Christmas Travel Destinations – what captures your imagination?
1. Prague
Lucky for me, Prague tops my list for Christmas travel as this year I will have the pleasure of spending the holidays living it up in the heart of Prague. What a magical city – I have heard that the Christmas Markets are among the best in the world! A winter wonderland is waiting, with Christmas carols, hearty food and hot wine – the festive atmosphere is sure to reign. The Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square will be decked out in holiday splendour.
2. Paris
Paris at Christmas, photo courtesy of Bliss Travels
Wendy of Bliss Travel News has me inspired to make Paris another one of my Christmas Travel Destinations, although I really need little prodding! She says: ”Nothing says “Christmas in Paris” more than the Champs Elysee Christmas market in the afternoon and early evening, when it is lit up…Hundreds of chalets with artisans from all over the country. Strolling the market with a hot spiced wine and perhaps stopping to taste a bit of cheese or specialty chocolates as you shop for loved ones, that’s “holiday spirit” embodied. Afterwards, take your seat at a fabulous bistro and relish in the winter fare –oysters, foie gras, braised lamb, pumpkin, chestnuts…and Joyeux Noel!” Honestly, how can I resist?
3. Norway
Norway's Northern Lights. photo credit from cnbc.com
For a more traditional snowy Christmas, Travel+Leisure suggests the island of Tromso in Norway, where you can view the northern lights between 6 pm and midnight. The area offers everything from dogsledding to a mountaintop cable car, and the magazine suggests the Clarion Hotel for accommodations. The hotel has a rooftop Jacuzzi, perfect for catching views of the night sky. Although the day is only several hours long, going to the arctic circle for Christmas promises to be an unforgettable experience.
4. The Caribbean
Maybe you are looking to get away from it all! Trade the snow and cold weather for sun and sand at the beach! I lived in Australia for a number of years, and the bbq chicken with bubbly wine on the beach was hard to beat! For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere with limited travel time, where Australia may be a little too far, winter salvation may be found in the Caribbean! Many of the island resorts have Christmas and New Years packages to help you get away from it all and get your relax on!!! While I am still looking for a more traditional Christmas, check out Best Caribbean Christmas to help you narrow down your Christmas retreat! Add a reggae beat to those Christmas carols cause Santa Claus is coming to town…..
They all sound wonderful, especially the Caribbean:) Here’s to New Adventures in 2012. Have a Great Holiday!
Posted by cravesadventure | December 23, 2011, 11:28 amThe only place I would add is Vienna because its squares transform every year into some of the most magical Christmas markets in the world . I visited Vienna last year and since then I can only recommend it to anyone.
Posted by Peter | December 23, 2011, 4:25 pmI spent the week before Christmas in Prague a few years ago and LOVED it! Enjoy and take it all in.
Posted by travelwithlaughter | December 23, 2011, 9:29 pmOh, I am. Have been up since 3 am Prague time as I am so excited! Yesterday was amazing – I am in love with the Christmas markets, I have never seen anything like it! Christmas carols under Charles Bridge – magic!!! Many posts and photos to come!
Posted by Anita Mac | December 23, 2011, 10:23 pmThank you so much for including Bliss Travels. It sounds like Prague is magical as well. The Christmas markets really are wonderful to experience. People I bring here feel that way too! Enjoy your holiday and we look forward to reading about your adventures in 2012!
Posted by blisstravelsnews | December 24, 2011, 3:03 amCharles Bridge is said to be the most romantic bridge in Europe. I love it there. Looking forward to your pictures.
Posted by Malou Prestado | December 24, 2011, 3:39 am