to get notices from Gwen that one by one each city was cancelling the Christmas markets, and eventually Austria closed down entirely. Gwen’s team was on top of it each step of the way. They offered us alternatives, and we settled on an itinerary of Warsaw, Krakow, and Budapest.

Our three city choices were great. Some highlights:
*the gingerbread cookie baking class in Warsaw was wonderful.
*In Krakow our tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau was so moving and impactful. Our guide was incredible and we were so fortunate to have him explain the history of this terrible place to us. We found out that our guide’s father was a survivor of Auschwitz and it was humbling to have him share with us. Guides really do make or break tours.
*A private ornament-making session with a renowned hand-painted ornament business. They were even so sweet as to bake us an apple cake and our guide along with the owner sang us traditional Polish Christmas carols as we decorated our ornaments and the snow fell outside. Quite the experience!
*A fantastic meal at the beautiful castle restaurant in Egar with Hungarian wines paired to our various courses – the best meal of the trip!
*A private boat on the Danube to see the lights of nighttime Budapest.

I appreciated Gwen’s team being willing to make changes for us as we moved through the itinerary. Even though this was not the trip we had originally planned, we ended up with a trip that we all enjoyed. It was such a relief to know the logistics were handled and we had someone on call, should anything change or become difficult.”

If you’re thinking about a Christmas markets river cruise, watch the water levels in the Danube and the Rhine.

This year’s Christmas market cruises are nearly full, despite the extensive drought last summer that caused so many challenges, says Tom Baker, a WOW List river-cruise specialist. Low river levels forced a number of ships to change their itineraries, dock far from the planned port city, or move passengers to different vessels or to busses for making the journey on land. While operations on the Danube have picked up in recent weeks, Tom reports, “the Rhine is still in bad shape, with vendors switching out guests to sister ships to make the navigational points.” The forecast for late fall and winter is not clear yet, so watch water levels or consider waiting until 2024. Tom’s personal favorite holiday itineraries: “The Danube when it operates as Vienna, Salzburg, Passau, Regensburg, and Nuremburg—they have marvelous Christmas markets as well as vast cultural enchantment. Budapest markets are not as exciting, but the city is incredible and not to be missed. I also love the Alsatian Christmas Markets on the Rhine in Germany and France!”

Our Tips for Hassle-Free Christmas Travel

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Published in our biweekly newsletter on 12-19-21. For travel updates straight to your inbox, subscribe here.

Make your holiday travels safer and easier

Omicron isn’t stopping people from traveling for Christmas. AAA estimates that 109 million Americans are taking a trip this year—a number very close to the 119 million who traveled in 2019 before the pandemic. So if you’re going to be one of the brave, it’ll help to be prepared. Below you’ll find essential holiday-travel tips and strategies, testing and insurance information, and even a list of spots where you can still plan a WOW-caliber last-minute trip. Safe travels, everyone!

10 Ways to Minimize Holiday Travel Hassles

The number of Americans expected to travel for the 2021 holidays is a lot higher than last year—a 34% increase that includes my son Charlie, who flew home from college yesterday. So prepare yourself with the following tips, don’t forget all your documents, and try to remember what’s at the other end of any travel hassles: family, friends, and one of the most memorable holidays many of us have had in two years.

Apps To Help You Survive Holiday Travel

Though we can’t avoid every holiday travel snafu, we can zap some by stocking our phones with these problem-solving apps and websites.

How Never to Wait on Hold with Airline Customer Service Again

Sometimes you just really need to talk to a live person at your airline. Of course, being put on hold forever doesn’t help anyone (you or the customer-service rep you’re about to unleash your frustration on), so here are a couple of tricks to help you avoid endless waits on hold.

It’s Easy to Get Tested to Come Back to the United States: Your Questions Answered

The biggest concerns we hear from travelers these days are about the finer details of getting tested before and during a trip, as well as for the return flight. Here are answers to your biggest concerns.

