Holidays over Christmas – travel tips for the festive season

Christmas holidays are just around the corner and you want to use the festive period to relax before the hustle and bustle at home and the arrival of Father Christmas on Christmas Eve? We’ll tell you where you can travel cheaply during the Christmas holidays, the best things to do on your Christmas trip and the countries where you can spend the cold days.

Where is the best place to go on holiday over Christmas?

The question “Where is a good place to go on holiday at Christmas?” depends entirely on your personal preferences and expectations of your Christmas holiday. Whether you are looking for winter fun in the snow in a ski resort, a contemplative atmosphere at a Christmas market or an escape to the south – there are numerous destinations that present themselves as attractive travel destinations, especially before or during the Christmas holidays. We are happy to answer your question “Where can you go on holiday at Christmas?”.

• Traditional Christmas markets in Germany: Germany’s Christmas markets are charming, traditional and an absolute must for everyone. The most beautiful Christmas markets are the Striezelmarkt in Dresden, the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt and the Christmas market in the old town, Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
• Skiing holidays in the Alps: If you like doing sports in the snow, then the Alps are the ideal destination for your Christmas holiday. In the Alps, you can enjoy the wintry landscape and the relaxed atmosphere in the mountain huts of the cosy villages.
• Christmas in the south: You don’t have to travel too far to escape the winter and icy temperatures. The Canary Islands, the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira and even southern Italy offer mild temperatures on the beach and in the cities, even in winter.
• Romantic Christmas in the old towns of Europe: as soon as the streets are magnificently decorated and the shop windows are festively illuminated, every old town becomes even cosier and more romantic. You can experience the very special magic of a festively decorated old town in Prague, Florence, Edinburgh, Bruges or Tallinn.
• Northern lights in the Nordic countries: If you want to experience the natural spectacle of the Northern Lights, you should travel to the northernmost regions of Norway, Sweden or Finland. Here in the north you will also find plenty of accommodation with a sauna.

Where can you go on a cheap holiday over Christmas?

As the prices of accommodation and flights to popular destinations become particularly expensive during the Christmas holidays, the question of where to go on a cheap holiday over Christmas is an obvious one.

1. Holiday away from the tourist crowds

Less well-known or less touristy places are a more affordable alternative for your Christmas holiday. How about the town of Kotor in Montenegro, for example, which lies on the Adriatic Sea and is surrounded by imposing mountains, or Piran in Slovenia, a town with medieval charm? Sibiu in Romania also impresses with its well-preserved medieval architecture, cobbled streets and relaxed atmosphere, while Göreme in Turkey’s Cappadocia region attracts visitors with its bizarre rock formations, underground cities and rich history.

2. Low budget holiday destinations in Eastern Europe

In general, you should stick to Eastern Europe for a cheap holiday during the Christmas period. In countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic or Hungary, you can find a hotel, usually even with breakfast, at affordable prices.

Where is it warm and cheap at Christmas?

Are you asking yourself “Where is it warm at Christmas?” – and cheap too. Then Southeast Asia is just the right destination for you. Only the flight might be a little more expensive, but the low cost of living in Southeast Asia quickly makes up for this – you are sure to find a cheap hotel with island flair, inexpensive meals with fresh ingredients and can book good offers for excursions.

Countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia provide good value for money and allow you to enjoy a variety of sights, extraordinary landscapes and unforgettable experiences on holiday over Christmas on a limited budget.

Where is the best place to go at Christmas?

And where is the best place to be at Christmas? The most beautiful Christmas time can be experienced in European cities such as Vienna, Strasbourg and Salzburg. These cities shine in a festive atmosphere with their magnificently decorated streets and traditional Christmas markets.

If you want to experience that little bit of extra Christmas magic, New York City is your destination. New York is probably the epitome of the best Christmas season. The famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, the spectacular window displays along Fifth Avenue and festive events such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade await you.

Where can you go on holiday in Germany over Christmas?

