The end of year holidays are approaching, to escape the traditional long family meal, why not opt for a stay abroad? No more chasing last minute gifts and hassle over party menus, with an all-inclusive stay you can escape for a relaxing break, in complete freedom. Here are some ideas for destinations to experience a 100% exotic Christmas.
The Morocco
The Kingdom of Morocco is an ideal destination for stay at the end of the year. Indeed, the winter season is perfect for discovering the beauties of this country while enjoying a mild and pleasant climate.
Imagine, you wake up in the heart of the palm trees of the red city of Marrakech, then take advantage of the morning to stroll through the traditional souk. Continue the day with an excursion to the Atlas Mountains to end with a dinner under the sole light of the stars in the middle of the Sahara.
The possibilities are endless as southern Morocco is full of idyllic landscapes and majestic imperial cities.
So, to discover all these beauties without spending too much time organizing and planning your stay, many all-inclusive tours exist. To find the getaway of your dreams, you can use the best stay comparator and simply give free rein to all your desires. You will find multiple offers of all-inclusive stays, with all meals (breakfasts, lunches and dinners) and drinks included. Enough to fully enjoy your vacation while leaving aside all the hassle related to organizing meals (shopping, preparation or even finding a restaurant). You will then be able to concentrate on relaxation by freeing yourself from all these constraints.
You will also have the possibility to opt for half-board stays or with only breakfast included, according to your wishes.
Croatia
Do you prefer to escape while remaining in the Christmas spirit?
So, set off to discover the Christmas festivities by Croatia with for example a all-inclusive stay allowing you to visit the major cities of the Balkans.
The Christmas market in the capital, Zagreb, has been voted “the most beautiful market in Europe” on numerous occasions ahead of its prestigious competitors from Vienna or Prague.
From the end of November, you will be able to wander, like in a real fairy tale, among the myriads of illuminations. You will then be enchanted by the delicious smells of mulled wine and traditional local dishes. The numerous concerts and events organized during your stay will delight you and you will even have the opportunity to put on your skates to take off on the giant ice rink installed in the heart of the city.
You can then continue your stay by the discovery of Dubrovnik.
With its ramparts and alleys, the old town, nicknamed “The Pearl of the Adriatic”, is the ideal setting for a traditional Christmas market.
In fact, every year the city organizes a real winter festival where candles, toys, embroidery, ceramics and artisanal porcelain come together.
On every street corner, the delicious scents of almonds, candied or roasted oranges as well as those of traditional sweets mingle with the sweet melody of traditional Christmas carols.
The Czech Republic
The Czech Republic, and in particular its capital Prague, is also an idyllic destination for stay at Christmas.
Already famous for being one of the most romantic cities in Europe, Prague is adorned in December with two traditional Christmas markets, located in the old town and on Wenceslas Square.
During your stay, you can stroll following the soft light of the chalets to discover local crafts and gastronomy. So, honey gingerbread, local mulled wine, grog and medovina (hot honey liqueur) will warm you up as you wander the medieval streets of the old town.
In the distance, Christmas carols will invite you to continue your stroll to discover the city’s many Gothic churches up to the ramparts of the majestic castle which dominates the city.
Two hours from Prague, you will have the opportunity to continue your stay in the second largest city in the country, Brno. From the end of November, during a horse-drawn carriage ride, you will attend tree lighting ceremonies and enjoy Moravian plum tarts or roasted chestnuts.
Iceland
Rediscover the magic of white Christmases the time of a stay in the Icelandic fjords.
The days are certainly shorter in winter, but this allows you to enjoy the Christmas garlands or the dazzling light show of the Northern Lights for longer. And if you don’t want to choose, opt for an all-inclusive stay which will allow you to discover both the magic of the cities and the wild expanses of the island.
Iceland is indeed the ideal place to discover atypical Christmas traditions. In this Nordic country, there are 13 “Yule Lads” or Christmas elves who distribute their gifts to children. THE stays during the holidays before are thus an opportunity to discover a curious mix of religious ceremonies and traditional folklore.
For the 13 evenings before Christmas, children place a shoe in front of their bedroom window. The trolls then visit them, each in turn, to leave sweets, small gifts or even rotten potatoes for the unruly children.
If you extend your stay until New Year’s Eve, head to Reykjavik, the capital, to marvel at one of the largest fireworks displays in the world.
Thailand
Want a total change of scenery? Head to Thailand.
Winter is indeed the best time for stay in the country.
Thanks to the tropical climate, you can even bring out your flip-flops, sarongs and swimsuits to discover some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Although Thailand does not consider Christmas a traditional celebration, it is still a very festive time. Every big city recreates the magic of Christmas in a unique way.
Thus, in December the shopping centers of Bangkok, nicknamed “The City of Angels”, are adorned with lights and decorations while the markets are full of Christmas gift ideas. Those who wish can also participate in religious ceremonies, as most Christian churches are open on Christmas Eve in Bangkok.
You can also celebrate Christmas, the time of a stay on the island of Koh Samui, where you will have the opportunity to attend tree lighting ceremonies, or on the island of Koh Phangan. The latter in fact hosts a real Christmas festival every year during the Full Moon celebrations where, until the end of the night, beach, music and dance mingle.
Finally, to rediscover the traditional side of end of year celebrations, stay in Chanthaburi, seat of the largest cathedral in the country.
Every year, the city organizes the “Chanthaburi Miracle Festival” during which numerous “sound and light” shows are organized on the square in front of the cathedral. There are also small typical markets, and even several fireworks displays.
Destination ideas where stay for Christmas are numerous.
To enjoy the magic of this period in complete freedom, do not hesitate to use the stay comparators. You will be able to find the stay of your dreams.
