Traveling for Christmas

Around Christmastime during my study abroad in Malta, I watched as all my European friends slowly began to disappear from the island, catching cheap flights back to the continent. For those of us from North America, however, simply going home for the holidays was not as obvious of a decision. So most of us, including myself, chose to emulate our Euro-friends and hop on a plane to places like Rome, Morocco, Hungary, and Paris. This ended up being one of the most enjoyable decisions we could have made since a bunch of seasonal attractions and events cropped up alongside the classic establishments, giving all of us - regardless of place - plenty of ways to have an enjoyable holiday. If you are planning to be on the road this holiday season (and I don't mean to grandmother's house) here are some tips to help you have a good time.

Destination is Everything

So, needless to say, while I was sipping vin chaud in the Paris Christmas markets, my friend in Morocco (a Muslim nation) was not surrounded by any sort of Christmas festivities. However, even if you are in a country that does not celebrate Christmas or New Years, there will generally be enough of a traveler or expat community that somewhere, someone has organized a celebration for that day. Hostels, hotels, churches, and embassies are good resources to find organized Christmas events in non-Christian nations. On the other hand, if the locals are not celebrating they are also not closing shop. So take advantage of this, and have a savvy Christmas meal out.

Furthermore, bigger cities tend to still have some things (particularly around major tourist districts) open on Christmas, but in smaller towns, be prepared to either spend the day outside or be left to your own devices for entertainment.

Fun Holiday Activities

In Europe take advantage of the festive Christmas markets and mulled wine, or get cultured and ask a local what their Santa Claus looks like. Colder destinations will give you plenty of ice skating rinks and skiing while warmer destinations may be more optimal for swimming and sunbathing. Why not make a snowman out of sand if you happen to be in Australia? You can also check local papers for special theater productions, or concerts.

Keeping in Touch With Your Family

With skype, a video chat application you can see and talk to anyone in the world who also has skype. It is completely free, but both users need to have a computer. Conversely, you can also send fun holiday postcards to your family (although they won't be getting anywhere until January), or get a calling card. Rates to the United States tend to be very affordable no matter where you go.

Holiday Meals

In Paris and London, dining out on Christmas Eve appeared to be a serious market, with posters advertising Christmas dinner specials on nearly every restaurant window. This can be fun, but possibly pricey. If you do not want to dine out, you next option depends totally on where you stay. If you are traveling with family or friends, rent an apartment with a kitchen. If you are alone or on a budget, choose a hostel that either has a kitchen or a special Christmas event for guests. Or, again, track down that expat community (couchsurfing.com is a good place to search) for others in the same position as you wanting to get together for a holiday meal.

Solo Traveling

Traveling alone always presents the issue of how not to be alone. I have rarely had problems with this and find that one essential thing to keep in mind is that "you are not the only one traveling and searching for company". Again, hostels and couchsurfing.com are great for finding others like yourself, and embassies and churches have welcoming established communities.

Traveling With Kids

Obviously packing the entire tree and all of its gifts is not very practical, but this doesn't mean you have to make without the traditional Christmas morning experience entirely. Wrap up a few small things to give as gifts. Things like small travel games, or something related to the place you are at are particularly good as they not only allow for the Christmas experience but also keep kids excited and interested in the place they are at. Edible treats are good as well because you do not have to worry about how you will fit it back in your suitcase. Wrap up those souvenirs as gifts and save the big stuff for when you get back home.