Where You Can Still Go for the 2021-22 Holidays

Need a last-minute getaway plan? We’ve tapped the experts on Wendy’s WOW List—the well informed, on-the-ground trip planners who’ve been wowing our readers throughout the pandemic—to find destinations that are still able to be booked for last-minute Christmas or New Year’s vacations. These aren’t merely places that have random spots of availability; these are places where they can still deliver a Covid-safe, high-caliber trip, complete with the most charming hotel rooms and savviest private guides.

SEE THE LIST

How to Buy Travel Insurance: What It Covers, When You Need It

Travel insurance can be confusing, especially during Covid. So we’ve created this primer that lays out everything from what you can expect it to cover (even now) to when you need it and when you don’t.

These Places Are Still Available for the Holidays

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This year’s holidays are bringing some unexpected gifts: the potential for extraordinary last-minute trips you may not have realized were even possible.

We’ve tapped the experts on Wendy’s WOW List—the well informed, on-the-ground trip planners who’ve been wowing our readers throughout the pandemic—to find destinations that are still able to be booked for last-minute Christmas or New Year’s vacations. These aren’t merely places that have random spots of availability; these are places where they can still find you the most charming hotel rooms and the savviest private guides and can put together a Covid-safe and high-caliber trip.

The list includes some spots that are newly reopened (like Thailand) and others (like Italy) that have been open but are enjoying a break from the usual crowds. In every case, the WOW Lister knows how to handle all Covid requirements for arrival and return and can remove that stress from your plate. All you have to do is show up and bring the holiday cheer.

*Covid situations continue to change all the time. Please talk to your WOW List specialist for on-the-ground intel in the places you are considering and consult available current data (vaccination info by country and Covid cases by country) to determine your comfort level.

Cabo, Mexico

Families with kids young and old, multigenerational clans, and groups of friends can still nab a dream home in Cabo in December. Our WOW List expert for Cabo has plenty of availability Christmas week (but not the week after) in seaside villas that range from four to ten bedrooms, and that offer plenty of indoor and outdoor space for hanging out together—in gourmet kitchens, al fresco dining areas, large living rooms, or by a pool, fire pit, or Jacuzzi. Some properties are near beach clubs, tennis courts, or golf clubs, but if your crew is more interested in lounging around, private chefs and in-villa spa treatments can be arranged too.

ASK ABOUT A HOLIDAY TRIP IN CABO

U.S. National Parks

While marquee parks such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton are fully booked for the holidays, you can still find availability in and near some parks out west (think California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona). Whether you’re hiking, mountain biking, canyoneering, horseback riding, or driving four-wheelers, you’ll be spending your days in the fresh air, accompanied by vaccinated private guides.

ASK ABOUT A HOLIDAY TRIP IN THE U.S. NATIONAL PARKS

Italy

Italy’s cities light up with magic for the holidays. Spend yours in Rome, Florence, or Venice, where our WOW Listers can arrange for an array of outdoor experiences, from learning how to ride a Vespa in Rome (where temps are in the 50s in December) to learning how to row a gondola in Venice. Florence is more about indoor venues —museums, palazzi, legendary boutiques—but these feel safe because entry is limited to those with a Green Pass (the Italian equivalent of the CDC vaccination card). And this year museums are limiting group sizes indoors, so you can take in Italian masterpieces without a sea of heads in front of you. At Christmastime these cities’ holiday lights, outdoor Christmas markets, and gastronomic treats—tortellini in brodo, panettone, pandoro—will have you feeling like a local in a way you never can in summertime.

ASK ABOUT A HOLIDAY TRIP IN ITALY

Europe’s Christmas Markets

Certain of Europe’s festive, charming Christmas markets are staying open for longer than usual this year, in many cases until the Epiphany (January 6). Christmas markets in Italy (both in Rome and in northern Italy by the Dolomites) and London (Covent Garden and Leicester Square) are among those that are open into the first week of the New Year. Be aware that Covid is currently spiking in some European countries, including Austria (which imposed a national lockdown) and Germany (where some areas, including Munich and Bavaria, have canceled their Christmas markets). We can recommend well-informed, well-connected WOW Listers who can provide local intel and help evaluate the on-the-ground realities—for instance, whether local restaurants and indoor venues are requiring proof of vaccination for all who enter, where free testing is available, how mask-compliant the locals are, and even which hotels are offering special deals.

