Waiting for the perfect time is just like waiting for an eternity. If you dream of spending a fantastic vacation or want to travel around the world and you don’t have time or maybe money to do this, not to mention the uncertainties we all go through during the last two years of the pandemic, do this now. If you want to take some time off, again, do this now and plan for a great vacation in this holiday season. No one does not like the spirit of Christmas when starting to show up in the streets.

It revives our hopes, dreams, and our energy to start over. Don’t get stuck in your home with your favorite drink while watching a movie -maybe Home Alone; instead, go around and spend unforgettable moments with your family in this special season.

We’re here to help, and we’ve created this updated list of the best places to visit in the Christmas vacation. You can also find a handful of tips before traveling anywhere to stay safe and amused.

Let’s see what I’ve got planned for you.

Connolly Cove Tips to Spend the Great Vacation in This Holiday Season 

• Book Right Now for This Holiday Season

You need to find the best date that is compatible with your budget. Not only that, but also the prices are going to surge dramatically from flights, accommodations, admission fees, and more. Our experts always advise you to book your great vacation as early as possible to avoid these unjustified rates. The earlier you buy your tickets and accommodations, the lower your costs will be.

• Check the Working Hours of Attractions Before Going Anywhere

In the holiday season, you need to double-check the opening hours of any place before heading to it. Many attractions could be closed in the high season; sometimes, they are not available to receive visitors on Monday, like some temples in India, or on Friday, such as mosques in Istanbul and Dubai. Check the official website of the attraction you intend to visit, or maybe you can post a question on TripAdvisor forums or simply make a call to the place.

• Have the Earliest Flight Ticket of Your Traveling Day

It’s easy to find yourself stuck in a jam-packed airport because of delayed flights. “We regret to announce that a thunderstorm in London has delayed several flights, and services will be resumed soon. Stay calm and safe until the further note!” Frustrating, anxious, and your enthusiasm goes to zero. Yes, true. And unfortunately, it’s expected when you are traveling during the peak season of Christmas due to unpredictable weather conditions.

But booking the first flight on your traveling day seems like a precautionary measure against these odds. It does not work every time, but you will minimize the possibility of being perplexed in the airport stuffed with crowds.

• Go to Countries that Do Not Require a Quarantine

Imagine this scenario; you have got vaccinated and tested negative for the coronavirus one day before traveling. Finally, you have reached your destination, “Yahoo!” but the officer in the airport told you that you couldn’t go directly to your Hotel; you have to stay for a 14-day quarantine to make sure that you are outstanding.

“Seriously! What you are talking about!”

Yes, true. Again, unfortunately, some countries have imposed such restrictions to compact this virus with all possible measures. So, don’t waste your precious vacation time in this quarantine and please be sure that the place you will go will allow you to pass with your vacation certificate or whatever you need to prove that you are free from the Covid-19.

• Check the Best Time to Travel in This Christmas Holiday Season

According to many peripatetics and travel experts, the best time to travel in this holiday season is the day of 21 December, and the worst time is the day of 25 December till New Year’s eve. You are about to avoid congested roads, high fares of Uber rides, and so on. But if you want to witness the traditional feel of the country you are going to, it will be better to stay till the last minute of this year. It might cost you extra money, but the experience is worthwhile.

• Go to Less-Visited Places

Many people are thinking of going to popular Christmas destinations or maybe nearby countries to spend their fabulous vacation. But you will find many people have considered you just like you, and most spots are packed. Instead, go to Europe, for example. Besides its most delicate soul with colorful orientation, cheerful Christmas trees, stunning bulbs, and Santa Claus gifts, tourists prefer to go to a beach vacation that Europe can not offer during the holiday season. That’s why you can go around the continent and don’t be bothered by crowds.

• Keep Your Eye on the Weather Forecast

Of course, you need to check the best time to visit a place before planning your trip. It absolutely varies from traveling to South America to flying to Russia, for example. And don’t forget to check the weather forecast in your home country to ensure that your flight will go smoothly without delay. And if there is any news related to potential ice storms or floods, please call off your plans and be satisfied with Home Alone or some family gatherings.

Top 10 Places to Go This Holiday Season for a Great Vacation

Please note that some places on this list could be currently closed, or maybe it turns out to be very restrictive. Remember: keeping updated on the latest news is the best advice you should follow.

