Traditional Holiday plans are usually centered on big family meals and opening presents under a tree, but not all families desire to have a traditional Holiday. There are of course many families who do not celebrate holidays at all and instead use their time off to travel during the time off. Here are 5 Great Holiday Vacation Destinations that will provide you with great family friendly activities during the holidays as well as perhaps a new family tradition to pass down from generation to generation. Traveling during the holidays may seem odd if you aren’t planning on going for family gatherings but it can be a very rewarding and relaxing way to spend your time together as a family.
DISNEY CRUISE VACATION: This destination vacation is a fabulous way to spend your holidays together as a family. Not only are the Disney Cruise Line ships equipped with something for every family member to do, but they offer special holiday vacation packages that are both fun-filled and affordable. An all-inclusive cruise vacation can truly be a stress free enjoyable holiday trip for the whole family. If you utilize the planning tips offered, watch for special deals and plan ahead it can be very budget friendly. Special Christmas tree trimming activities, gift exchanges with characters in holiday dress and a huge celebration meal with all the traditional trimmings are featured on nearly all of their December cruises.
NEW YORK CITY: The city that never sleeps is an amazing vacation destination in itself but spending your holidays there is unlike anything you will ever experience. Unlike some areas where you would find everything closed on the actual holiday, NYC is thriving 365 days a year with food, entertainment and even shopping no matter what day it is. Plan for a chance to ice skate under the stars, take in plays off Broadway, camp out for the Macy’s Parade or in front of the Today Show studios for a chance to wave to your family back home on TV. All are inexpensive and fun ways to celebrate as a family. Purchase a Citypass for the best overall pricing on transportation, events and theater tickets to make the most of your time there and for the least out of pocket expense.
BRANSON, MISSOURI: This little music city nestled in the Ozark mountains is a vacation destination known by many in the states surrounding it but often not spoken of as a prime vacation spot. With multiple holiday events throughout the months of November and December, Christmas lights on display throughout the city and of course lower rates on lodging because it is considered the “off season” this is a great place for a family to go during the holidays. Some of the major theaters and local theme parks are closed on Christmas Day but that does not mean there is nothing to do. With many restaurants available, Imax theaters and specific holiday themed shows open on the holiday you can enjoy a fun, family friendly vacation on a lower budget with the beautiful view of the Ozark Mountains just outside your room.
SAN FRANSISCO, CALIFORNIA: The City is full of life year round and during the holidays is certainly no exception. With Silicon Valley only a quite hour drive away, you have multiple opportunities to take in things like theme parks, local monuments, even a quick drive by the home of Google, Apple and many other well-known corporations that make our lives easier every day.
This destination may be more fun for families with older children or couples who have no children but it is still a fabulous place to spend your holidays. Reasonable lodging, great trolley rides, Lombard Street and food in Chinatown like you have only dreamed of tasting definitely make this one of the all-time favorite holiday vacation destinations. Mountains and snow only a few hours away and many venues open year round even on holidays make San Fransisco a holiday vacation destination sure to send you home with memories of the time of your life.
HAWAII: For many, a tropical vacation to Hawaii may seem like a dream that could never be reality but traveling off season and during the popular annual holiday travel season is actually a great time to take in the islands. Not only will the temperatures still be warm, the beaches beautiful and the time in the sun luxurious, it is the islands’ slower season so you are more likely to find a great deal on a resort package for the whole family. Watching sales on sites like Groupon, Amazon Local and Living Social is a great way to snag a week stay at a resort for half price during off season. There may be no snow or Christmas trees but there is plenty of fun, great food and new family traditions to be had.
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These sound like some great travel destinations. I am a traditional Christmas person myself but I would love to do all these things. Thank you so much for sharing this