Here at our HarperImpulse home we love the Christmas holidays. Snuggling up by the fire, mulled wine and mince pies and of course who doesn’t love the Christmas TV specials that we’re all guilty of binge-watching. Taking inspiration from the wonderful Zara Stoneley’s The Holiday Swap we decided to take a look at some Christmas getaways: near and far, sunny and snowy. We’ve collated it all for you.
The Splurge – Canada:
The first of our options may seem a bit left-field and indeed some eyebrows were raised when a member of team suggested this. However, this vast country holds an array of exciting opportunities. Whether you want to go hiking through mountain trails and find yourself in the wilderness, or take a more leisurely pace in some of the beautiful national parks and lakes that Canada holds. Looking for entertainment over this festive period many of the major cities, like Toronto and Vancouver, boast bustling nightlife and a rich scene of restaurants and nightclubs to dance your troubles away. Two things not to be missed? Niagara Falls and ice hockey. Three beautiful waterfalls that straddle the international border between the USA and Canada, this wonder of the world is not to be missed. Why ice hockey, you ask? Because nowhere quite loves this sport like Canada and as you take in the national culture I believe you should also take in the national sport. Go Team Canada!
Budget Heroes – Barcelona:
Much in the same vein as Canada, Spain is a country with a vast culture and bustling city nightlife. We’ve decided to narrow our choice down to Barcelona, however, in honour of The Holiday Swap. This city isn’t just great for sangria and tapas, it also boasts some of the most artistic structures in Europe. We know everyone loves the Eiffel Tower but there’s nothing quite like La Sagrada Familia. Incomplete the basilica changes year on year and will leave you with the same breathless feeling as gazing at any historic art. Again if you love architecture take a stroll down to the Gothic quarter where the streets are full pointed arched, ribbed vaults and the flying buttresses. It might not be as hot as some destinations as it is in northern Spain but you’ll be sure to enjoy your trip. And, if you do happen to crave a bit of festivity while you’re there this city’s famous Christmas market is sure to quench that hunger.
Staycation – Devon:
For many of us during the summer, this was the home away from home. Endless fun can be found in scrambling around hidden beach coves attempting to find buried treasure. Some of my fondest memories are walking away with a bucket full of shells that your mum would secretly throw out after. Just because this seems like a summer adventure, Christmas can be the perfect time to escape to this often underestimated county. You too can be like Florence Corte and escape into many of the amazing cottages that are available to rent over this period. Staycations often give us the best of both worlds, a quick getaway with less travel but you’re away from all the stresses that the holidays can bring. My top tip is keep the people with you to a minimum and do secret Santa rather than a full blown gift haul. The point is to enjoy your time, relax and enjoy. Preferably with a tipple.
The Splurge – Thailand:
When we asked where people would go if money was no object this immediately came up with people all craving guaranteed weather. The thing we probably all miss over Christmas. While we all wish for snow the cold slush soon loses its charm. Thailand is a staple for most travelers at some point in their lives and it’s not hard to see why. Beautiful unspoiled landscapes are interwoven with ancient temples, waterfalls and forests are juxtapose with white sands and beautiful ocean views. It would be hard not to fall in love with a place that seems this idyllic. Travel a little further from the coats and you’ll soon find yourself near several elephant sanctuaries where you can interact with these larger than life animals in their natural habitats. Need more nightlife? Visit Bangkok and sample the street markets full of delicacies and side streets packed with entertainment.
Budget Heroes – Norway:
If you ever jumped on to the interrailing bandwagon you may have ventured into Scandinavia. If not, have no fear for now is your chance. A rising destination for tourism Norway is the unspoiled territory often associated with the Vikings. If you’ve always wanted to take in the Northern Lights but never been tempted by Iceland then Norway is the place to be. It’s also somewhere that will give you that wintery feeling while still allowing you to explore a new land and escape the fears of having to plan for the entire festive season. Remember when I talked about national sports? Well skiing is a way of life in this wonderful country and provides the perfect terrain for hitting the slopes. Beautiful lakes and mountains, Norway provides many of the wonders of Canada without the extended flight, just a little over two hours!
Staycation – Edinburgh:
When you don’t want to catch a plane, catch a train instead! Want to attend one of the biggest New Year’s celebrations around? Stay in the city for Edinburgh’s Hogmanay where various stages throughout the city center will be created with live music throughout the night, you could be one of over 150,000 that often flood Scotland’s capital. Want a slower pace of trip? Visit Edinburgh castle, Arthur’s seat, the National Museum and old town for boutique shopping and many family run cafes. Just don’t forget to take in some of the smaller theatres and comedy clubs that the city is famous for. Again, this isn’t a trip that’s going to guarantee you some sun but it’ll certainly give you plenty to keep you entertained without the overcrowding of London.
If you’ve been inspired by this post to read Zara Stoneley’s wonderful book, The Holiday Swap, you can get your copy here.