Christmas is family time: a common sentence, you know. Yeah sure, but why don’t change this for once? Maybe this year you could use Christmas time to discover some beautiful cities abroad, or enjoy a warm exotic beach…Here is our list of seven destination for your escape from family and last-minute gift purchasing stress syndrome! From traditional markets in Bolzano to the magic beauty of Vienna’s castle, through Budapest hotsprings and Mexican beaches, discover with us the best 2016 trips for Christmas!
The traditional Christmas market in Bolzano
This north-italian beautiful city, easy to reach by train, is a must not to be missed, especially during Christmas time. It’s impossible to not get seduced by the wonderful Christmas markets (the biggest in Italy) hosted in the pittoresque Walther square, full of stands and kiosks that sell almost anything, from wooden toys to smoked salami, from red wine to antiques. So, find out how to discover Bolzano, but don’t leave without a taste of “Zelten”, a Sudtirol sweet delicatessen!
How to get to Bolzano
pic: djandrea.enet
A cold weekend in Stockholm
Easy to reach by plane thanks to its three airports, the Swedish capital is ready to give you all the magic of Scandinavian Christmas. Note down the date of 13th of December: in this day Swedes celebrate Saint Lucy, the Swedish patron saint. Choir of white-dressed native girls sing traditional chants while children give away ginger cookies. However, during your trip to Stockholm you can discover much more: visit the beautiful outdoor zoo of Skansen, really close to the city, or enjoy a drink in the igloo Ice-Bar, the coolest (and coldest) bar in Stockholm.
How to get to Stockholm
pic: eGuide Travel
A thousand lights in Turin
Turin is always known as the Italian “magic” city: however, during Christmas time it becomes a true fairy tale. Get to Turin and enjoy the wonderful Christmas illuminations of “Luci d’artista”, the traditional expositions of light piece of arts livening up the city center. Go back to your childhood and skate on one of the many Turin ice-rinks and visit the Santa Klaus village, far just a few kilometres from the city…
How to get to Turin
pic: Alessio Maffeis
Vienna: markets, castles and sachertorte
Still searching for the perfect present for your mum and friends? Well, you have to go to Vienna. From November the wonderful Austrian capital is filled with “Christkindkmarkte”, the famous Vienna Christmas markets. And after shopping don’t skip a visit in the fairytale Schönbrunn castle, and taste a big slice of Sachertorte!
How to get to Vienna
pic: Superscheeli
Christmas surf in Lisbon
Losing yourself in the tiny and charming streets of Alfama, the old Lisbon harbor neighboorhood, is an experience that everyone should try at least once in a lifetime. Organize your Christmas break and fly to the Portuguese capital! Enjoy a fado concert, try a delicious pastel de nata and save some time to reach Carcavelos beach and have some surfing chill on the powerful ocean waves!
How to get to Lisbon
pic: Rodolfo Barros
Relax in the hot springs of Budapest
Budapest is without doubt the European (and maybe world) capital of thermal baths. Under its ground the most famous hot springs of Hungary are constantly flowing: if you have chosen Budapest for your winter escape don’t skip a visit to one of many city thermal baths. We suggest a classic (and maybe the best): “Sezchènyi” hotsprings, the biggest in the city. Time to chill out and relax!
How to get to Budapest
pic: Wel-Te Wong
Lying on the beach of Cancùn
The perfect Christmas escape: on the warm sand of Cancun beaches, Mexico’s top holiday destination. A bit far, it’s true, but it’s worthy: clear water and breathtaking landscapes. Find a flight and get ready to discover this beautiful side of Mexican coast: there is nothing better than a sunny and hot Christmas!
Find your flight
pic: Rick González
In conclusion…so you have our advice for seven wonderful destinations, now it’s your turn to find a flight and go immediately! A last piece of advice: if you wanna make you forgive from family and friends left in the cold, you’d better come back with some gifts for them 😉
Leave a Reply