Christmas Travel Ideas that Your Family Can Experience Together

 

 

Sometimes the gift of experience is better for your kids than material things they will use once or twice. Instead of spending money on expensive toys this holiday, put the money toward a family vacation.

 

Australia:

 

 

Photo by Hai Linh Truong via Wikimedia Commons

Looking to enjoy summer weather in the winter on what many might consider an once-in-a-lifetime trip? Then think about booking a trip to the land down under— Australia. Because Australia is located in the southern hemisphere, it is enjoying its summer in December. So you can hit some of Sydney’s beaches or take your kids to look for fairy penguins on Melbourne’s Phillip Island. Australia is an especially great vacation destination if you want to go somewhere unique, yet still have an easy time acclimating with the locals.

 

Wisconsin:

 

 

Photo by Peter Dedina via Wikimedia Commons

Even when the weather outside is frightful, you and your family can still have a wonderful time challenging waterslides and pretending that you’re floating down a river through the warm tropics in one of the many indoor waterparks in the Wisconsin Dells. And if a recent poll by USA Today is any indication, even your teens should love spending time in the Dells, which won its 2013 Best Destination for Teens award. It’s probably not surprising that it won this award as the Dells calls itself the Waterpark Capital of the World. This destination, however, isn’t just for teens. There are also tons of rides and attractions for younger kids as well. Even better, during the winter months, you can often find great Wisconsin Dells deals on the area’s many popular hotels and attractions.

 

New York:

 

 

Photo by Massimiliano silipigni via Flickr

There are few places as exciting as New York City in the wintertime. The air is crisp and filled with the delicious scent of roasting chestnuts. The streets are mobbed with people and there are lots of activities, including seeing the world-famous Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, catching a New York Rangers hockey game or spending time ice skating either in Central Park or at Rockefeller Center. Unfortunately, hotel rooms are often scarce and very pricey during the holiday season in New York City. So to save money on your hotel room, try booking a room in a nearby New Jersey suburb. There are a number of hotels located in New Jersey near the PATH train that are typically cheaper and larger than the ones you can find in New York City.

 

Dude Ranch:

 

 

Photo by Laramie River Dude Ranch via Flickr

Although most people think of dude ranches as a summer vacation idea, they can also be a great way to spend the holiday, especially if you have a number of horse lovers in your family. Choose a ranch located in a wintry destination if you have always dreamt of galloping across snowy fields. If you prefer warmer riding conditions, look for a ranch in the Texas or Arizona desert. There is something truly magical about enjoying hot chocolate around a rustic dude ranch’s fireplace at Christmas time.

 

About the Author:

Sarah Kneeson has been a travel explorer in her second life, following a successful insurance career.

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