Spend Christmas in a Rich Cultural Country: New Zealand

Budget: Around $180 per day

New Zealand is the country that should be on everyone’s bucket list as it comes with many sightseeings ranging from mountains, breathtaking nature, and beautiful crystal beaches. With 700 islands, you have to organize your trip here very well; especially you are going to discover many exciting activities and places like fjords, rainforests, and magical waterfalls.

Why Should You Visit New Zealand?

Coupling the unbelievable vast landscapes, sunny beaches, and endless hiking trails with a unique Christmas spirit, that’s exactly why we mentioned New Zealand as one of the best destinations to go in the holiday season. 

In this country, no corner will fail to impress you. You are going to discover unlimited attractions and landmarks compounded with scenery, distinctive culture, and thriving nightlife.

What we like more about New Zealand is that it offers what you really need on your vacation. However, most parts of the country are sunny enough to go out without worrying about rains; the south islands will remind you that we are in December, and most places will be topped with ice.

For summer vibes, you have tones of white and golden sandy beaches to bliss out and help you unwind with your tropical cocktail in these extraordinary times, but  

The Coromandel Peninsula is the top of them. Not only watersports, but this island will also give you access to magnificent forests for camping and trekking.

Need more, okay, keep reading!

Things to do:

• Spending a day in Queenstown is all you need to do on your great holiday. Many thrilling activities await you, from hiking, jumping from Kawarau Bridge to skydiving above impressive mountains, visiting Amisfield Bistro, and tasting the best wine.
• Heading to the picturesque coastal town of Kaikōura with its Turquoise water and panoramic views, not to mention that you will play with marine mammals; Whether you’re a solo traveler or planning a family trip, Kaikōura is set to meet your aspirations.
• Don’t miss out on your opportunity to visit the capital of New Zealand, Wellington, which is the best place for history and culture lovers. You will feel like driving in a location tangled with heritage and a healthy community offering fresh air.
• Explore the Westland National Park, which is one of the popular gems in this country. This place is perfect for people who could miss ice scenery in December as there are the most spectacular and purest glaciers in the world, Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier.
• For the sophisticated side of New Zealand, you can visit Auckland, where epic skyscrapers and fancy hotels cover the whole city. Plus, there are many free walking tours around the town along with trendy shopping malls.

Things not to do:

• Don’t disrespect Maori culture related to indigenous people in New Zealand. It’s common sense that you should not take offense to anything, but when it comes to people’s culture, it could be very different from yours, making you feel compelled to say anything abusive. Please don’t and show respect to their country and legacy.
• Don’t make the mistake of comparing New Zealand to Australia. Nonetheless, the two countries are known for their beautiful natural landscapes, with each having its own distinct flair in terms of culture, forests, wildlife, and cuisines. And both countries are unquestionably must-see destinations.
• Rugby is more than just a sport, don’t mess with a local when it comes to the All Blacks, New Zealand national rugby union team; it’s really an inherent part of their culture. Don’t say something like, “What a waste of time!” or “How dull!” you will make a negative impression and have difficulty here.

Pro Tip: Don’t go to New Zealand without reading about the New Zealand road code if you want to drive here because you will drive through rough terrains among mountains and sometimes they are not always adequately paved. So, be careful and hire a local guide to help you get to your destination.

Where to Stay in New Zealand?

Best Hotels for families:

Novotel Queenstown Lakeside (around $118 a night)
Millennium Hotel New Plymouth Waterfront (around $110 a night)

Best Hotels for couples:

Chalet Romantica (around $319 a night)
Navigate Seaside Hotel (around $149 a night)

Best Hotels and Hostels for solo travelers:

Nomads (around $40 a night)
Rainbow Lodge (around $30 a night)

Why Not Go to Asia: Hong Kong

Budget: Around $200 per day

Wherever you go in this vibrant city, Christmas is always celebrated as a public event.  From central to narrow streets, you can feel the town’s heartbeat from decorative clubhouses, trees, bills, and excellent lights covered buildings that bring delight to your soul.

And all shopping centers are decked out in lavish and themed decorations to commemorate the occasion. It would be a rich experience, and you can snap along the way to record these happiest moments.

Why Should You Visit Hong Kong?

Christmas carols resonating in the streets, skyscrapers gleaming once the sun goes down, many places getting ready for celebrations and festivals, when the clock knocking and ticking 12:00 a.m. announcing that a new year has just started, fireworks during the night to morning day- all of these will make your holiday in Hong Kong just dream come true.

