Going abroad for Xmas?

[The Gauge]

I quite fancy giving this a try one year now that our son has grown up.

Does anyone here make a point of holidaying abroad over Christmas, either to get away from it all or to experience it in a different way?
If so, where do you go? Do travel agents charge more for the pleasure or are there bargains to be had?

[RichFN2]

Did it nearly 10 years ago as part of a 6 week trip to Thailand, Cambodia and Singapore. Certainly for those countries there is a 2 week window from just before Christmas to maybe the 4th of January where prices are the highest for the year, and it's the busiest.

If you can accept that then 30 degree heat on a tropical island on Christmas Day is certainly worth doing once in your lifetime (and more if you really enjoyed it)

[Boxster5]

We went to Providence near Kissimmee in Florida one Xmas and I loved it.
We stayed at our brother-in-law’s business partner’s house located overlooking the 5th green on Providence Golf Club.
It was quite strange as the Americans make more of Thanksgiving than Xmas.
People would drive past on their golf buggies whilst playing golf wishing us happy Xmas as we were tucking into shrimps & salad.
Personally I don’t like Xmas as apart from my wife I have no family left and no brothers, sisters or even cousins so it makes no difference to me.
My wife though I think missed her family (she is 1 of 6 with many nieces, nephews, cousins etc).
It also meant not having to go through the hassle of putting a tree up at home which I’m afraid I just think is a load of clutter.
Plus of course the weather was a lot better!

[mike80]

In the late 90s and early 2000s we went to America for Christmas every year. Usual tourist stuff, mainly Florida, and California / Las Vegas one year as well.

Not sure how my parents could afford it, they are just normal average earning people, but they've always been sensible with money and paid off their mortgage early etc.

I loved it, and always found Christmas a bit of a let down after that. My wife couldn't understand it, and always wants to do a "family" Christmas at home, but I find it all a bit dull if I'm honest, it's just a normal winters day sitting around the house with a slightly fancier roast dinner that you have to do "because it's Christmas".

This year we are going to a friends house in Europe to look after their cats, and I can't wait! Plan to spend Christmas day on the beach!

[Abbott]

You don't need to go too far. We spent last Christmas in Barcelona it was great

[-Cappo-]

Did a few Xmases skiing with a group, I have to say they were amongst the best Xmases I've had.

[JimmyConwayNW]

My goal is to take the family to barbados for xmas within the next year or two. Its the only time I can actually fully switch off from work and leave the laptop at home and not have to do an hour or 2 a day even whilst away.

[smifffymoto]

We did Thailand quite a lot but now flights are ridiculously priced compared to before covid.

[Daz68]

We have done New York, Mallorca and Portugal at Christmas. New York easily the best but very busy. Doing Rotterdam this year!

[GreatGranny]

The same family have booked our AirBNB in Cromer for a week over Christmas for the last 3 years.

They rebook literally as soon as they get home

They are the only booking we have in November, December and Jan 24 (we go New Years).
So it's not just exotic destinations people travel to.

They take a small tree and decorations and always send us a photo of the flat decorated.

[Truckosaurus]

I had a couple of Christmases in southern Africa when my brother was living there. There was something odd about having a Christmas dinner in the sunshine and heat.

I've also been to the west Coast of the USA the week before Christmas, which seems a better compromise of some winter sun and then back to the UK for a traditionally cold and wet Christmas Day.

[SaulGoodman]

We were in the ME during Covid and pretty much the only place we could get to was the Maldives. First time we have ever been and had a lovely time. Food was great, with the main meal being Christmas Eve. So much amazing meat. They did make an effort on Christmas Day, and we had Santa arriving on a jet ski and various mini-skirted elves.

Not sure when we can do it again as we have so many friends and family to visit usually but I would absolutely recommend it.

[goingonholiday]

Flew on xmas day about 10 years ago to Las Vegas. Airport was a dream, pretty much empty, flight crew were very happy and festive as were all the passengers which made for a great flight. Landed xmas day late afternoon, Vegas was festive but not too busy, new year was another story!

[Truckosaurus]

goingonholiday said:

...Vegas was festive but not too busy, new year was another story!

Indeed. The couple of weeks leading up to Christmas are the quietest weeks of the year there, and NYE the busiest night of the year.

[a311]

We did it a few times pre kids and might in the future, skiing a couple of times and sunny places in Africa and SE Asia. I like Christmas at home tbh just the 3 days of Xmas Eve, day and Boxing day. I'd happily go away post Christmas, but we usually spend it visiting in-laws up in Scotland.

[RC1807]

Went skiing in Whistler, BC, in 2912 and 2015 as a family.
It’s the only time we’ve been away from home for that time of year.

My wife made Santa hats that were large enough to go over our ski helmets.

[Giantt]

Off to Philippines for month,Xmas and new year, Manilla,Fort Drum,down south Davao then some island hopping, flying via China so hope the relationship between the two countries doesn't hot up any more !

Edited by Giantt on Monday 30th October 11:55