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For some people, flying off to a faraway destination to spend the festive season can be exactly what you are looking for. After how Christmas was last year, looking to do something special and a little bit different could be on the cards for many people. The idea of being somewhere other than home can be fun, mean less stress, and in many ways, a simplified Christmas as you can’t take everything with you. However, there can be a lot to think about when it comes to planning a trip away for Christmas, especially with current restrictions and checks on travel.
If you are travelling with children, then there might be some festive traditions that they are used to and don’t want to miss. That is why planning out your trip will not only help you to make the most of it, but will help you to have a few tricks up your sleeve and take the things that you will need, in order to have the best time and make the best memories possible.
If you are thinking of a trip away for the festive season, whether it is abroad or somewhere in the UK just away from home, then here are some tips to help to make it go as smoothly as possible and help you to have a really magical time with your loved ones.
Choose somewhere family-friendly to stay
When you are looking for your accommodation, you will want to choose somewhere that is going to suit all of the family, and have things to do for the children. Going abroad to go skiing will naturally give you plenty to do, and there tends to be plenty of comfortable chalets to choose for your accommodation. If you’re planning to stay in the UK, then there are a range of cosy cottages to choose from on sites like Airbnb or you could even think about staying in a Park Holidays resort with the family, as you know you’ll be comfortable and have access to a range of different things to do.
Think about the kind of catering in your accommodation too. You might like the sound of staying in a family hotel where Christmas lunch will be served for you, or perhaps self-catering in a lodge is more up your street.
Remember family back at home
With all of the excitement that holidays have to offer, it is important to not forget about the people who can’t or won’t be with you on the big day. You might plan an early get-together so the children can see grandparents and cousins, or perhaps it will be more of a new year thing to exchange gifts and tell them all about your trip. If you are going somewhere that is completely different to the UK, such as South Africa or Mexico that will have warm weather and a distinct lack of Christmas trees and traditional Christmas food, then it can be nice to have a little traditional get-together with a tree, turkey, and all of the trimmings. Not only is it a nice thing to do, but it can mean that you have less to pack to take with you.
Book something fun for Christmas Eve
Christmas with children is just really magical, and by the time Christmas Eve comes around, they can be practically bursting with joy as they can’t contain their excitement. When they’re not at home with their usual toys, games, and distractions, it can be a really good idea to plan something for Christmas Eve itself, to act as a distraction if nothing else. You could think about booking something like a pantomime or theatre tickets if you’re staying in the UK, as well as them being available in a number of other European cities. If you are staying at a hotel with an all-inclusive package, then check ahead of time what entertainment is available, as it might need to be booked in advance. Theme parks, cinemas, and festive markets are all good ideas of things that are going to still be open on Christmas Eve.
Schedule in time to shop
If you want to travel light, which can be exactly what you need with some airlines at the moment, then it is a good idea to plan some time to do some shopping when you’re at your destination. If you arrive a couple of days before the big day itself, then there will be time to pick up some of the festive bits and bobs that you need, as well as anything last minute like wrapping paper. If you’re staying in the UK and you’re feeling especially organised, you could even order online to get things delivered to your accommodation away from home to save you having to lug it around in your car.
Embrace local traditions and customs
Part of the fun of travel is that you get to experience somewhere new and try new things. The fun thing about Christmas is that many countries around the world have some fun traditions and customs around the festive season, especially different from what we might do in the UK. So if you are going elsewhere, make sure you learn about and embrace what they are doing. In Portugal, for example, the big day for them is Christmas Eve, where they stay up until midnight to open gifts, and eat salted cod. If you’re heading down under, then a BBQ on the beach on Christmas Day is pretty much tradition, right? It might not be what you or the children are used to, but just embrace it and have some fun, and keep everyone informed of the plans so there isn’t any disappointment or surprise when you’re trying out something new.
Likewise, food is such a big part of Christmas Day. But there are many places that will do their own thing and have their own festive snacks and treats. The UK is one of the only places with mince pies as a tradition, so you’ll need to either remember to take them with you, or embrace what your destination has to offer. Germany has a lot of marzipan flavoured treats, and in the US, you’ll be surprised that many don’t do a ‘big’ Christmas dinner as Thanksgiving tends to be their big cooked turkey meal of the year. So think about where you are going, what they have on offer, and if you’ll want to take something of your own if Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without it.
Santa travels everywhere!
For any young travellers, you might need to reassure them that Santa is a citizen of the world and he does fly everywhere, so they won’t be forgotten about. If this doesn’t work to convince them, then you could always write a letter to Santa to send off to the north pole, that tells him all about your whereabouts for the day itself. You won’t want to have some confused children wondering what is going on and thinking that they won’t get a visit from the man himself.
As you can see, with a little forward planning, you can make the most of a trip away at Christmas and really make the most of it. You can do as much or as little as you’d like, but can still keep the festive magic alive. Whether it is this year or in the future, it can be quite fun to try something new for Christmas and experience a different way of doing things, as well as new cultures, customs, food, and traditions.