ASK ABOUT A CHRISTMAS MARKETS TRIP

Thailand

Thailand has only recently reopened to international travelers, so it does have some hoops for travelers to jump through (e.g., pre-trip and post-arrival tests), but our WOW List experts are well versed in the process. They can spare you the logistics so that you can focus on enjoying what the country has to offer before next year’s tourist hordes return: gorgeous beaches and island-hopping in the Phuket and Krabi areas, the bustling energy of Bangkok, the historic temples of Chiang Mai, and the rich cultural heritage and local artists of Chiang Rai.

ASK ABOUT A HOLIDAY TRIP IN THAILAND

Turkey

Even in December the weather is still mild enough to enjoy outdoor sightseeing and many meals al fresco. Plus, you can get around privately everywhere with the right trip planner, not just via spacious, WiFi-equipped vehicles but via private boat and balloon too. This was Wendy’s experience of Istanbul during Covid; other outdoor experiences include cooking classes and backstreet food tours. Top it off with Cappadocia—the unique lunar landscape with otherworldly rock formations and ancient cities carved into rock—for sightseeing by hot-air balloon and unforgettable hiking, biking, and ATV rides.

ASK ABOUT A HOLIDAY TRIP IN TURKEY

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Where to Go This Winter

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Many of you have been asking: Can I travel safely this winter? The answer is that it’s possible to minimize your risk greatly—even when traveling to far-flung destinations—thanks to new, smarter entry requirements for certain states and countries, better Covid testing options, and new protocols that particular travel companies, hotel staff, and private drivers and guides have put in place. Read our reviews of real trips that travelers have taken to many of these destinations, all of which share three major characteristics: They are currently open to U.S. residents without a quarantine; they allow for social distancing, both during your daily activities and at your accommodations; and they are warm enough that you can eat many of your meals outdoors.

Click to get a personalized trip recommendation

Mexico

Beach villas and other private accommodations make it easier to social distance in Mexico. Photo: Cabo Villas

From private beachfront villas to small boutique inns with open-air common areas to colonial haciendas that you can reserve for just your family, you’ll find an array of options in Mexico that allow for easy social distancing—as these travelers did in July. Many airlines are operating between the U.S. and Mexico, with no Covid-testing requirements. For east coasters, a quick flight to Cancun gives you entrée to the Riviera Maya and Tulum; west coasters will find nonstops to Cabo San Lucas (where migrating whales and whale sharks pass by every winter) and Puerto Vallarta, the latter a gateway to the top-notch resorts and private villas on the Punta de Mita peninsula. Beyond the beach, the freestanding suites in the Mayan forest at Chablé Yucatán allow for complete privacy. Read Mexico trip reviews.

Ask About a Trip to Mexico

A Caribbean island

St Lucia beach with Pitons mountains in the background

St. Lucia is open to U.S. travelers. Photo: Shutterstock

A good many Caribbean locales are once again welcoming U.S. travelers. Some require pre-trip testing, others test on arrival or screen for symptoms, and some—including Anguilla—have created “vacation bubbles” so that travelers can take part in certain land and water activities that have been deemed safe. Read this article for more details. If you’re nervous about getting sick outside the country, know that Medjet will fly you home from the islands if you are hospitalized with Covid.

Ask About a Trip to the Caribbean

Hawaii

Hawaii now allows travelers to skip quarantine if they arrive with a negative Covid test. Photo: Shutterstock

The Hawaiian islands did away with their mandatory 14-day quarantine in October—provided that travelers register with the Safe Travels program and arrive with negative results from an approved Covid test performed no more than 72 hours prior (passengers headed to Kaua’i must still quarantine or stay in a “resort bubble,” and there may be quarantines for inter-island travel). A number of airlines will help passengers headed to the islands get a pre-flight test, for a fee. Once you’re in Hawaii, it’s all about enjoying the outdoors, from snorkeling to hiking to stand-up paddleboarding and ATV rides. Read Hawaii trip reviews.

