Featured image by Peter Hauschild
Ring in the new year in Rio, kiss under the mistletoe in Madrid … there’s something extra special about celebrating the holidays with a jet-setting journey! Here are five ideas for a holiday getaway this season—that you can still snag right now:
#1 – If you love holiday traditions:
Escape on a Christmas Markets River cruise through Europe. These cruises sail you right to picture-book pretty towns in Central and Eastern Europe that are all decked out for the season, with towering Christmas trees, light displays, and more. The main attractions are the Christmas markets steeped in tradition—browse stalls selling artisan wares, hand-painted ornaments, and plenty of hearty food and drink to keep you warm (don’t skip a steaming mug of gluhwein). As of right now, there is still availability on luxury cruises sailing down the Danube or Rhine rivers.
#2 – If you’re seeking adventure:
Set sail on an expedition cruise. These cruises can sail you to some truly wild and remote regions of the earth, like the Arctic, Antarctica, or the Galapagos Islands (you can learn more about my first-hand experience on a recent Arctic expedition cruisehere). While you will need to wait for summer to partake in an Arctic Expedition, both Antarctica and Galapagos expeditions have some availability for holiday travel. An expedition cruise may be more within reach than you may think this season; with greater capacity on several cruise lines, I’ve been seeing some “2-for-1” pricing and other irresistible offers.
#3 – If you want to stick closer to home:
Choose a “stay-cation” at a luxury hotel or resort nearby. Without the cost of traveling to a destination, you can splurge on an indulgent spa treatment or decadent room service. This is a wonderful opportunity, too, to see your hometown through new eyes—as it’s hopefully decked out in its holiday finest! And yes, I can help you book a hotel stay like this (and may be able to secure some luxury perks, if available).
#4 – If you’re after a romantic getaway:
Head to dreamy French Polynesia. Warm Tahitian breezes, overwater bungalows, and the clearest turquoise lagoons imaginable are the perfect way to ring in the holidays in romantic style (and beat the winter blues). Plus, it’s now easier than ever to make the trip over—Delta has recently begun direct flights from Seattle and L.A. Last-minute bookings to this perennially popular part of the world are hard to come by, but these new flight routes make it possible.
#5 – If you need to recover after the holidays:
Between wrapping presents, playing host, and cooking up a storm in the kitchen, the holiday season can leave you more depleted than ever. Plan to rev yourself up again and start the new year on the right foot with a post-holiday stay at a luxe wellness resort. I recommend upscale, inclusive wellness brands like Miraval and Canyon Ranch, which have multiple locations throughout the U.S. Give yourself the ultimate gift of “me time” this season!
Ready to plan your own holiday escape? Reach out to me to get started now, so you can take advantage of available deals and inventory while they last. And if you’re looking for the perfect present for that special someone, consider giving the gift of travel—no bow required!
Let’s get started planning your luxury vacation! Reserve your complimentary consultation call with me to begin!
