Xmas planning advice needed
 

I'm great at planning vacations but Xmas week intimidates me.

First it's the idea of travel that week. I am very experienced at flying but the volume of people traveling that week is daunting. I'll learn to get over it though.

What you guys can help me with is chosing a destination where we can really enjoy ourselves knowing things will close down on the 25th. I could have gotten the SO to go to the Caribbean (finally since he's generally opposed to the islands) but I'm sure things will be full tilt booked.

We are considering various European destinations... maybe Scotland or Ireland, Portugal, Amsterdam (been but loved it and it seems right for this trip), Costa Rica (been, loved it but it's a trek to get to the tourist areas), Belize (looks great but maybe pricey and not easy to get to from Atlanta), Argentina... or maybe just San Fran.


So as you can see, I haven't narrowed a thing down. Anyone planned an xmas vacation successfully?

It sounds odd but we did a xmas in Vegas and it was a blast. Everything is still open.

Another year NY. That was wonderful as well.

Keep in mind Boxing day. I hear everything closes on that day if you are in other countries.

Where do you want to go? Cold or hot?

Ski or hike or lay at the beach?

What do you want to do?

Paris. New York. Both were great, enough open to see and do on the 25th itself. My only concern for a holiday vacation is that I can find a good restaurant for Christmas dinner. Otherwise I just figure that even if a lot is closed, I can poke around on relatively uncrowded streets and have a relaxing day.

If you have buckets of money and time, consider an African safari. Incomparable experience. Not for everyone, though.

Mexico would also be lovely. I'd probably choose Mexico City, but I'm weird. ;)

Enjoy!

Thanks for the speedy responses.

Mostly sight seeing. I'm not a winter sports person and the SO has bad knees. Museums, architecture, strolling, getting to know a city is all great. We loved the aspects of staying at Punta Islita though too: Hiking, horseback riding, canopy tours, just relaxing.

I don't know if I could get into Las Vegas. And I grew up near NY and we were just there for a wedding. Chicago maybe but I'm bound and determined the next time I go it will be in nice weather!

Would love a safari but not sure we have enough time to really enjoy it for this trip. That and I haven't worked since last Dec so I don't want to blow the mtg on this trip but I can check into it.

I did find out I can get to Belize from Atlanta on DeltaDeltaDelta but you have to really play with the days of the week.

Mexico city is too big and busy for me at any time of the year. Mexico isn't out but I'd have to find someplace I can restore myself.


This is really a painful planning experience for me!! I actually told the SO to plan this one but I know that would mean we would just spend the holidays here in Atlanta.

NYC over Christmas is wonderful, but since you've just been there and are looking for something with "Museums, architecture, strolling, getting to know a city is all great." how about Charleston SC? The weather won't be warm (usually in the high 50s, low 60s, although you can get the occasional cold front) but it's got museums, architecture, strolling, restaurants, shopping, etc. We spent 4 days there one Christmas and really enjoyed it.

Have you posted this on the European board?

Well, I love big, busy cities, so my choices probably wouldn't be for you, but I wanted to say I have really enjoyed my Xmas trips. Don't get intimidated, just pick a spot and go go go. You won't regret it.

By the way, I'm in SF. Sometimes we luck out and get beautiful weather in December, in which case a San Francisco/Sonoma combo might be pleasant.

Yes, NY is really full of hustle, bustle, decor and shopping at Xmas. It would be great except, like I said we do go about 1X a year which is more than plenty for me and that we don't really need this to be an Xmas based vacation. One of the nicest Xmas' I ever spent was in Santiago, Chile. It was so pleasant not to be inundated with the usual over the top decorations, carols etc that we get in the US.

I guess we could do Charleston but I've been numerous times.

Thinking.... thinking.... thinking...


I sent the SO a list of potential place that still had flights so I think from here on out I'll let him deal with the logistics. I'm pushing for Ecuador but I think he'd like to go to Lisbon.

Thanks for the suggestions and your support. You are right. We'll find a flight and find a place to rest our heads and treat it like a typical vacation.

Going abroad would be wonderful.

If you can't do that then what about DC?

Orlando or Florida area? Key West is fun that time of year.

Savannah? I'm getting ready to go there and from what I have read that could be a really great little town.

Gulf coast areas of Florida would be a great place to look too if you can't get out of the US.

It is a dream of mine to spend Christmas in Germany or Austria. I think Salzburg would be fantastic!!!!

Hey all, thanks for the tips and advice. I think we are going to take 9 days and head to Ireland!

Appreciate everyone's input.