 You can just roam around Lee Tung Avenue, where you see really different decorations, ranging from neon colors, large butterflies lightening up the sky, and bullies. A variety of western Christmas food can be found here as well, such as ham or turkey; even KFC always prepares a festival menu. Alternatively, you can just bring your ice cream while checking trendy restaurants and chic boutiques.

And, of course, nothing beats a trip to Disneyland, which kicks off its own festival in November and runs until New Year’s Day.

Things to do:

• Wander around the main city center in Hong Kong to see the finer details of Christmas celebrations and make a stress-free trip.
• Go to Disneyland and enjoy its amusement-themed parks, and if you decide to go there on New Year’s eve, you will be treated to the most spectacular performance you have ever seen.
• Hit Opera Hong Kong, the perfect place for those who appreciate ballet and Nutcracker performances, or simply check out this impressive edifice coming with many entertainment utilities.
• Taste Chinese food and don’t forget to order a Chinese soup; ginger soup is highly recommended, like a flavored medicine, very warm and rich.
• Spend a day at Hong Kong WinterFest, one of the top ten places you can visit in the holiday season in the whole world.

 

Things not to do:

• Please do not spit in the streets, even though it is standard behavior in Beijing, which is thought to ward off evil spirits. You could face a fine of up to 5,000 Hong Kong dollars for doing so.
• Don’t come here for only night. Hong Kong offers much more you might imagine, and you will need at least four days to explore its attractions and gems. Thanks to the perfect transportation network, you can travel between sights with ease, even in the high season.
• Don’t talk openly and freely about politics and these controversial discussions. Many people have believed that authorities carried out a monitoring system to censor the Internet; whether it’s true or not, it would be better to be cautious about such matters.

 

Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on laser audiovisual 3D display, which is part of WinterFest where flocks are coming from all over the city around the clock tower in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui. You will see lightning drones dancing in the sky, creating shapes and patterns, one of the most innovative New Year’s shows. It will blow your mind.

Where to Stay in Hong Kong?

Best Hotels for families:

Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel (around $135 a night)
Kowloon Harbourfront Hotel (around $135 a night) 

Best Hotels for couples:

The Ritz Carlton (around $381 a night)
Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel (around $150 a night)

Best Hotels and Hostels for solo travelers:

L’etoile de Mer – Hostel (around $32 a night)
Commune Castle Peak (around $22 a night)

Explore the Special American Way to Celebrate: Colorado

Budget: Around $250 per day

A hot destination around the year but in the holiday season, it turns out to be the best choice for a great vacation; it’s the US state of Colorado. Compiling a wide range of outdoor activities like hiking to rocky mountains, visiting public national parks, skiing and whitewater rafting, and camping, it’s a haven for everyone searching for new adventures.

 

Why Should You Visit Colorado?

As much as you could need to plan for a great vacation, Colorado has echoed as a heaven for voyagers. Located in the Western United States, you are about to embark on a new way of life here. It’s a laid-back spot dotted with many places and attractions you can visit as a solo traveler or with your family.

Moreover, Colorado has a rich cultural heritage loaded with history, and locals there have their way to celebrate Christmas.

Since November is coming, every small town in Colorado gets adorned with dazzling lights creating a masterpiece of picturesque Christmas vibes that mingles cheerful features with breathtaking nature.

Colorado has already created from the chilly climate unique obedience to spend the best holiday ever, lightening ski slopes with torchlight and preparing parties in the shade of mountains. Engage in these ceremonies or spend a romantic night with your partner, no matter what you search for; Colorado will go beyond your wildest dreams.

 

Things to do:

• Visit the historic town of Telluride, where you can see many remnants of buildings indicating the legacy of this place, particularly if you head to the city center filled with shops and restaurants against a backdrop of whitewashed mountains.
• If you come here in the first week of December, head straight to Durango, where people host daily festivals in a pleasant setting and don’t forget to ride in the Polar Express Train to the “North Pole” to meet Santa and let your baby take his gift.
• Make time to visit the magic town of Georgetown, another wonderful small town peppered with popular markets and local bars. You can take a sleigh ride pulled by a horse and walk through Georgetown Christmas Market, and have an insight into its quaint cobblestone alleyways.
• Explore the national park of Black Canyon of the Gunnison, situated in western Colorado, where you are more likely to be awestruck by its terrific vast greenery with sheer cliffs and rocky towers offering a great chance of phenomenal photos.
• Attend a spectacular Christmas event, Race of The Santas, on the first Saturday in December if you are looking for a cultural carnival performance because that’s exactly what you will discover here- people dressing up in Santa suits roaming the streets.