Ask About a Trip to Hawaii

Belize

Charter your own boat in Belize for days of snorkeling, sunbathing, and plenty of distance from other travelers. Photo: Belize Sailing Vacations

Nonstop flights to Belize take off from several U.S. cities that are only about three hours away; travelers who arrive with a negative Covid test will be fast-tracked through the airport, while all others will be screened and tested. Once you’re there you can explore world-class coral reefs, visit uncrowded Mayan ruins, learn to scuba dive (as Wendy’s son did), fish for 100-pound tarpon (which kept her husband busy), and laze beside sparkling Caribbean waters. Only accommodations that have earned the country’s new Gold Standard Certificate of Recognition are allowed to open; options range from beach resorts with separate bungalows to remote jungle tree houses—or you can charter your own private yacht as I did, enjoying fabulous snorkeling, sunbathing, kayaking, and plenty of distance from everyone except your captain and first mate (who have at least 14 days between charters, to avoid contact between groups of guests). Read Belize trip reviews.

Ask About a Trip to Belize

Skiing in the Rockies

Ski resorts are limiting capacity this travel season. Photo: Parker Olsen.

The slopes are operating differently this year: Major resorts are limiting capacity to allow for social distancing on lift lines (snow conditions and run availability will determine specific numbers), and pass holders receive priority on peak dates. At many resorts, day-of lift tickets aren’t available at the window, but you can buy a pass for as little as one day of skiing. It’s usually sunny enough to enjoy lunch outdoors on the patio; as for dinner, condos and private homes are in high demand among those who want to dine without others around. A first-rate ski trip will be pricey this year, but the right specialist can help you snag those sought-after slope reservations, and can get you the ideal ski-in/ski-out hotel suite or private cabin. Read ski trip reviews.

Ask About a Ski Vacation

The U.S. Southwest

Some of the southwest’s outdoor meccas, such as Arches National Park in Utah, make for fun winter adventures. Photo: NPS Photo by Jacob W. Frank

Utah offers Moab, a year-round adventure mecca with 4×4 tours, canyoneering, and hiking in nearby Arches and Canyonlands national parks, plus spectacular resorts with your own private, standalone accommodations, such as Amangiri and Camp Sarika. New Mexico exempts travelers from its quarantine if they get a negative Covid test 72 hours before or after their arrival, and the Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe is welcoming guests.

Ask About a Trip to the Southwest

The U.S. Southeast

covered gazebo dock stretching into lake in tennessee at Blackberry Farm resort

Blackberry Farm is in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains, . Photo: Blackberry Farm

Northeasterners may not want to drive too far south, given the lengthy quarantine many face upon returning home, but if you live in the Southeast, there are a lot of drive-able, even pet-friendly, resorts in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee that have standalone cabins or cottages spread across considerable acreage. Just a few examples: Blackberry Mountain in Walland, Tennessee, situates guests atop the Great Smoky Mountains, with adventure (bouldering, anyone?) awaiting you at the doorstep of your cabin. The Cloister at Sea Island has its own private island on the Georgia coast. At Virginia’s Salamander Resort, every room has a private patio or balcony, and their famed equestrian center is open.

Ask About a Trip to the Southeast

Costa Rica

The weather in Costa Rica during the winter months is ideal. Photo: Shutterstock

Costa Rica’s jungle lodges and beach resorts are open to all U.S. residents with no testing required. The weather is ideal at this time of year too, with the skies clear but the landscape refreshed by recent rains in much of the country. Read Costa Rica trip reviews.

Ask About a Trip to Costa Rica

Bermuda

Warwick Beach, Bermuda. Photo: Shutterstock

Bermuda is great in winter: The humidity is low, the temperatures are warm enough to have dinner al fresco, the golfing is excellent, the 2- or 4-person microcars available for rent make it easy to get around the island safely, and many of Bermuda’s colonial-style resorts have individual cottages with immediate access to the outdoors. You can also feel more comfortable knowing that travelers are screened rigorously, with Covid tests required in the week before a trip, again on arrival in Bermuda, and on days 4, 8, and 14. And if you can’t imagine going home, there’s always the “Work from Bermuda” program, which allows visitors to stay on the island for up to a year while working remotely.

