Some people might get only a few days off during the holiday season, while others have over a month off (one of the perks of being a student!)… regardless of your personal situation there is an option to fulfil that growing want to travel.
1. Rest & Relaxation in the Sun
An all inclusive vacation is perfect when the only decisions you want to be making is whether you will have chicken or fish at the buffet, or if having a piña colada before 10am qualifies you as an alcoholic. Spending time on the beach is relaxing and rejuvenating. The sun exposure also boosts the production of Vitamin D which in turn helps your energy levels and skin. Just don’t forget to pack sunscreen, because a nasty sun burn can put a huge damper on your trip.
Recommendation: I love Dominican Republic for an all inclusive trip. The beaches are lovely and clean, the people are wonderful, and there is amazing nature to discover. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Punta Cana at the Bahia Principe Esmeralda. The staff was friendly, the food had variety, and the entire resort was impeccably maintained. It is definitely on my must-return list!
2. City Lights & Culture
If you thrive on all the holiday spirit (and madness), than head out to a large urban center where numerous activities are taking place. Shopping, visits to see Santa Clause, Christmas markets, tree picking, outdoor skating, and yummy hot chocolate are all part of the experience. You may not feel relaxed at the end of it all, but the holiday enthusiasm is infectious and can conjure the forgotten child inside of you!
Recommendation: New York City is without doubt one of the best places to experience the holidays. There are so many things to do in New York: skate outdoors at Rockefeller Center Plaza, check out a holiday market, get tickets for the Rockettes or see a rendition of the Nutcracker Ballet, and don’t forget to watch the ball drop on Times Square for New Years Eve. I think staying the city is a great way to get the most out of New York, so check out classic places like the Crowne Plaza Hotel or search on Airbnb for a deal.
3. Snowy Outdoor Activities
If the idea of suntanning is not for you and you crave some adrenaline, head out to your preferred mountain range for some skiing, snowboarding or tubing! I think the Scandinavian countries have the right attitude towards the cold, if you can’t beat them, join them! Spending time in the outdoors with the cool, fresh, mountain air is such a contrast from the stuffy urban environments many of us live in, providing an excellent opportunity to re-charge. Being out in nature also has a calming effect especially in remote areas where you can sit down and hear nothing for miles except the occasional bird chirping or the wind.
Recommendation: Being Canadian I love {LOVE} Banff in Alberta. For the urban resident, it offers all the conveniences of home with the majestic wilderness of a rustic retreat. The city center offers a variety of museums featuring the history of the town and the geography of the area. There are also a number of artisan shops and yummy restaurants to keep you busy. Of course, the highlight are the Rockies that serve as the backdrop. Banff National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to world-class skiing and a plethora of outdoor activities. For a truly spectacular experience, stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel. Banff Spring hotel comes complete with an award-winning spa, sports equipment rental, and an entertainment room to keep children busy.
4. Off the Beaten Path
For a unique experience that embraces the snowy days of winter, there is nothing like a snowmobile tour. Racing down snowy trails at speeds in excess of 120km/hr, discovering hidden trails away from traffic, and cozying up in the evening in speciality lodges tucked away in pristine nature. It’s not for everybody and it can get ridiculously cold, but if you are truly looking to spend your holidays doing something different and a bit daring, this is something you should try out at least once.
Recommendation: For those who don’t own a snowmobile and is quite new to this idea, the best experience is with a professional tour group. They will outfit you in all the necessary gear, have a an experienced professional guide you on the path, and have well maintained vehicles at your disposal. Examples include Bon Voyage Snow Adventures and Arctic Aventure.
