SNOW: NISEKO, JAPAN
Niseko is set against the stunning backdrop of Mt. Yotei and the area has some of the island’s highest and most reliable snowfall. With over 48km. of ski runs, there are slopes for all levels. What attracts people to Niseko is the quality and reliability of the snow, which is light and dry. The runs are spread out around the mountain, providing skiing conditions from morning to dusk, but if you want to ski at night, night runs are well lit.
As well as Skiing and Snowboarding, guests of Niseko can take part in Snowmobiling, Snow Rafting, Snow Tubing and Snow Shoeing. You can also experience the local Onsen, naturally occurring volcanic hot springs, to relax you after a day on the slopes.
I recommend Niseko as a ski holiday destination with a difference.
Tip: Visitors who purchase the Niseko All Mountain lift pass can make use of all of the area’s 38 lifts and easily explore all four areas.
You can fly to Sapporo from London Heathrow for a two-week Christmas and New Year getaway from £688.
I recommend the 5* Westin Rusutsu Resort for those seeking a more luxurious getaway, whilst those looking to get away from it all could consider the Forest Hideaway for peace and isolation. For a more traditional and slope side experience I recommend Moiwa Lodge, offering great value for money and fantastic hospitality.
Many hotels are already sold out for the Christmas period, so if you want to book our advice is to book soon!
SUN: THAILAND
If you are looking for sun then Thailand is an ideal location with great weather all around the country. Temperatures are comfortable, without being too hot or too cold. Although Christmas is not celebrated in Thailand, you can find plenty of Christmas references in malls and Thai people love the sentiment and decorations.
For the ultimate holiday, I suggest a two-centre stay, either starting in Bangkok to take advantage of Christmas shopping in its many malls, then on to the beach to relax over Christmas and the New Year or start at the beach and see the New Year in Bangkok.
Thailand is a diverse country and can offer something for everyone, so whether you want to party until the early hours, find peace and tranquillity at the beach or explore the natural beauty of jungles or Islands, you can find it here.
Bangkok is a modern, exciting and sophisticated city whilst retaining its cultural heritage. Catch a tuk tuk through the bustling streets or a longtail boat through the floating markets, see the wondrous golden temples or visit the many modern malls. In our opinion, Thai food is one of the best in the world and you can experience everything from street food to Michelin star gourmet dining here.
Our favourite beach destination is Koh Samui because of its tropical relaxed atmosphere. The island has some of the world’s best beaches and is covered with coconut plantations, giving it a truly tropical vibe. For a completely relaxing escape I recommend staying in Bo Phut or Lamai. For something a little livelier, the main resort of Chaweng has markets, local restaurants and lively nightlife. If you like diving then you may prefer to stay on Koh Tao, a top-class diving destination with an abundant shallow and deep-water coral reef.
If Tropical rainforests are more your style, you can find both tradition and luxury in Ubud. Set amongst terraced rice paddies and rainforests, Ubud is renowned as a location for health and well-being. Here you can relax amongst the greenery, take yoga classes, Thai massage or simply relax by the pool. There is plenty to see and do here such as the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and Ubud Palace.
Tip: If you would like to see elephants, monkeys or other animals during your holiday, ensure to visit a reputable animal sanctuary so that you can be sure the animals are treated well.
You can fly to Bangkok from most UK airports. A two week Christmas and New Year getaway flying on 19th December direct will cost you from £1,278 or indirect from £601 flying from London airports. Indirect flights from Manchester are available from £673.
I recommend the 4* Riva Suraya Bangkok for its central riverside location and beautiful interior, in Koh Samui we recommend the 5* Villa Labaron for the beach front location, intimate design and 5 star value for money. For perfect diving opportunities in Koh Tao I recommend 4* Ban’s Diving Resort for its focus on diving facilities, fantastic views and its in-house conservation centre. Bans is a great location for both professional divers and those wanting to dive for fun.