Ask About a Trip to Bermuda

The Galapagos Islands and Ecuador

blue footed booby galapagos islands ecuador

The ratio of guides to guests is likely to be much lower than usual this year in the Galapagos Islands. Photo: peterstuartmill/Pixabay

Prior to Covid, on a Galapagos cruise you’d often have to share a guide with 15 other guests; these days, with travel to the islands just beginning to ramp up again, that ratio will likely be much lower. All travelers and staff are tested prior to flying to the Galapagos. Some hotels on the islands are welcoming visitors again, a few expedition-cruise ships are operating—or maybe your family group wants to have a small vessel all to yourself. If you’d like to extend your trip into the Amazon rainforest, consider Sacha Lodge, which is adjacent to one of the most biodiverse spots on earth; each group gets its own private guide, and the dining room is open-air. Read Galapagos trip reviews.

Ask About a Trip to the Galapagos

The Maldives

Beach views from Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives

The Maldives require a negative Covid test taken within three days of the first leg of a traveler’s flight. Photo: Gili Lankanfushi

These idyllic islands in the Indian Ocean, many of which are home to just one resort, requite visitors to present a negative Covid test taken no more than 96 hours prior to the first leg of their flights to the Maldives; I spent a blissful five days there in October. It’s a breeze to socially distance at a private-island resort, where secluded beach villas and overwater bungalows are the norm. Restaurants are already open-air, toes-in-the-sand kinds of places, and the closest interaction you might have is with a manta ray while snorkeling. You’ll also benefit from lower rates and more generous cancellation policies at many resorts this winter. Read Maldives trip reviews.

Ask About a Trip to the Maldives

An African Safari

zebras drinking from a stream in the great migration of animals in Kenya

Safari camps usually book up years in advance, but for the 2020 holidays, the camps and the safari drives will see fewer people. Photo: Shutterstock

Safaris had grown so popular within the past few years that you were likely to notch more sightings of other 4x4s than of lions or rhinos, and the best camps and lodges—which typically have only a handful of rooms or tents—would book up years in advance. Now is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Africa’s wildlife in solitude, as one of our travelers did in December. Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe all allow travelers in with a negative Covid test; Namibia and Rwanda require tests both before and after entering the country. A savvy safari-planning specialist can lead you to the lodges that are limiting occupancy in game-drive vehicles, are testing staff, and have open-air dining areas and in-room air conditioning (the latter a necessity in some parts of southern Africa at this time of year). Read African safari trip reviews.

Ask About an African Safari

Egypt

Egypt’s pyramids and other famous sites reopened in September at lowered capacity. Photo: Shutterstock

If you’re feeling truly adventurous, consider Egypt. While Cairo’s bustling souks and narrow streets don’t lend themselves easily to social distancing, there are certainly ways to sightsee while staying in your bubble, and this is an unprecedented opportunity to see the country’s pyramids and other archaeological wonders without the crowds: These sites reopened in September, but with much lower capacity. (Or do as these travelers did and have an expert arrange for private, after-hours access.) Travelers must bring a negative Covid test from the 72 hours prior to their departure. Read Egypt trip reviews.

Ask About a Trip to Egypt

An Easy Way to Improve Your Next Flight Delay: Airport Lounge Day Passes

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You no longer have to be an elite traveler, a frequent flier, or even a passenger of a specific airline to enjoy the stress-free haven of an airport lounge. Over the past few years, several independent companies have nabbed real estate in the country’s busiest airports, bringing comfy armchairs, Wi-Fi, workspaces, snacks and drinks, and even spas and showers to anyone passing through the terminal with a few extra dollars to spare, usually between $25 and $50. And it’s not just travelers who’ve taken notice; airlines have upped their lounge game in response, with several opening their retreats to regular folks too. These lounges can be a life (and sanity) saver any time you have a long layover. And they are especially useful during the holiday season, when crowds are thick and weather delays common. Download the LoungeBuddy app (as well as other essential apps for holiday travel), and you’ll always know where to find the closest one.

