When it comes to holiday travel, planning early and thinking creatively are keys to eliminating unnecessary December stress. Whether you’re celebrating with family at a winter ski resort or running away to a warm, sunny beach, a well-planned strategy will keep the logistics of transportation and lodging running smoothly. Furthermore, planning holiday travel months in advance also increases your chances of securing best rates on hotels and airfare while decreasing the probability of encountering unavailable flights or overbooked hotels.

Now that you’re convinced booking early is better, you’re probably ready to think about where you’d like to spend those special vacation days during the holiday season. Of course, many of you will be hosting family and friends at your house or staying with family, but if you and your loved ones want to experience adventure this Christmas, I recommend considering a holiday destination. Traveling to unexpected places not only expands your worldview and cultural experiences, but it also creates life-long memories that you and your family will remember for years to come. After all, travel itself makes an extraordinary Christmas gift!

With so many places in the world to choose from, selecting a holiday destination and booking ahead for a family celebration can be a bit overwhelming. Do you choose tropical and sunny, cold and snowy, domestic or international? While the list of options is endless, I’d like to suggest three destinations that are guaranteed to make your family celebration a holiday hit!

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EXPLORE THE HISTORY & CULTURE OF EUROPE

Europe is always a favorite destination for even the most distinguished of travelers, and the continent has something for everyone in the family to enjoy, regardless of age. From ancient history to a modern food scene, Europe is sure to be a bucket list item for all the members of your family.

Because December is a low season for Europe, crowds are lighter in the cities and great deals abound, which makes this an ideal destination for larger families and best-value conscious travelers. Depending on your preferences, you can venture north to Scandinavia for snow and winter sports, central and Eastern Europe for Christmas market shopping, or Southern Europe for beaches and sun.

A few years ago, my wife and I took a 3-week tour of the continent, hopping around through London, Rome, Venice, the French Riviera, Croatia, and Athens. We were able to explore some of the great sights of Europe without vying for space along the crowded sidewalks or standing in long lines at the museums. Plus, due to the low capacity of many properties, we were able to secure some excellent deals on hotel rates and tour packages. This is still one of our favorite trips to date, and we will cherish that country-hopping tour for years to come!

STAY WARM IN THE SUNNY CARIBBEAN

If escaping the cold and snow of the north is your idea of December fun, then I suggest running south towards the Caribbean. Here, you can exchange the gray days of winter for beaches, sun, and tropical paradise!

Because December is high tourist season for the Caribbean, hotels will be full and beaches swarming with visitors. However, since the Caribbean is full of hundreds of properties ranging from family-friendly all-inclusive resorts to luxury 5-star accommodations, island space is plenteous regardless of your preferences. Just be sure to plan ahead and book early before hotel space is sold out.

When traveling to the Caribbean, I recommend the Dominican Republic for larger families seeking all-inclusive properties, Aruba for cultural seekers, and Turks and Caicos for elite travelers. And if you want to hit multiple islands all at once, consider taking a Caribbean cruise over the Christmas holiday.

SHOP & DINE IN NEW YORK CITY

If the hustle and bustle of the big city is more your thing, nothing says metropolitan Christmas like New York City. Here, you can shop in the nation’s largest and most affluent department stores, discover eclectic festive restaurants every evening, reserve tickets for holiday performances, and enjoy just about every Christmas movie magic moment known to mankind. From skating to decorating, New York City has it all.

Last year, my wife and I spent a few days in the city during December and were able to taste a few of the city’s offerings ourselves. We reserved brunch at the new Blue Box Café inside Tiffany’s, stayed at the festively decorated Iroquois, walked along the city’s bustling streets, dressed up for the New York Ballet evening performance of the Nutcracker at the Lincoln Center, met up with a friend from Boston, and went to the MET for an afternoon. We packed every moment with Christmas cheer—something that any family can easily do during the month of December in New York City.

No matter where you prefer celebrating the Christmas holiday, start planning now. Remember, I’m here to help you find the best destination for you and am offering a special $100 off this month for an early Christmas booking. So wherever your dreams may be, December can take you somewhere magical for you and your whole family!

PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY TRIP NOW!