FAMILY FUN: HAWAII
If you are looking for a holiday with a difference for your family this Christmas then you may not have considered Hawaii. There are two things most children love, the beach and Disney. Rather than go the traditional Orlando route, which is also a great Christmas holiday, why not try something different with the magic of the Hawaiian Islands. A tropical paradise, fantastic culture and plenty to see and do for all the family we think you will remember Christmas in Hawaii for years to come.
Hawaii celebrates Christmas with a traditional Hawaiian twist, think flowers on Christmas trees and Santa in a short-sleeved Santa suit. Take brunch in the morning then go to the beach for the rest of the day and finish off with a sunset catamaran cruise. You can also experience the Honolulu City Lights display.
For families, the Aulani Disney Resort is a must as a one-week stay. Too much Disney for grown-ups can be too much of a good thing. Aulani has everything you need to make Christmas special for your children. Your kids can get involved in Character Experiences, Kids Clubs, Beach Parties, Fireside storytelling, Hawaiian makeovers and more, there are also specific activities for tweens and teens. Do not think you will be stuck in the resort, because Aulani offers some great excursions to help you explore the Island. Take one of the many boat excursions offered and perhaps see some Dolphins, take a tour of the island, visit the island of Kaua’i or take a trip to the Pearl Harbour, you will not be lost for things to do and see.
Tip: Book now! Hawaii is a popular destination for Christmas and New Year. Hotels and flights are more expensive the longer you leave it and can be booked up a year in advance.
A two-week Christmas and New Year getaway flying on 19th December from London Heathrow will cost from £1,222 via Incheon Airport in South Korea. Make sure to check the entertainment available at Incheon including crafts for kids, concerts, exhibitions and other entertainment spaces. It is the most family friendly airport we have visited.
I recommend a week at the Aulani Disney Resort and Spa, Oahu over the Christmas holidays for its child friendly focus and it’s a Disney resort so your kids will be spoilt rotten. I recommend following this with New Year at the 4* Outrigger Reef Hotel Waikiki Beach Resort, which still has great facilities for children, is right on the beach and also has a more adult feel for parents to get their grown up holiday fix.
ADULTS ONLY: BELIZE
Belize is a great place to escape the winter blues, having some of the best winter weather on the planet. There are highs of around 80F (27C) and lots of sunshine during the Christmas period. Belize also celebrates Christmas in a traditional way so you will hear carols being played in all the cafes and bars and drummers on the street drumming out Christmas tunes.
Belize is a country of two halves, having fantastic beaches but also tropical jungle escapes. I recommend the Cayo region, which is easily accessible from Belize City and is home to beautiful and remote jungle. Visit its underground cave networks and for a piece of history, the Mayan sites such as Caracol and Xunantunich. You can also experience many adventure activities such as caving, mountain biking and kayaking.
For beaches, visit the islands of Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker. Ambergris Caye is more developed and has a large selection of hotels, bars and restaurants. If you are interested in snorkeling, the reef is closest to the shore here, only a 5-minute boat ride. Caye Caulker is less developed and closer to the better-known dive sites, such as the Blue Hole. For a more romantic and isolated getaway you could consider one of the private island resorts.
Tip: If you are staying on the islands make sure you consider the boat times for the transfer to the islands in relation to your flight arrival time. You may need to arrange an overnight stay in Belize City and catch the morning transfer.
You can fly to Belize for Christmas and New Year from London Heathrow, Manchester or Edinburgh indirect from £1,182 per person.