Here are a few of the non-airline-affiliated lounges to look for. As for airline lounges, you can find one in most airports, and sometimes you can buy a day pass, even if you’re not flying that airline!

Lounge Pass
Fee: Starts at $19
What’s included: Lounge Pass is a booking site for day passes to more than 350 airport lounges in more than 100 countries. Prices start at $19 and the amenities vary by location.
Locations: There are too many list to here, but the website makes it easy to find the options in the airports you need.

Priority Pass
Fee: Annual membership from $99; free membership for Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Platinum, Citi Prestige card holders (among others).
What’s included: Priority Pass is like Lounge Pass, but it requires a membership fee up front—which then gives you free access. Amenities vary widely, but most lounges have complimentary Wi-Fi and snacks, outlets, TVs, and places to work; some have spas and private conference room. Members also receive discounts at airport restaurants and retail shops.
Locations: The Priority Pass network includes more than 1,300 lounges in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, and North America.

Centurion Lounges
Fee: Free to AmEx Platinum and Centurion cardholders and their guests.
What’s included: Elaborate food and drink, often prepared by well-known chefs; Wi-Fi; video games; lots of couches and private nooks; assistance with dinner reservations, flight info, event tickets, and more; printers, fax machines, copiers; TVs, magazines and newspapers; conference rooms at some locations; spa services at some locations; showers at some locations; luggage lockers at some locations.
Locations: Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Hong Kong (HKG), Houston (IAH),Las Vegas (LAS), New York LaGuardia (LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), Miami (MIA), Seattle (SEA), and San Francisco (SFO). Coming soon to Denver (DEN), New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), London (LHR), Charlotte (CLT), and Phoenix (PHX).

The Club
Fee: Varies
What’s included: Wi-Fi; snacks and drinks (including wine, beer, and liquor); workstations, printers, fax machines, phones; TVs, magazines and newspapers; showers; conference rooms for an additional fee. Purchase day passes to The Club’s locations via the Lounge Pass website (see below).
Locations: Atlanta Hartsfield (ATL), Boston (BOS), Buffalo (BUF), Baltimore (BWI), Charleston (CHS), Cincinnati (CVG), Dallas-Forth Worth (DFW), Jacksonville (JAX), Las Vegas McCarran (LAS), London (LGW), London (LHR), Orlando (MCO), Pittsburgh (PIT), Seattle (SEA), and San José (SJC) airports.

Airspace Lounge
Fee: From $20 (price varies depending on time of day); free entry for AmEx Platinum and Centurion cardholders and their guests.
What’s included: Wi-Fi; computers; power outlets at every seat; a credit for a free meal or alcoholic beverage (additional snacks, soft drinks, and coffees are available for free as well); printers, scanners; showers at the San Diego airport.
Locations: Cleveland Hopkins (CLE) and San Diego (SAN).

Be a smarter traveler: Read real travelers’ reviews of Wendy’s WOW List and use it to plan your next trip. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter @wendyperrin, and Instagram @wendyperrin, and sign up for her weekly newsletter to stay in the know.

Holiday Travel Ideas from Sophisticated Travelers

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Idyllic tropical beach with white sand, turquoise ocean water and blue sky at Antigua island in Caribbean

Antigua island in the Caribbean

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Mendoza, Argentina

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Costa Rica

kayak on turquoise water Koh Lipe island Thailand

Koh Lipe, Thailand

the red sand of Chile's Atacama desert with tall mountains in the distance

Atacama Desert, Chile

Sahara Desert, Morocco

Galapagos Islands

Leafy town square with fountain in a picturesque village in Provence, France

Saignon, Provence, France

Masada, Israel

Egypt

Udaipur, India

A lot of travelers write to us seeking suggestions for unusual Christmas-New Year’s destinations. They want to go where everybody else isn’t going. Depending on what sort of experience they’re after, Wendy might suggest anything from Malta to Abu Dhabi.

