While I'm not alone, I am single, an only child with no kids so my parents and I take a trip each Christmas. We have been to Las Vegas several times and it really is fun. We have also been to San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country. Disney World is fun, but we went just before Christmas because Christmas week is the busiest of the year there. We have considered Santa Fe too. It is on our list of possibles. WHere ever you go have a good trip.

For a change of pace, try Aspen, CO. It is a blast! Lots of shopping, many restaurants from upscale to casual and of course great ski slopes. I recommend the Pines Lodge for your stay. Have fun!

Hey there...anywhere in Hawaii

I spent a Christmas alone at Mt. Tremblant (near Montreal, Quebec) and it was fabulous. I did go snowboarding but there is no need to ski or board to have a good time. There are a variety of accomodations (types and price levels) in the village (I would recommend staying right at the Mountain in the village so you don't need a car). You are pretty well guaranteed snow so it will be picturesque and everything is open. There are great shops and restaurants, piano bars, an outdoor ice bar, fireplaces galore (outside with cosy chairs around them). The village has a nice European feel. I had a fantastic time and did not once feel lonely. I don't usually travel alone, but this is one of my favourite vacations ever (even though I broke my wrist on Christmas - ski patrol were great, walked to the clinic at the bottom of the hil, got x-rayed and was enjoying an apres ski drink before the cast had even dried)!

Oooh - I forgot to mention the outdoor hot tubs, overlooking the mountain, with snow falling at night. Magical. I stayed at the Fairmont and it had an amazing natural/freeform style hot tub built into the mountain that must have been as big as an Olympic sized swimming pool!

While not technically alone, like other posters I've bailed on family holidays a number of times in favor of trips. Sometimes I just haven't been in the mood for the tree, the dinner, the works. My Christmas trips have all been great! I've been to Paris, New York and Puerto Vallarta. I'd look hard at Hawaii and Santa Fe; both sound appealing. Wherever you go, happy holidays.

We spent Christmas in Santa Fe some years ago and really enjoyed it. Can't imagine doing it without a car though.

Some of the things we did included a chamber orchestra performance at Loretto Chapel, skiing at Ski Santa Fe, japanese spa experience at Ten Thousand Waves, Christmas Eve walk among the farolito-lined Canyon Road (VERY popular activity, road was packed with people), visits to the Palace of the Governor, Georgia O'Keefe and other museums and churches, lots of shopping and bargaining, Christmas Day pow wow at a nearby Indian reservation, high road to Taos and a visit to Taos Pueblo and Taos Church, visit to Santuario de Chimayo and lunch at the nearby ranch, visit to a huge, funky southwestern junk shop called Jackalope, and of course, we stuffed ourselves with Mexican and New Mexican cuisine at every turn.

There was a huge snowstorm while we were there, but we had a four wheel drive Jeep, so no worries. Be prepared to drive in some nasty weather if need be. Have fun.

You people have certainly given me food for thought! Thank you so much.... I really appreciate it.
I'm afraid I'm going to have to give it more thought.
Santa Fe is still pulling me, but I have half a mind to leave it for another time when I have more time to explore the surrounding area and also better weather.
I was prepared for cold.. but not the thought of a snow storm.
And since I have a couple of other trips on the go, I was looking to not spend much money..which is why I don't really want to rent a car..
Soooo, I'll have to make up my mind..

My frequent flyer points only allow North America.. so Mexico is out.

NYC or the Southwest. I would actually choose Taos over Santa Fe.

A deal breaker for me, when using Points/miles for flights: how expensive would this flight be?
If hotel prices were a constant...if I paid $150 per night SOMEWHERE, how valuable is that ticket?

We horde miles and use them for Hawaii. After 5 trips there, we've paid for one ticket. So, that is something to consider.

I have been to Vegas twice alone and it is easier to 'blend in' as a single there. No one pays you any attention! I met people where ever I sat (usually had dinner up at the bar at Emerils or other places).

Sounds fun!! If we weren't skipping Thanksgiving, I would think about skipping Christmas and head out of town too!

:)

Thank you. I'll have to check out the hotel prices in Las Vegas. If I have to pay $150 or $200 a night, it isn't in my budget. I'll check better bidding and see what people are getting on Priceline. As I mentioned before, I've got other trips on the go, so if I can't do this on a real budget, I may have to forget it.
Las Vegas does sounds exciting.

Yay!

Kodi, I recommend you also check with your local travel agencies. I'm normally the type to book stuff myself, but here in Hawaii we have some fantastic Vegas packages that include air, hotel, transfers, and meal coupons. (You can tack on a car for $14 extra.) One year I missed the cutoff for the travel agencies, though, and went through www.lastminutetravel.com for a nice Vegas package.

If you don't take this option, just wait a bit, and in the meantime sign up for the e-newsletters at the Mandalay, Venetian, etc. They also have some outrageously cheap hotel rates at Christmas. I recently emailed them to ask but they said they don't have that information yet.

Melissa, thanks so much., I may get there yet!!! It's sounding better all the time I'll sign up for the newslerrers soon.

New Yawk City is exciting at Christmas time.

Got my tix, kodi....keep me posted!

Way to go Melissa! I'm still trying to decide.
I had such a great time in New York 2 years ago... it's tempting, but I'm telling myself not to repeat.
I'll let you know.

Where are you staying?

I'll be at the Fremont (downtown) but will have a car. I spend the days on the strip, but at night always gamble downtown!

Well, that shows how much I know. I thought downtown and the strip were one and the same.
SO does that mean a car is a must there?

I always spend Christmas at home with family and close friends, but I've dreamt of spending part of the holidays before or after Christmas in Santa Fe. If you go, please post and tell us about your trip.

If you like warm weather, come to Hawaii!

Kodi,

If you've heard of "Fremont street" that is downtown. We took a cab from the Bellagio to Downtown for about $15.

Here is one map that shows hotels.
http://www.lasvegasmaps.com/stripmap.html

You might be able to get lower rates at the Flamingo or Bally's which are located mid-strip.

You might be happier on the strip, you can walk north or south easily.

If you stay downtown, you won't be "on" the strip.

I've never rented a car in Vegas. You can take a shuttle from the airport to your hotel. Taxi's are kind of pricy, so if you want to do things on the strip, stay ON the strip.

If it were me planning this trip, I would book the lowest rate on the strip, but at a rate that I can cancel. (without penalty.) THEN
I would do mega research on Priceline before bidding and about two-three weeks before Christmas begin bidding for a hotel on the strip.

Then, if I get something on Priceline, cancel my back up plan.

I would have my air plane tickets and dates before bidding. This is important since you can't change a Priceline reservation.

Get the earliest flights to avoid delays that build up during the day.

This website is fun,
http://www.cheapovegas.com/index.php

:)