Decision made today, we WILL go to Germany for a week over xmas, including travel time. The 'kids' (all in their 20's) will then go their seperate ways. 1 couple probably to London, the other couple are still deciding. And for us, not sure, we haven't really done any of Eastern Europe so we may head that way.

So exciting, now theres lots to plan.
(not 'till we get back from Vietnam & Cambodia March/April)

Well done aussiedreamer, perhaps we'll bump into each other on a sleigh ride somewhere!
Don't leave it too long to suss out accommodation if you are looking at self-catering. After we booked our place I did get quite a few replies from places in the Garmisch region if that interests you.
I have now booked Edinburgh for NYE as well.

Does anyone have any tips about booking Christmas airfares or is it just "as early as possible."

Hey ozgirl, that’s a coincidence I think DD#1 & her partner are thinking of Edinburgh (Hogmanay) for NYE.

We seem to get great deals at the Flight Centre Europe Expo/show that’s on here in Brisbane in Feb. DH is keeping his eyes on Royal Brunei; apparently have great sales but later in the year.

I'd love to hear about your accommodation finds, as we haven't chosen our region yet maybe you could influence us!!
Would email be easier?

Interesting thread here, and not one that's focussed on a lot. Most Australians seem to take it for granted that Christmas has to be hot (with lots of liquids required to keep cool, and this can be a problem with some "grown-ups") and a bbq is usually the norm....however, for the past 3 years, our little family has managed to lob in Japan for Christmas very cheaply.
Some years ago, we did Europe over Christmas, but it is way expensive, then we tried Canada the following year...much the same. Airfares are a killer, and accom can be very exxie as well.
Japan, if you head to the alps on the other hand, has metres of snow every Christmas, and you don't need to travel to the northern island of Hokkaido to experience it either.
Near Nagano (on the NW side of Honshi) there is a town called Hakuba, where most of the '98 winter Olympics were held, and the infrastructure is still in place. Loads of ski lifts with Snow Boarding & Ski-ing instructors aplenty and stacks of the white stuff falling daily.
Since our original hugely expensive trip to Canada/USA years ago, we can now do snow sports twice a year (NZ in July, and Japan in December) for about one third of that original cost. Bonus.
It's a bit unfortunate that we live in tropical Cairns, while our nipper (13YO) has decided that snowboarding is the sport du jour, but with cheap flights to Japan and NZ on offer, we take full advantage of those, twice a year, and always have a great time in the snow. Keeping her Mum away from the apres ski parties is a full time job, but it's only twice a year..so no biggie.

Just a thought.
Cheers,

Rick
Cairns FNQ

hi aussiedreamer, no problem - [email protected]

Rick, great alternative idea but I'm afraid I am drawn by Europe....
Both of you probably have better airfare options than we do because limited airlines fly internationally from Adelaide compared to Brisbane and, you're already half way there!!

Thanks ozgirl and yes Europe is still calling me.

ozgirl/aussiedreamer/goils...

So...after you have spent the kids' inheritance on your impending trips, hopefully you might still consider Japan (one day) as an option.

It has everything that Europe has to offer and is cheaper, but please feel free to get the romantic aspects out of your systems, then go for a look-see at similar, yet cheaper, potential from our (o.k., not so near) Japanese neighbors at least for one northern Xmas.

I'm sure you'll enjoy these next wintery hols anyway, wherever they may take you. Stay sober(ish) but have a good time anyway.

Cheers,

Rick
Cairns.