The holidays are almost upon us and the travel sector is abuzz with activity. Between visiting family and friends and escaping from the cold winter, boarding a plane has never looked so good. This year, try something new! Here are 5 of the most popular travel destinations this year:
Paris
This one has always remained a favorite with holiday revelers – the place on earth where the reigning religion is Gastronomy and the holy trinity seems to be Fashion, food and wine. The style capital of the world promises a great experience for the Christmas holidays. Shop till you drop in the day time and sip cool French wine in the evenings and enjoy the fireworks in the night sky. The lighting and celebrations at the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Champs Elysees are Parisian highlights during Christmas.
New York
Christmas is no less electrifying in The Big Apple. Plenty of shopping to be done at Fifth Avenue; ice-skating at the Rockefeller Centre is always a big favorite. Attending the Mass at St. Patrick’s cathedral is another joy that holidays in New York entail. Although the weather is surely cold, New York remains one of the hottest holiday destinations.
Goa
This beautiful state in the south of India is a must-visit during Christmas. The Christmas spirit permeates everything in the place during this time. Beaches with all night parties, excellent wines and drinks, and the best sea food that you have ever tasted this side of the globe, that is what Goa is all about. Magnificent old churches add to the charm. The old Portuguese colony still retains some of its ancient culture and the best part about Goa is that it is one of the most remarkable yet cheapest destinations.
Las Vegas
The sin city cannot be far behind in any list of popular destinations for any time. But it does out beats itself during Christmas time. Every casino in the place has something new and outlandish to offer visitors. Exciting shopping malls, The Ethel M Chocolate factory and the cactus garden are all worth a visit. The Fremont street experience is quite something else.
Rio de Janeiro
A land of spectacular beauty, fascinating religious places and music concerts, this place is a sight during Christmas. The famous floating of the colossal Christmas tree on the lake Lagoa, washing church steps with beautifully scented water, the numerous Christmas fairs and craft shows are just some of the few things that Rio de Janeiro offers.
So, get busy, make your bookings, and catch all the fun at one of these places during Christmas.
Olivia Meloon is a travel blogger and contributing writer for manchesterairporthotels.net, a site which helps travels get the best Manchester airport hotel rates.
{ 47 comments… read them below or add one }
I have heard that Germany is a very nice environment to spend the holidays. There are many old fashioned holiday markets and celebrations that give off a nice holiday spirit.
Your post has save us a lot of time thinking for it’s very hard to decide where to go on holiday, among many beautiful places that we cannot tell which is the better. But those you has mentioned are the most luxury cities of the world, i dont think that i can afford to travel there this Xmas
I went to New York just before Christmas a few years ago and it was fantastic for shopping and getting in the festive spirit! I would avoid London, it’s too busy and crowded (it’s good for New Year though).
Jenni´s last [type] ..Are you really saying something?
I’m from Maryland, and my favorite is NYC around the holidays. I’ve been the past few years and its beautiful. By far, the best experience is near Rockefeller Center, they have a building with a lot of lighted snowflakes, and they choreograph these snowflakes to the rhythm of Transiberian Orchestra. By far the highlight of all my visits, anyone that goes should check it out. I’m a poor college student so I can’t afford to get out of the country, but I’m sure I’ll find a way up to NYC this year.
These are all world class cities and I would love to visit any one of them for Christmas especially Paris. One of my favorite places to go for Christmas is a cabin in Lake Tahoe Ca. For me that is the best thing open your presents next to a huge fire then hit the slopes for a day of skiing or snowboarding. This is one of our family traditions that I would like to pass on.
Mike@Hotels Near the Monterey Bay Aquarium´s last [type] ..Monterey Wineries
I always go to the Belgium Ardennes with my family. It’s just a great place to be around Christmas time.
Zuiderbaan@Leren tassen´s last [type] ..Nieuw designermerk op Lerentassenwinkel.nl
I dunno. I think these ARE great places to visit, but I don’t necessarily think they’re great places to visit around Christmas. They are going to be extremely crowded at those times.
I think that the best places to visit around Christmastime are places that aren’t super touristy. Then you can have a great Christmas vacation without having to mess with tons of people.
Robert @Powerade Coupons´s last [type] ..Hello world!
I’ve read about Goa and the Goa carnival, seems interesting and and fun to be at. But in every girl’s dream,Paris would be the perfect place this coming season and be with your loved ones in the city of love.
My first choice is Venice, Italy.. Gondola riding with your love one with a romantic violin back ground. Then Paris, France is my second choice.
I am planning for the Rio de Jenerio heard that it is the land of spectacular beauty, fascinating religious places and music concerts, this place is a sight during Christmas.
