Before you plan your next holiday trip, make sure you check out this guide to the top holiday destinations around the world.
Some people love decorating their home for the holidays and hosting a bunch of guests, while others look forward to being one of those guests all year long. Then, there are the people who see the holidays as the ultimate excuse to get away!
Think about it: what better way to say "Merry Christmas" to someone than to plan a romantic vacation for two or a trip for the whole family? Why not use Thanksgiving break as a chance to finally visit the place you've always dreamed of going to?
Skip the same old, same old this year and get out of your comfort zone. Listen to where the wind is calling you and go there. You'll be glad you did, and most likely amazed by what you find wherever you end up.
Not sure where you should go this holiday season? Here are 10 of the top holiday destinations to consider visiting!
1. London, England
London is a beautiful city any time of year, but it really becomes something magical during the holidays. Many of the city's streets are lit up with decorative lights and they become home to all kind of festive installations on the sidewalks and street posts.
The result is a dreamy, picturesque setting unlike any other. Visitors and locals alike are constantly stopping in their paths to marvel in the beauty of Christmas in London.
Not to mention, there are plenty of world-renowned restaurants to enjoy and tons of high-end shopping to be done. This is the place to be if you want a 5-star getaway that also makes you feel at home.
2. Paris, France
Just over the channel from London lies the lively, gorgeous city of Paris.
Paris is home to some of the best cooking in the entire world. It's ideal for a delicious 5-star Christmas dinner or the ultimate New Year's party. Nothing says luxury like ringing in the new year while watching fireworks over the Eiffel Tower or of you waking up on Christmas morning to have breakfast on a Parisian balcony overlooking the entire city.
Plus, Paris is the city of love! It's an ideal holiday destination if you really want to wow your special someone this year. Whether it's your first holiday together or you've already spent a few years kissing at midnight on January 1st, it's worth making this year a little extra memorable.
3. Stockholm, Sweden
As great as Paris and London are, maybe you've already been there a few times or maybe you're looking for a place that won't have as many tourists. If that's the case, consider heading to Stockholm this holiday season.
Stockholm is the capital of Sweden. It's the perfect mix of modern city life and natural beauty. Stay at Grand Hotel Stockholm or Hotel Diplomat if you want the absolute best rooms in the entire city.
As you're out and about, see if you can book a luxury spa treatment or take a private tour of a chocolate factory. Make sure you check out the Christmas markets, too!
4. Lake Como, Italy
Up next on the list is Lake Como. This is home to many high-end tourists all year 'round, including many celebrities and everyday lovers of the finer things in life. It's a beautiful boating and water sports destination in the summer, then it transforms into a winter wonderland once the holidays come around.
Lake Como is the place to be if you're looking for something secluded and cozy, but still high-end. As popular as it is, it rarely ever gets crowded or overwhelming. Everywhere you go, though, the dining is superb and the views are breathtaking.
If you want to make this trip even more of an adventure, take a few days to see Milan and/or Venice, or hop over the border to see the Swiss Alps. Do this on the Glacier Express for the complete first-class experience.
5. New York City, USA
Want to stay on the stateside of things this year? Still have yet to visit New York City? There's no better time to discover Manhattan and all the other NYC boroughs than during the holidays.
You have to do the classics like ice skating at Rockefeller Center, walking through snow-covered Central Park, and see a show on Broadway. Consider staying at the Plaza while you're in town or book a room at the Waldorf Astoria for even more luxury.
Whatever you do, make sure you book your holiday dining reservations in advance. It's no secret New York City is home to some of the best chefs in the world. Their restaurants are full all-year round, so trying to get in during the holidays is practically impossible if you're not prepared.
6. Vail, USA
Another luxury American destination worth seeing this Christmas season is Vail, Colorado. Vail is the ultimate winter wonderland for grown-ups and little kids alike. It's where thousands of snowboarders and skiers flock to every year to enjoy the many trails Vail mountain has to offer.
You can also enjoy a snowshoe hike, rent snowmobiles, go tubing, or simply take the gondola up to enjoy the view from up top - and that's just the mountain activities! You have to check out Vail village and the neighboring towns, too. This is where you'll find beautiful eclectic shops, delicious dining, and a few bars as well.
Wolfgang Puck has a restaurant at the Ritz here, and plenty of other European chefs have brought their influence all the way to the Rocky Mountains.
7. San Francisco, USA
Trace your finger from Vail further west across a map of the States and you'll land yourself above San Francisco. This wouldn't be a bad place to end up for the holidays. San Francisco offers a little bit of everything.
It's where you can wake up in the morning and go on a beautiful nature hike, then get lost in the city all day long. This city is full of discovery and adventure around every corner you turn, with beautiful photo-ops every step of the way. The thing is, you just have to know where to go.
It's on you to define what kind of luxury you'd like to experience in San Francisco. Maybe you stay in the heart of the city and enjoy everything about the concrete jungle. Maybe you decide to book a fancy, cozy AirBnB just outside of the city or perhaps you go all the way up to Napa to spend most of your time.
8. The Azores
Back across the Atlantic Ocean is a little collection of islands called The Azores. These are just off the coast of Portugal, but you truly feel like you're in another world while you're there.
There are 9 different islands within the Azores. Each one looks completely untouched thanks to how well-preserved the locals have kept the land. Aside from a few vineyards, small towns, and some hotels, the islands really are like a big playground.
Go to the Azores if you're interested in whale watching early in the morning or taking a bath in a hot spring to unwind from the year you've had. This is where you want to be to get away from the world, take things slow, and tune into the magic that is nature.
The best places to stay in this destination are Furnas Boutique Hotel, Azor Hotel, and White Exclusive Suites and Villas.
9. Palomino, Colombia
Palomino is somewhat of an undiscovered beach town on the coast of Colombia. Recently, more and more people have been catching wind of how great of a destination this town is, but not to the point that it's become too crowded.
You won't have any trouble finding a piece of the beach to call your own here. The surfers are friendly and know how to share the waves, and there's plenty of sand for you to comfortably set up for the day and sunbathe all afternoon.
The food is delicious and incredibly fresh, the people are friendly, and the tan you'll get from being here isn't a bad touch, either. Definitely consider a trip to Palomino if you're looking for a different kind of tropical getaway this year, and make sure you stay at Casa del Pavo Real Boutique Hostel.
10. Krabi, Thailand
Last but not least, Thailand.
It's no secret Southeast Asia is a must-see place if you haven't made a trip there already. But, it's one thing to say you want to go to Bali or Thailand and another to actually know specifically where to go!
If you're headed to Thailand, there's no better destination than Krabi. Krabi is still somewhat undiscovered; it's not packed with tourists or overridden with tourist traps. There is a nice Ritz-Carlton Reserve waiting to welcome you, though.
The hotel offers luxury and a sense of home all in one. You won't have to worry about a thing while you're here, and you can enjoy exploring the neighboring islands without feeling confined to the resort. All you have to do is book a boat from the hotel to take you island hopping and beach exploring.
Take Your Pick of All the Top Holiday Destinations
Have you decided which of these top holiday destinations you want to go to this year? Wondering if it's worth booking a trip taking you to a few of them in one vacation?
Whatever you do this holiday season, don't stay home. As great as it is to continue old traditions and spend time with family, it's even more exciting to start new traditions with those you care about most. This is the year to trade gatherings at grandmas and taking turns hosting for a vacation everyone can enjoy.
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