I recommend the Costa Blu Adults only Beach Resort on Ambergris Caye for the fantastic sea views, spa treatments and beach hammocks. In Caye Caulker, although not specifically adult only we recommend Dream Cabanas for its beach chic style, access to the Belize Barrier Reef and more adult focused amenities. For that personal and private stay we recommend the Yok Ha Belize Resort on a 3-acre island Waterfoot Caye surrounded by the Caribbean Sea about 8 miles off the coast of Dangriga, the cultural capital of Belize. I recommend Yok Ha Belize for its exquisite food, island location and diving facilities. If a tropical jungle getaway is more your style then I recommend the Hidden Valley Inn for its exclusive access to Butterfly falls, its extensive private nature reserve trails and romantic experiences on offer such as candlelit dinners, fireside reading, cocktails by the pool, couples spa treatments or your own private Estate Cottage
CITY LIFE: NEW YORK
If you think New York is for a weekend then think again. If you are worrying about spending the whole Christmas period in New York and finding enough to do, covering the 12 days of Christmas is a breeze. In fact, this article will struggle to cover everything you could do during your visit, but let’s try it and watch out for our Christmas in New York blog later in the year for more tips and ideas.
The iconic Christmas view of New York is the Christmas Tree at the Rockefeller Centre and there is so much more to do in this area. Why not skate at the Rockerfeller Ice Rink or take a sunset view of the city from the Top of the Rock. In my opinion the view is far superior to The Empire State Building because you get the same view plus the Empire State Building. Shopping is a must when you visit New York and you can stock up on Christmas goodies not only in the traditional areas such as 5th Avenue and Macy’s, but why not take a trip down to Soho, NoLita, Lower East Side or Greenwich Village for boutique and quirky stores.
You could watch a show on Broadway or off Broadway every night and still not see every show. For alternative entertainment, try Radio Music City Hall to see the Rockettes in their Christmas Spectacular, Laugh at one of the Countless Comedy Clubs, sing your heart out at the many bars with Live Music, get soulful at a gospel brunch or chill out at one of the iconic Jazz Clubs. For a festive extravaganza take a tour to Dyker Heights to see the crazy madness of holiday displays or visit one of the many Christmas Markets dotted around the city.
For a more traditional visit take in the sights of Central Park, stopping for a hot toddy at Tavern on the Green before partaking in or watching the skaters on the iconic ice rink. From here you get a good view of the Plaza Hotel, famous for appearing in Home Alone 2. There is a great food hall below the hotel, where you can sip wine and devour fresh Macarons. Although traditional, I don’t personally recommend taking a horse and carriage ride through Central Park. Recent incidents with horses have been cause for some concern for me personally as an animal lover.
There are far too many museums to list here, but I do recommend the Met, especially with children as they offer a great kids tour. I also recommend MoMa, The Children’s Museum of Art, New Museum in Bowery and The Colour Factory in Soho. I also recommend paying your respects at the 9/11 memorial and museum which we found haunting but so worth it.
If you really want to see the ball drop on New Year’s Eve, prepare to camp out from 8am, because it is hectic. Alternatively, you can do what we did and get a hotel right on Times Square, take binoculars and ask for a Times Square view room. We managed to see Lady Gaga quite well from our room and it is a great option if you have small children who won’t be able to stay up until midnight.
Tip: Plan your stay to make sure you see everything you want to and book tickets for special events in advance. The exception is Broadway tickets which you can book on the day from TKTS on Times Square if you aren’t fussy what you see. We got great front row tickets for Chicago 30 minutes before the performance.
You can fly to New York from most UK airports and prices from London Heathrow direct on 23rd December, returning 2nd January cost from £536. If you visit over New Year only, there are some great deals currently from London Heathrow direct on 30th December returning on 5th January from £277.
I recommend The Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott for its central location, closeness to Macy’s for those Christmas buys and closeness to sights without being on top of them. If you want to stay in Times Square itself for those crazy New Year celebrations, we recommend the New York Marriott Marquis for its quality of service, views of Times Square and rooftop bar. For downtown hotels I recommend The Standard East Village for its quirky vibe and great bar or the Broome Hotel in Soho for its boutique feel and great location.
If you are interested in any of these holiday suggestions, please contact me on 02921 283143 or email paula@worldexplorerholidays.co.uk. Keep up to date on our blogs by liking and following us on Facebook. You can also follow us on Instagram @worldexplorerholiday and twitter @worldexplorerh1.
All prices quoted are accurate as of the date of this blog, but are liable to change.
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