Alexendra Stan´s last [type] ..How to win the lottery guaranteed
I think I’ve heard of Goa but don’t know anything about it, sounds lovely though, as does Rio De Janeiro! I’ve been to NY many times but unfortunately never around Xmas, I’ve always wanted to go ice skating at Rockefeller Center, though, and to see the big tree. Las Vegas is nice for Christmas, lights upon lights make it sparkle like a diamond! But Paris is at the top of my visit list, I would love to see Paris in the snow with the lights and decorations.
Cool to see Goa made this list. It’s definitely underrated. Obviously extremely affordable, but just an exotic beautiful beach, amazing people/culture, bamboo huts, crystal clear water… Ahhhhh, India! Highly recommend people check it out. Odds are, we’ve been to most the other spots on this list, or something close to it.
Brittany@passiveincomeautopilot´s last [type] ..Business Tips For Profitable Network Marketing
Goa seems like a nice place to visit but we are talking about Christmas here. Do they celebrate Christmas? I’m not sure about that.
Shine@Maryland Divorce Mediation´s last [type] ..Maryland Changes Time For Divorce Based on Separation
I think these are well known destinations that are crowded with tourists. Not saying they don’t have their own beauty but I would strongly encourage people to explore more and try out new things.
There are other amazing destinations that are not so well-known but have a lot to offer. I think it would be a great idea if you would also add a top 5 of the less popular tourist destinations. People already know about Paris, Las Vegas etc and many want to try new destinations and experiences.
Looking forward to your next post,
Damian
Hello there!
Thanks for this interesting post! yes, those are all great places to spend NY in. My suggestion would be – Lisbon (Portugal)! Who ever went there never have regret. that place really has a story and history!
EleonoraEOF´s last [type] ..Three Steps To A Creative Workout
Last Christmas were on the Big Apple “Time Square” it was really fun seeing people in all walks of life celebrating Christmas with their love ones. But this year were heading to Santorini, Greece I want to relax and unwind, these year has been very busy for me. The turquoise deep blue water will surely invigorate me.
New York City is still preferred for Christmas celebration. What is very exciting to see in this city during Christmas is it’s time square. The lightening time square on the Christmas evening is really amazing and it makes our Christmas evening unforgettable.
Most relatives who work abroad always make sure to come home here in our country, There is no better place to stay during Christmas is to be with your family. Most often, relatives arrive second week of December since we have the longest Christmas celebration compared to any country.Filipino always makes a joyful revelry during Christmas.It is always fun to see dad’s roasting a whole pig for the Noche buena(Midnight dinner) it is already a tradition that the whole family should eat together and after that is the taking out of the fireworks were each family buy to make Christmas more noisy and joyful.Then the most awaited giving of gifts from the grandparents or the exchange gift within the family circle. Some teenager don’t sleep on Christmas night until the morning, they roam around the neighborhood and go where the street party is held.
remegios´s last [type] ..Data Recovery Professional
Been to New York at Christmas time and loved it! Never been to any of the other places.
Jeff @ Myrtle Beach Real Estate´s last [type] ..Buyer’s Advantage Program
Paris look like a very romantic place for me . If ever my boy friend ask me to go there I wont hesitate to say yes.
Ruth S.´s last [type] ..Lottery System
I would want to visit Paris on my honeymoon! Christmas is more on family time.
Although these places are good places to visit, but, not necessary must visit them during Christmas as they will be very crowded.
I’m looking forward to visit Las Vegas and Paris. These two are the hottest spots I know. Lucky for me that I wouldn’t worry too much about visiting Paris because my uncle lives there so my only problem now is my itinerary. LOL I hope everyone have the best holiday!
Christina@Best Play Houses´s last [type] ..Kids’ Plastic Chairs For A Place To Sit In The Playhouse
I would love to visit New York during the Christmas season. I love to watch movies like Miracle on 34th Street and Elf that are set in New York during Christmas. I am also from the South and don’t get to see snow to often.
Mac@Moving Across Country´s last [type] ..Moving Out of Parents House Checklist
There is no better place to stay during Christmas is to be with your family. Most often, relatives arrive second week of December since we have the longest Christmas celebration compared to any country.Filipino always makes a joyful revelry during Christmas
Dayna Nickle´s last [type] ..Forex
I know Christmas is supposed to be all about snow and trees and decorations and all, but if I was to travel, I’d go somewhere warm. I know sunny and warm has nothing to do with the Christmas spirit, but I live in Canada, and we get way too much bad weather – I just want some sun.
Tino from The Lottery´s last [type] ..Winning The Lottery And Driving Is Like Drinking And Driving
I live in New York and I can say NYC is special during Christmas. I thought the Riverwalk in San Antonio Texas pretty nice during Christmas was well.
