Christmas Travel Holiday Traditions

​We all have our special holiday traditions, but as my kids get older, the memories are becoming more important than all of the “stuff” we give as gifts at the holidays.   Many clients and their families are opting for the gift of travel over the holidays.  Depending on the size of your family, how close your family is and how far they live from you, taking a trip during this time may or may not be well received.  The best option is to get the entire family involved.  Here are my thoughts for some fun holiday travel traditions. 

A Warm Weather retreat – What could be more inviting than a palm tree decorated with lights, with the warm Caribbean sea splashing against your toes on Christmas morning. I have dreamt of waking up Christmas morning to a warm Caribbean breeze, and only faintly thinking of the cold white Christmas morning at home.  Though my kids have said, how do you get the presents at the resort if you go away on Christmas?  Well, they were a little surprised when I said, being away is the present.  Of course, this came with a perplexed look.  

Walt Disney World and Universal Studios – Walt Disney World offers so much during Christmas time.  You can enjoy Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party where new stage shows are showcased with Mickey, Minnie and all of your favorite Disney Characters decked out in their holiday attire.  Staying onsite at Walt Disney World offers many magical experiences only found at Disney.  Enjoy Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade and then stay up late for the holiday fireworks.  

The holiday season can be filled with excitement when experiencing the Universal Orlando Macy’s Holiday Parade™ straight from New York and Grinchmas™--who didn’t grow up with The Who’s and that cute dog with reindeer ears.

Europe – Christmas Markets – If you have ever had the pleasure to experience a river cruise on one of the many rivers of Europe, you may have been to the Christmas Markets.  The Christmas Markets in Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Belgium, London, Czech Republic, Italy, France and many other European countries began centuries ago when the Advent market filled the square in front of the cathedral.  These markets are perfect for exploring handcrafted treasure, Yuletide pastries, gingerbread, nutcrackers and so much more to make any holiday trip here filled with wonderful memories.   

Your favorite city hotel – Many hotels around the country have special events during the holiday time.  One, in particular, is the Gaylord National Resort in Maryland.  The hotel puts on a lavish holiday display of twinkling lights and a holiday show called ICE!.  ICE! is an indoor ice carving show that has ice slides and over two million pounds of ice sculptures all in a chilly 9 degrees.  The hotel offers many activities from gingerbread house making, Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt, cookies with Mrs. Clause and a miniature train ride around the hotel.   What could be more fun than relaxing at a nice hotel and have many activities to keep the kids entertained. 

Time away together with family and friends is a way to have lasting holiday memories that will be cherished long after the ugly Christmas sweater is re-gifted.