MoneyMagpie Editor and financial expert Vicky Parry reveals the best places to get away this Christmas
Christmas can be a great time of year… but for many people, it’s full of stress, arguments, and obligations. Maybe this year is the time you do something different: go on holiday instead of sticking around to have relatives grumble about your bread sauce.
Now is a great time to search for winter getaways to spend your Christmas in some winter sunshine, skiing, or in a peaceful rural location. Package holidays let you relax, without worrying about when to cook the turkey, while self-catering stays mean you can have whatever you want, whenever you want – and it doesn’t have to involve cranberry sauce.
For… beautiful coastline
For those who shiver in their bones just thinking about Santa’s sleigh landing on snowy rooftops, a sunny beach getaway is the perfect Christmas pick-me-up. Lounge on the beach, sup cocktails, and enjoy a slow pace of life.
Overseas: Maldives
There are still some last-minute spots to grab in the Maldives. A couple flying from London for a holiday 19th -26th December can expect to spend around £3,000 per person for a four- to five-star experience. All-inclusive packages are best for this type of holiday and can nab you thousands of pounds of savings compared to buying flights and hotels separately.
In the UK: Cornwall
Try a holiday lodge in a park on or near the coast. It’ll give you plenty to do if the weather isn’t quite as lovely as you’d like, and lots of group activities to do if you want to be sociable. Or, find one with lots of nearby beauty spots for some bracing beach walks and return to a hot tub to ease your muscles at the end of the day.
Hoseasons holiday parks offer great value and lots of options, including pet-friendly options – starting from about £300 for a stay between 20th – 27th December.
For… city break
Staying in a city means you’ve got loads to do on your doorstep, and can enjoy the culinary delights and historical sights with ease.
If there are particular places you want to visit in or near your ideal location, remember to check that they will be open during the dates of your visit. You don’t want to spend loads of money to get there only to find everything is closed!
Overseas: New York
If you love the Christmas spirit but simply want to take the stress off your hands of organising the entire family at home, New York is the classic winter getaway.
It’s a buzzing city and there’s always something do to. Make sure you’ve got plenty of time left on your passport, and check any entry requirements before you book your trip. A couple travelling from London can expect to pay between £1700 – £2400 together, for a return flight and hotel between 20th – 27th December.
In the UK: York
If travelling to the USA is out of your reach or comfort zone, try its namesake instead. York, in North Yorkshire, is a two-hour train ride from London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. The historic city is known for old buildings and cobbled streets, and is brilliantly festive throughout December.
A couple can stay from 20th – 27th December in central York from about £460, with very central four-star hotels from about £680.
For… stunning landscapes
Keep away from bustling city centres and crowded public transport by enjoying some open countryside. Put your feet up by a log fire in a ski lodge or layer up your waterproofs for a day of hiking and country pubs. Whatever your idea of peaceful rural landscapes, there’s bound to be a winter getaway that suits you.
Overseas: Austria
A ski holiday is perfect for those who love the snow and fancy enjoying sporty days and relaxed nights. Ski season begins in mid-December in many areas across Europe, but our recommendation is Austria this year. Stunning landscapes, affordable accommodation, and affordable flights make it an ideal destination.
A couple can stay for seven nights in a lodge, with flights from London, from around £1800 for a four-star catered hotel with ski pass. It could be cheaper to build your own package and itinerary, so make sure you shop around before booking.
In the UK: Lake District
Arguably one of the most beautiful parts of the UK, the Lake District has a lot to offer in December. Make sure you pack your walking boots because there are some country pubs that will be worth the hike – and some might even have space for you to book a pub Christmas dinner if you fancy one.
Lake District Lodges have a number of options across the region still available for Christmas. A seven-night stay from the 20th December will set you back around £500-£750 for a couple, including some pet-friendly lodges.
How to snag a Christmas holiday bargain
It’s not too late to grab a great Christmas holiday bargain. There are a few things you can do to make sure you save money as much as possible.
First, book using a cashback website to claim unique discounts as well as get a little money back on your booking. You can also shop around for online discount codes to snag extra money off; remember to check loyalty schemes like the Carer Discounts for exclusive reductions. When travelling in the UK, make the most of schemes like railcards to bag huge discounts on your travel.
Shop around and work out whether it would be cheaper to build your own holiday package of flights, hotels, and activities or pay for an all-inclusive package. Some destinations are much cheaper all-inclusive (like the Maldives), whereas other places – like ski resorts – can be hundreds of pounds cheaper by creating your own itinerary.
Holiday essentials to arrange NOW
Make sure you book travel insurance as soon as you pay for your holiday. Even if insurance is included with a package, check the fine print and decide whether you want to buy your own more comprehensive coverage.
Always check the latest travel advice before you travel abroad, and make sure that you have enough time left on your passport now to allow time to renew. Most countries require a minimum of six months remaining, while some need nine months or more.
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