Unusual Travel Destinations for Christmas

Explore some of the most uncommonly beautiful places in the United States with these unusual Christmas vacation suggestions.

Solvang, California: Christmas in the Sun

This tiny community in the Santa Ynez Valley offers the perfect solution for the couple or family looking to suit all tastes over Christmas. With or without kids, this tiny Danish village featuring traditional Scandinavian architecture is the perfect Christmas getaway. Their main street is full of independent bookstores with comfortable chairs and hot chocolate - I mean, coffee, available at an arm's reach. Perfect for Dad. Craft and knitting stores, for crafty women and for children looking for fun projects. Solvang also has a year-round Christmas shop, so even if you're not heading there in December, you'll get a kick out of the Christmas spirit there and the statue commemorating Hans Christian Andersen in the park. Extra Bonus: Located in one of California's most beautiful viticultural regions in the United States, a selection of wine tasting rooms are scattered throughout the town that can be enjoyed for $20 or less. Enjoy!

When to book: Now! Solvang is growing in popularity, so hotels book up quickly. Subscribe to email newsletters for the hotel you've got your heart set on and see if you can take advantage of some holiday specials.
Where to stay: If you're happy to spend a few extra bucks on a Danish-themed hotel, splash out at the Svendsgaard;s Lodge or the King Frederik Inn. If you're a frequent flyer through Holiday Inn or Best Western, check out their hotels in nearby Buellton. Cheaper than Solvang and a mere ten minutes away.

Boston, Massachusetts: Christmas in the Snow

Forget those skis for once and lace up your snow boots to explore one of America's most historic cities. Usually seen as a college town, locals and tourists can benefit from the students' winter break absence in December and have a little more elbow room on the Boston subway (commonly referred to by locals as "The T"). Swap out your Christmas turkey dinner for some roasted lobster in Fanueil Hall (pronounced "FAN-YULL") and take a literary walking tour through the cobblestone streets. If you stay until December 31st, be sure to check out their famous First Night celebration that showcases some of the world's most elaborate ice sculptures and a Mardi-Gras style parade. Tickets are a mere $18 ($15 if purchased online).

When to book: Boston Logan is a popular international airport, so keep your eye out for specials year-round and book 6-10 weeks in advance (or at the very last minute) for the best deals.
Where to stay: If you're hoping to lay your head down as close to the Boston Red Socks as possible, the Boston Hotel Buckminster boasts a superb location, between Kenmore and Fenway "T" stops.

Explore America: Christmas on the Move

For a truly unusual Christmas, and if your family just can't decide if it should be spent in sun or snow, why not pack some light reading (or buy a fresh journal) and cross the country with Amtrak? Some of Amtrak Vacation's escorted tours can include everything you need at a bundled price. Including hotels, city tours and welcome receptions, admission to National Parks, and even meals, crossing the country by train can be one of the most exciting experiences you'll ever have. Itineraries can be selected from their catalog (available to download here), or you can search their routes and destinations at their website and create your own.

When to book: Train travel is best planned in advance, so the sooner the better! If you're thinking of creating your own itinerary, booking now will free your time to plan hotels and expeditions at each destination.
Where to stay: If you're thinking of the full Indiana Jones experience, consider taking Amtrak's Superliner or Viewliner trains that contain sleeping cars with "roomettes". Accommodation is usually designed for two adults, but some rooms can accommodate families of four.