If you don’t want to travel far, Germany also offers beautiful destinations for a Christmas holiday. Cities such as Nuremberg, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dresden and Trier attract visitors with traditional Christmas markets in their historic old towns. German metropolises such as Berlin and Hamburg are also transformed into winter destinations

If you don’t mind the low temperatures, it’s best to head to the Black Forest, the Bavarian Forest or the Alps for outdoor activities. Here you are likely to have a snowy Christmas holiday.

What can you do over Christmas in Germany?

The best thing to do during the festive season is to enjoy the Christmas markets in the romantic old towns. Stroll through Nuremberg’s Christmas market, discover the medieval riding market in Rothenburg ob der Tauber and treat yourself to a hot punch at Dresden’s Striezelmarkt or Trier’s Christmas market.

In Germany’s major cities, you have the opportunity to discover several Christmas markets at once and take a winter Christmas market tour. If you want to warm up in between, it’s worth visiting the museums and exhibitions in Berlin, Hamburg or Munich.

Winter sports fans can enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing in the Alps and return to the cosy mountain huts in the early evening to reward themselves with a hot chocolate and Kaiserschmarrn or a trip to the sauna. Travel to the Black Forest or Saxon Switzerland if you fancy a winter hike through the snow-covered landscapes.

Flying on holiday over Christmas – tips and tricks

Have you decided to go on a Christmas holiday? Then you should take a relaxed approach to your Christmas holiday and fly to your holiday destination stress-free with our 20 tips and tricks over Christmas.

Holidays over Christmas – tips and tricks before your flight

• Plan early: Book your flight and accommodation in advance to benefit from the best prices and skip the initial stress.
• Check travel documents: Make sure your passport and other necessary documents are still valid.
• Create a packing list: Plan what you need in advance and create a checklist to make sure you don’t forget anything important.
• Check baggage weight: Pay attention to your airline’s baggage policy to avoid additional fees.
• Keep an eye on the weather: Find out about the weather at your destination and pack suitable clothing.
• Put together a first-aid kit: Pack a small first-aid kit with essential medicines, bandages, painkillers and other emergency items.
• Leave emergency contacts: Give friends or family members your whereabouts information and emergency contacts.
• Plan airport transfers: Book reliable transport to the airport in advance.

Holiday over Christmas – tips and tricks during the flight

• Comfortable clothing: Wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes for a pleasant flight.
• Take drinking water with you: Fill up an empty water bottle after the security check to ensure you have enough to drink during the flight.
• Pack snacks: Light snacks help to satisfy your hunger during the flight.
• Prepare entertainment: Bring something to read or download music or films to your smartphone, tablet or laptop beforehand.
• Consider time zones: Adjust to the time zone at your destination before the flight to minimise jet lag.
• Earplugs and sleep mask: Don’t forget to use earplugs and a sleep mask to sleep on the plane.

Holidays over Christmas – tips and tricks after the flight

• Adjust to the local time: Try to adjust quickly to the local time by really only going to bed when it is also evening in your destination.
• Arrange your hotel quickly: Clarify any uncertainties at check-in and get organised quickly.
• Get money locally: Exchange into the local currency well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
• Plan relaxation time: Rest up after the flight so that you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed.
• Explore the surroundings: Use the first few hours to explore the surroundings and acclimatise.
• Get in touch with relatives: Let your loved ones know that you have arrived safely and enjoy your holiday.

Conclusion on the topic of holidays over Christmas

You choose your ideal destination for your Christmas holiday depending on your preferences. From traditional Christmas markets to winter fun in the snow, you will find a wide range of options for a Christmas holiday in Germany – or you can travel cheaply to Eastern European countries. For a snowy pre-Christmas holiday, you should head to the Nordic countries of Europe or to the Alps, where many winter sports activities invite you to have fun in the snow.

If you want to escape the winter completely, you can travel to more southerly European countries, such as the southern regions of Italy or the Canary Islands. Alternatively, fly to one of the popular holiday destinations in South East Asia, including Thailand or Cambodia, and enjoy the low cost of living there.

No matter where you decide to go on your Christmas holiday, with our tips and tricks for a stress-free trip before, during and after the flight, you will be well prepared and travel relaxed on holiday.