As we will have a baby by Christmas(!) I am deffo feeling rather consumed by wanderlust. Sure, summer is great for holidays, but I love taking trips outside of the school holidays as things are quieter, cheaper and all-round better. I think if you only ever travel in the summer, you’re really missing out on seeing some beautiful places in the snow, or enjoying a bit of winter sun, and besides, the world is too big to limit when you visit! So, I headed over to Cickstay to check out some of their villas, apartments and holiday rentals to put together some dream destinations.
Edinburgh
Without a doubt some of the best Christmas markets, Edinburgh is perfect if you want to get away but don’t have the time/budget to go abroad. Tick off some Christmas shopping in the beautiful Victoria Street, enjoy some warm indoor fun at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions and go for a brisk winter walk in the Royal Botanic Garden (don’t forget to get some snowy Instapics!).
Tenerife
If you’re looking for something entirely different and want to enjoy a bit of summer sun, Tenerife is a fantastic choice. It’s a super short flight to get there which is perfect if you only have a few days for a holiday and want to make the most of it without jetlag. It’s the warmest part of Europe, and you shouldn’t get a lot of rain while you are there, so you can enjoy the beautiful beaches, a waterpark or even a submarine safari!
Budapest
We went to Budapest in November a few years ago and had the absolute best time! If you time it right you can enjoy the Christmas markets (which are always better in Europe!), or make the most of the heated thermal spas and enjoy a pint outside in the open air, where you can see your breath but the water is as warm as a bath. Here are some great rentals from Clickstay in Budapest.
Phuket
Thailand is on my bucket list (or you could say my Phuket list!) and I’d love to tick it off before baby comes – but if we can’t, I’ll just strap him into a a sling and give it a go! It looks like one of the most beautiful places, and if you are far more adventurous than I, you could enjoy diving, windsurfing, sailing or snorkelling. If you’re a party animal you could head to Patong Beach, and enjoy a cocktail or two, or go for a hike in the National Parks. There is so much to see and do.
New York
I’ve been to New York twice and I love it so much I am dying to go back! For my 30th birthday (vom!) I am desperate to go, as it’s just before Christmas and I think it will be magical – like Home Alone 2! The perfect place for Christmas shopping, ice skating in Central Park and drinking hot chocolate while looking at the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
These are just four options for places to visit before Christmas, but the world really is your oyster! There’s still 3 months until December which is plenty of time to book a last minute deal (or two!), and end the year on a high, full of amazing memories and adventures. I’ve got plenty of holiday left to use up before I go on maternity leave, so I am working on persuading Steven that we absolutely must book a break soon – wish me luck!
Let me know in the comments if you have any pre-Christmas getaway plans, or where you’d go if you could.
*This was a collaborative post with Clickstay, who are all-round good eggs. As you know, I would never promote a company I wouldn’t use myself, and I am currently browsing for a lastminute babymoon…!