Don’t you just love Christmas! The holiday spirit, the endless shopping trips in an effort to find the perfect gift for your loved ones, the snow falling and the chilling wind blowing, the crowds going crazy over promotions and special offers, the shopping, the cold… well, I’m not too enthusiastic about them either. Christmas is a holiday best spent with your family, but there is no restriction on “where” and “how” to spend it. Here are a few tips on where you can escape Christmas – the cold weather, the deal-hungry crowds, the shopping…
1. Cuba
Imagine spending a week on the shore, under the Caribbean sun, especially if you speak Spanish – but, I guess, there are plenty of people there speaking English as well. Havana is a great place to visit, filled with great sights to see, some with a historical significance. It takes a few days to see the city itself, and when you are done sightseeing, you can hit the beach to sip a bunch of Margaritas under the sun.
2. Trinidad & Tobago
The island is a perfect vacation spot during the winter, when the rainy season finally stops – it’s a lush green destination, well worth to see. There are great Christmas traditions to observe on the island, rooted in the combination of traditions from British, Spanish and African origin – caroling (parang), and groups and musicians singing calypso carols. After Christmas the time comes for the carnival season, a time for dressing up, singing and dancing, and playing of the traditional carnival music (mostly soca). Many tour operators and local hotels have special rates for the carnival season. A great way to spend your Christmas vacation under the sun.
3. Australia
Did you know that when it’s winter in the Northern hemisphere, in the South it’s summer? So, off you go – take a boat or a plane and don’t touch the land until you reach Queensland, Sydney, or another popular destination. Keep in mind, though, that – as in most other countries – shops and services are closed in Australia for Christmas, no matter if it is summer there. Still, you can see the most interesting sights, and kangaroos of course. You will need to book well in advance if you want to spend Christmas in Australia, as locals also like to move during the holiday season. It’s worth it, though – imagine giving your significant other her Christmas gift while snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef! Priceless.
There are plenty other destinations that are warm enough – and relaxing enough – to make you forget the holiday craze, and have a great time. Don’t forget to take your smartphone with you, though – this way you can always be up to date with the latest and the pictures of your friends complaining about how cold it is at home.