As for the holiday travel plans that WendyPerrin.com travelers have already made, among the most popular locales are Argentina, New Zealand, and Thailand. Travelers who want to explore the world closer to home are bound for Mexico, Costa Rica, the Caribbean Islands, and Belize.

If you haven’t planned your holiday trip yet, now is the time, as many flights and resorts fill up months in advance. For inspiration, browse the lists below that show where your fellow travelers are headed. We’ve also got helpful monthly articles on Where to Go When. If you have other ideas or plans for your winter travels, let us know in the comments where you’re headed!

Top 10 Countries Booked by WOW List Travelers for Christmas/New Year’s Trips

Argentina
Mexico*
Chile
Costa Rica
Morocco*
New Zealand*
Caribbean Islands
Thailand
Belize
Egypt*

* = tied with the country listed above it

Top 16 Countries Already Booked By WOW List Travelers for Winter Trips
(November through February)

Mexico
Thailand
Chile
New Zealand
Argentina
Vietnam*
Morocco
United States*
Caribbean Islands
Costa Rica*
Cambodia
The Galapagos Islands*
Australia
Belize
France*
Italy*

* = tied with the country listed above it

Why You Should Travel Between Thanksgiving and Christmas

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The window between Thanksgiving and Christmas is one of the smartest times of the year to travel. From the Tuesday after Thanksgiving weekend until approximately the Thursday before Christmas week, tourists are scarce, hotel rates are low, free upgrades abound, and in much of the world the favorable prices coincide with either lovely post-rainy-season weather or festive-winter-wonderland holiday charm. True, you may miss holiday parties back home, but you’ll also get away from all that holiday traffic and lines at the mall. Personally, I’d rather do my holiday shopping in Europe’s Christmas markets or in the cellars of Argentina’s wine country.

One year my own between-the-holidays trip was a cruise from Barcelona to Rome to put Viking Cruises’ new Viking Star to the test. I’ve sailed in the Mediterranean in December before, and it has its pros and cons: It can be chilly on deck or on your balcony, and the sun sets at about 4 p.m., so there are fewer hours for sightseeing than in summertime. But onshore you get pleasant sightseeing temps in the 50s and 60s—especially along the French Riviera and on islands like Malta and Sicily—and it’s a relief not to have to battle the peak-season tourist crush.

While the period between Thanksgiving and Christmas is not the optimal time for a Mediterranean cruise, it is an optimal time for the following seven places. If you’re headed to any and want to book your trip so as to get the maximum experience for your money, you may ask our advice here.

Hawaii

Four Seasons Maui. Photo: Four Seasons

With the exception of Thanksgiving, all of November through December 18th or so is uncrowded, with hotels offering deals of the pay-for-three-nights-get-four and pay-for-five-nights-get-seven variety. Look for values on Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island in particular.

The Caribbean

Ocean views at the Hermitage Bay Resort in Antigua. Photo: Hermitage Bay Resort

Hurricane season is over, the weather is sunny and clear, and upgrades abound at blissfully empty five-star resorts in the Caribbean islands.

Mexico

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Photo: Shutterstock

‘Tis the season for fourth-night-free and fifth-night-free deals in Mexico up until December 18th or so.

Europe’s Christmas Markets

A Christmas market in Vienna, Austria. Photo: AmaWaterways

One year, my between-the-holidays trip was a European river cruise focused on the magical Christmas markets of Central Europe. I’ve traveled in Austria and Germany in practically every month of the year, and the holidays is my favorite time, thanks to the homespun festive decorations everywhere, the mouthwatering holiday foods, and the concerts and other celebratory activities in towns large and small, not to mention the stomach-warming glühwein and the ease of meeting and chatting with locals at the outdoor markets. It’s not very cold; if there’s any snow, it only adds to the atmosphere. Darkness falls at 4:30, but it’s not a disadvantage because the towns are gorgeously lit up at night and there’s plenty to see and do after dark. Here’s how to plan the perfect trip to Europe’s Christmas markets.