Things not to do:

• However, it’s legal to buy marijuana in Colorado, it’s not legal to consume it in public, but it doesn’t mean that you will find no one smoking in parks or on streets. Anyway, avoid doing that to keep yourself away from troubles.
• Don’t go for any tremendous activity on your first day in Colorado because you are more likely to suffer from some symptoms ranging from headache to fatigue due to the different nature of the state.
• Don’t leave this city without tasting its domestic beer. To be honest, it’s the best in the entire United States.

Pro Tip: Be prepared that you could not find many fast-food chains in Colorado, like Chipotle, Smashburger, and Noodles. The variety of cuisine options is a little bit limited.

Where to Stay in Colorado?

Best Hotels for families:

Sonnenalp Vail (around $395 a night)
Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center (around $328 a night) 

Best Hotels for couples:

Le Meridien Denver Downtown (around $170 a night)
Highland Haven Creekside Inn (around $181 a night)

Best Hotels and Hostels for solo travelers:

Ember Hostel (around $51 a night)
The Wanderlust Hostel (around $32 a night)

It’s Always a Good Idea: Go to Miami

Budget: Around $350 per day

However, it’s a coastal city with beautiful beaches, magnificent sand dunes, and luxury resorts. Miami is also a popular destination for the holiday season. Visitors can enjoy their time wandering around the beach, relaxing at opulent hotels, or even going shopping in high-end malls. There is always something you can do here. And, further down, we will discover little-known information about how to make your vacation here a seamless experience.

Why Should You Visit Miami?

Located in Florida, Miami is a multicultural spot and welcoming space where you can spend an existential moment enjoying its lively nightlife.

Not just pristine beaches, it’s an incredible metropolis and multicultural community thanks to its strategic location.

What makes this place a perfect alternative for you to come here in the Christmas holiday is its tropical climate, an excellent destination all year round.

While most USA states have been covered with snow in December, the average temperature here is between 26 °C to 17 °C. It means that you can go swimming during this trip, especially when the humidity goes down.

Nestled with large public parks, Miami gives you free access to many different attractions and activities, like Bayfront Park offering a beach area, rock garden, waterfalls, artworks, and monumental sculptures.

In the months leading up to Christmas, this park comes to be an avenue for festivals, concerts, and holiday celebrations mostly organized at the end of November in its theater.

Things to do:

• Enjoy the night shows at Santa’s Enchanted Forest, one of the most significant holiday-themed parks in the world. This space permanently houses scream-inducing thrill coasters, performances by famous local artists, and other fun facilities.
• If you are looking for morning outdoor activities, go directly to Jungle Adventure, home to a large collection of wildlife, plants, and animals, and a great place for a family outing that takes visitors on an epic tour to see beautiful and endangered creatures.
• Pay for a cruise journey through Winterfest Boat Parade, one of the most-visited highlights in Miami. It will take at least 2.5 hours around the city in a sailboat, beautifully decorated with floral patterns.
• One of the most impressive free activities in Miami is to head to South Pointe Park. This park offers beautiful long trails with a beach view, so lace up your walking shoes and come here for a lovely tour in the morning hours.
• A lovely hub for Christmas festivities, Deering Estate, you can stay here to have dinner at its adorned garden, or you can check the archaeological monuments for history buffs.

Things not to do:

• If you come here for a few days, don’t assume that you will go to parties every day. Many people have preserved a stereotype of lifestyle in Miami that they will go out every single moment to parties. But it’s not right. They are often held on weekends, and you will find many fun day trip ideas close to you, along with parties.
• Don’t take your alcoholic beverage out on the street with you. According to state law, you could be arrested.
• Don’t worry about being late in Miami. No one here comes on time. So, if your friend told you that he would meet you at 8:00 p.m., keep in mind that he would come after at least 15 minutes from the planned time.

 Pro Tip: If there were one thing locals would tell you about a vacation in Miami, it would be that drivers here are insane. Please be careful while crossing the street and don’t risk your life to get to the other side.

 

Where to Stay in Miami?

Best Hotels for families:

Regency Miami Airport (around $135 a night)
InterContinental Miami (around $210 a night)

Best Hotels for couples:

Loews Miami Beach Hotel (around $669 a night)
Novotel Miami Brickell (around $208 a night)

Best Hotels and Hostels for solo travelers:

Freehand Miami (around $40 a night)
Rock Hostel (around $70a night)