Hey…i hope ill been there any places in your post but i really too far..if given a chance to tour i will go to Paris
i think Paris is a very beautiful country…
thanks,,,
Cassey´s last [type] ..mediation
Those are absoultley best five places. Have you ever tried something mor unordenary? I live in Europe-Slovenija. Very small beautifull countrey, visit Ljubljana, you won’t be dissapointed.
Rok@N95 MASK´s last [type] ..N95 Mask
Another nice destination for your christmas holiday: what about Tunisia.
Enjoy the sun and the beach, visit famous historic places,
You can discover Tunisia psot-revolution
all of them are great destinations, this year i would like to travel to Goa. Some of my friends have already been there and they told beautiful things about the island. Ok, im not a hippie, but i surely would enjoy that feeling for a couple of days. I want to give it a try:)
Cindy´s last [type] ..Toothache home remedies and natural cures
I really would love to go to those places, sadly I can’t. Got tons of work to catch up this coming
Danny´s last [type] ..how to get a girl to like you
Well i would love to visit paris, the place on earth where the reigning religion is Gastronomy and the holy trinity seems to be Fashion, food and wine. The style capital of the world promises a great experience for the Christmas holidays.
Mark Steward´s last [type] ..How to trade forex
I would love to go to Rio de Janeiro! I’ve always been fascinated with Brazil – its people and amazing culture. It seems to be a very happy and festive place. Going there is a far-away dream but I hope I will get the chance to visit that lovely country.
New York. Really, really, really want to go, but as I live in the north of England, it’s not cheap to get there. Goa is another on my list (authentic curry for one good reason!) To be honest there’s still a lot more of Europe I need to see yet
If you are going to hit NYC for Christmas, plan to stay for a week right through new years. It’s like no other place at that time of year, no about it.
Barbara@strollers baby´s last [type] ..Maclaren Volo Baby Strollers
I would not visit these places for Christmas cause for me, xmas is a time to spend with your love ones. Besides, it will cost too much during the Christmas season cause that’s the peak season and they tend to overcharge. If I could go, I would go Rio de Janeiro during the month of February. When I come back, Winter would be over.
You missed one, Texas!
We have gorgeous December weather.. and tons of fun things to do.. Think music, festivities, the San Antonio Riverwalk, Austin 6th street.
dee
Dee’s SmallHouseLife´s last [type] ..IKEA – Small House 376 Square Feet
Initially when I started reading I thought that it was nice that you included a place to visit in all the continents around the world. But then I realised that when you choose five spots two would be missed out. I would like to point out that there are some nice places in Australia and New Zealand worth visiting like Sydney and Wellington which come alive during Christmas time. The continent may not have the snow that the European and North American countries have but Christmas down south in summer is also worth it. New York tend to be a little boring and could have been given a miss from this list. Even Cape Town in South Africa is a great place to celebrate Christmas in. I liked the feel you gave to Goa, and Sun Burn around the New Year makes it all the more fun to visit.
I have been to both Vegas and New York for Christmas and can recommend both – although I made somewhat of a loss at Vegas. New York is just bustling with season cheer and is a must for anyone who want to escape the family at the holidays!!!
Paris is always a dream place to visit. If I only could, i’ll fly right away. But nothing can be more joyous and memorable spending Christmas with family together.
Merry Christmas to all!
Brenneth´s last [type] ..My Arowana Is Not Eating No Matter What I Do !!!
Great list. But Philippines is also a great place to travel this Christmas. As we all know Philippines is Christian country and lots of activities are happening their every Christmas.
Mary G. Morrison´s last [type] ..Chromagen filters
Paris is great any time of the year. But to really see Europe at Christmas the Christmas markets in Nuremberg, Germany and Prague are not to be missed!
Travel is something that really gets me excited. I would like to suggest Buenos Aires. Argentina”s capital is the place, my family and I visited this Christmas just arrived yesterday and saw a link to your blog on my friend’s Facebook page. They have a special Christmas parade and a beautiful tableau that re-enacts the Christmas story. There is lively fun and frolic. The streets come alive and the fireworks are really nice and beautiful. The food and sweets around this time is a little over-priced but the taste makes it all worth it.
How nice it would be to travel and enjoy some new places during Christmas. Mostly, I stay back at our home as we have family gathering. It’s the most fun as I get to see most of my relatives and the like.
Trexie´s last [type] ..How To Attract Women
I’m from asia… and my favorite pick is capetown ;p
I do not think that at Christmas to go somewhere to relax. Christmas – a family holiday that you want to spend with relatives and friends. A visit to relax at any time, so the above blee place really worth visiting.
Prague is the best Christmas destination. Beautiful decorations in a story book city. Christmas markets, kind, friendly people, and usually snow for the White Christmas