New Zealand

View of the Hauraki Gulf sea, taken from the Owhanake Coastal Track on Waiheke Island, New Zealand. Photo: Shutterstock

I chose early December for my honeymoon in New Zealand. We had perfect late-spring weather and blossoms from the tip of the North Island to the toe of the South (remember, summer starts circa December 21 in the southern hemisphere), and conditions were great for the crazy adventure activities we did, from jetboating in Queenstown to blackwater rafting in Waitomo.

The Maldives

Beach views from Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives. Photo: Gili Lankanfushi

Early December brings lovely weather, optimal conditions for snorkeling and diving, and extraordinary values at the over-the-top private island resorts you find only in the Maldives.

Argentina/Chile/Patagonia

Mendoza, Argentina. Photo: Shutterstock

Late spring is one of the most beautiful moments in Argentina’s wine country, and it’s when you’ll find the best wildlife spotting in Patagonia.

What other destinations are at their best between Thanksgiving and Christmas? Share your own recommendations with us!

Be a smarter traveler: Follow Wendy Perrin on Facebook and Twitter @wendyperrin and sign up for her weekly newsletter to stay in the know.

How to Avoid the Worst Crowds at the Country’s Best Fireworks Displays

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Nothing says 4th of July like a fireworks spectacular, and there are plenty to choose from across the country every Independence Day weekend. It’s no surprise that the best displays draw the biggest crowds, but there’s usually a lesser-known viewing spot away from the crush where you can spread out a little more and enjoy the pops of color without the press of people. To celebrate freedom from crowds this holiday week, I’ve shared my picks for the country’s top fireworks shows and the best places to watch them. Of course, these are just a few of the great fireworks festivals held around the country, so please share your own favorites in the comments so that we can all start making plans for next year!

Boston

The show: The Boston Pops kick off the celebration with a free concert at 8pm (this year starring Queen Latifah, the Texas Tenors, and Arlo Guthrie); the real party begins when they launch into Tchaikovsky’s 1812 overture and sparklers start lighting up the Back.

The spot: Hotel rooftops are ideal spots to watch the display, since they put you above the fray; check Boston Discovery Guide for recommendations. On the ground, try Memorial Drive in Cambridge or board a boat on the Charles River.

New Orleans

The show: Dueling fireworks barges will take turns trying to outdo each other as they explode color and shapes over the Mississippi River.

The spot: A riverboat paddlewheeler will take you closest to the action, but landlubbers can stake out a view from across the river, on the levee at Algiers Point.

Philadelphia

The show: It’s fitting that Philly would have an impressive Independence Day celebration. It’s starts with one of the largest free concerts in America (this year Jennifer Hudson and Meghan Trainor and the Philly Pops are performing) and ends with fireworks against the backdrop of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

The spot: The crowds start to thin out along the Schuylkill River Trail, Drexel Park, Lemon Hill, and along Kelly Drive.

Washington, D.C.

The show: At some point you’ve probably watched “A Capitol Fourth” broadcast live on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. This year the show features Carole King, Vanessa Williams, John Stamos, the cast of Sesame Street, the National Symphony Orchestra, the United States Army Band, and more—and ends with fireworks exploding over the city’s monuments.

The spot: It’s certainly fun to be on the National Mall, close to the Lincoln Memorial where the fireworks are based, but it’s incredibly crowded. Your best bet for escaping the masses is to head across the river to the Iwo Jima Memorial in Arlington.

What’s your favorite place for Fourth of July fireworks?

Be a smarter traveler: Follow Wendy Perrin on Facebook and Twitter @wendyperrin and sign up for her weekly newsletter to stay in the know.

Make Your Next Trip Extraordinary

Tag Archives: holiday travel

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Where to Go This Winter

An Easy Way to Improve Your Next Flight Delay: Airport Lounge Day Passes

Holiday Travel Ideas from Sophisticated Travelers

Why You Should Travel Between Thanksgiving and Christmas

How to Avoid the Worst Crowds at the Country’s Best Fireworks Displays

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