Christmas Vacation

There are many reasons to pack up and head out for vacation during the holidays, specifically Christmas time, the least of which is a lack of seasonal spirit.  To experience such an intimate holiday in a different part of your country—or the world for that matter—is at the very heart of what travel is all about.  Learning about different cultures and the vast array of interpretations and celebrations that are steeped in local tradition is the perfect way to broaden one’s horizon.  A Christmas vacation might also be an end to a means for those travelling across oceans and countries to be with their loved ones during this family-oriented time of the year.

Speaking strictly in technical terms, travelling in the week before, after, and during Christmas is absolutely horrendous.  Since demand isn’t ever an issue, airlines and travel agencies take to hiking rates as high as the market will stand.  If at all possible, take an extended vacation that begins as far ahead of Christmas as possible, ending as far after New Year’s as you can.  While long lines and cramped seating are almost guaranteed for holiday travelers, bear in mind that you do still have control over a few things, whereby you can mitigate your troubles.  Consider the following tips when preparing for your Christmas vacation:

• Fly early in the day.

• Book online, opt for e-ticketing at airport kiosks.

• Reduce carry-on items.

• Check less baggage.

• Bring entertainment in case of delays

• Ship your presents ahead of you.

If your Christmas vacation plans don’t include visiting family or friends, you may still be stuck on where exactly you want to go.  The most popular choice for holiday travelers is someplace diametrically opposite in climate to where they currently live.  Northerners tend to visit sunny Caribbean beaches or during the peak of Australia’s summer; those from warmer climates head up into the mountains for wonderfully frigid skiing and hot cocoa.  In what appears to be a popular emerging trend in the United States, families are foregoing the traditional stay at home Christmas in lieu of trips to the Disney resorts as well as other theme parks in Southern California and Florida.

Should you be looking for more of an escape from the sales, celebrations, general mirth and merriment, don’t fret.  While there’s no guarantee that you won’t run across isolated groups of ex-pats celebrating Christmas, the holiday goes mostly unobserved in Eastern and Pacific countries such as China, India, and Iran, although be aware that Japan does celebrate a loose form of Christmas if you’re looking to get as far away from it as possible.