The holiday season is upon us, a lot of travelers will soon hit the road and explore the sky. According to new data from PricewaterhouseCoopers, nearly 47% of Americans will travel this holiday season.
Unfortunately, more demand equates to higher prices and busier destinations. In fact, new Priceline data shows Thanksgiving and Christmas travel is on track to become the most expensive year to travel ever (inflation, jet fuel prices).
Domestic flight prices increased by 35%, international flight prices by 44% and hotel prices by 11%.
Don’t worry, though.
If you are strategic with your bookings, you can score some savings. For example, Priceline data also shows that the cheapest days for the next 3 months will be the first 5 days of December.
You can also find cheap flights and discounts by traveling two to five days before or after each holiday. Beyond that, there are still plenty of less in-demand destinations to visit if you want to kick-start or enjoy the holiday spirit around the globe.
Of course, because COVID-19 and other respiratory infections like RSV are on the rise, it’s important to read the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and consider getting vaccinated. new vaccines to increase protection.
So where should you go? Here are eight of TPG’s best places to visit in December.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
While Dubrovnik is primarily known as a summer destination, it is ideal to visit in winter because of fewer tourists, mild weather, and local festivals.
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After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the 9th annual Dubrovnik Winter Festival is back with rich musical entertainment, food celebrations, children’s activities, etc. During the festival period, visitors can enjoy rich cultural entertainment as they mostly enjoy the historic Old Quarter. Festival activities include live music, ice skating, art workshops, and study of traditional crafts made by local artisans.
TPG Tip: Stay at Excelsior Hotel for around 13,000 Chase the ultimate reward points ($198) per night. This landmark hotel overlooks the Adriatic Sea and the Old Town and is only half a mile from the Christmas Market. It also offers special guest deals with discounted rates and charming holiday decorations.
Related: Cheapest ways to get to Croatia using points and miles
Belize
In December, Belize boasts long sunny days, 80-degree temperatures, and lots of holiday fun.
Like many other destinations, the country is steeped in the warm holiday spirit of December. The aroma of traditional Belizean Black Fruit Cakes fills the air, rum popo (an egg-wine-like drink). ) flows freely and people usually seem happier as they prepare to celebrate Christmas in Belize.
Holiday traditions include the San Pedro Lighted Boat Parade, the Wanaragua Jankunu Festival, and the Deer Dance Festival. Also, scuba diving and snorkeling along the Belize Barrier Reef are excellent as it is the dry season.
Access to Belize from major US cities through numerous airlines and non-stop flight options, makes it an easy travel destination. It is also the only English-speaking country in the region where the US dollar is widely accepted with a favorable exchange rate from 2 Belize dollars to 1 dollar.
TPG Tip: Book a room at the stunning Alaia Belize Signature Collection, where you can get an Ocean Vista Studio from 47,000 Marriott Bonvoy points ($342) per night. Upgrade to a two-bedroom apartment for only 91,000 points per night.
Related: 9 new Caribbean resorts, from Barbados to Belize, you need to visit
Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich is the quintessential winter wonderland during the holidays. The city is decorated with vintage-style lights and decorations, and there are also a number of traditional European Christmas markets, fondue chalets, as well as traditional events such as the candlelight ceremony in the market square. Bürkliplatz town and the fairy tram Märlitram.
A highlight is the Christkindlimarkt at Zurich Main Station — one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe — with 140 stalls. You also can’t miss the 32-foot tall Christmas tree decorated with thousands of sparkling Swarovski crystals.
TPG Tip: This year, travelers can stay at the unique Noel Hotel, a pop-up experience that runs from November 24 to December 24. January 26, 2022, with 10 rooms in 10 The hotel is individually designed by different artists, reflecting innovative contemporary interpretations of the Christmas season.
Participating hotels include Hyatt Place ($269 per night or 15,000) Hyatt Points World) and the trendy B2 Boutique Hotel, with rooms transformed by artists selected for the wide range and diversity of their work.
Las Vegas, Nevada
While you may not get the heat of the desert making Las Vegas Pool parties are so popular, you can still enjoy the pleasant 60s temperatures in December. The cooler temperatures make it possible to enjoy all the activities the bustling city has to offer without the hassle. have to jostle or sweat.
This month also marks the iconic Las Vegas Bowl, which college football fans will likely love. All hotels get into the holiday spirit with lavish decorations like Bellagio’s Christmas-themed big screens.
Additionally, according to new Priceline data, Las Vegas was the most affordable domestic destination in December for both round-trip airfare ($303.29) and average nightly room rate ($132.95).
TPG Tip: Overnight at the all-suite palace at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas for 24,000 IHG Rewards points per night or $119. The hotel has a spa, fine dining, a perfect location on The Strip, and large rooms.
City of San Diego, California
City of San Diego is a perfect choice if you are looking for a warm and sunny place but want to avoid booking for a busy trip Caribbean.
You can still enjoy beach days with temperatures approaching 70 degrees without having to deal with the summer crowds. There are also fun holiday festivals to join. Enjoy the Snow N Glow Festival at the Del Mar Fairgrounds from December 8 to January 1, 2023. Sip on hot cocoa while watching a festive light show or rent a nest igloo. Have a private party for you and your loved ones.
TPG Tip: Guests staying at Andaz San Diego can enjoy meals at The Rooftop by STK and STK Steakhouse, as well as partying by the pool on the rooftop. Take in views of downtown while working out at the rooftop fitness center. That’s all from 15,000 World of Hyatt points or $465 per night.
Related: 15 best things to do in San Diego
Québec City, Canada
Québec City in December is magical. During that time, Germany’s annual Christmas Market (November 24 to December 23) features traditionally handcrafted wooden kiosks filled with local produce. , Christmas music, concerts, etc. in historic Old Quebec.
For foodies, Le Grand Marché, the city’s major food court, has its own Christmas market offering over 1,000 local products throughout December. You can also warm up at popular museums like La Citadelle de Québec and other attractions such as the Observatoire de la Capitale, which offers 360-degree views of the city.
TPG Tip: As the official Christmas Market event partner, the completely refurbished Hilton Québec offers breathtaking views for $230 a night or $49,000 Hilton title points per night.
Bermuda
Sunny and 75? That’s what December in Bermuda offers travelers looking for an escape from the frigid temperatures and snow in many parts of the US.
Aside from the pleasant weather, the month is filled with celebration. For example, the City’s Christmas Boat Parade takes place in Hamilton Harbor every December, lighting up the water with twinkling lights.
In addition, Bermuda is served by direct flights in under three hours from major overseas markets such as New York (only 90 minutes by flight), Boston, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Miami and Atlanta.
TPG Tip: Splash your money while staying at The resort of St. Regis Bermuda, overlooking St. Beach. Catherine. Book this Category 8 property available from 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night right now, cash rates typically from $735.
Related: Already booked your holiday travel? Here are the best cards to make your trip more comfortable
New York City
The Big Apple makes this list regularly thanks to all it has to offer each season. However, New York City especially charming in December.
The city embodies its holiday spirit with elaborate display windows at popular department stores like Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Barney’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. The iconic Rockettes make an appearance at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and you can skate around the giant Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.
The Union Square holiday market, ice skating at the Bank of America Winter Village in Bryant Park, and a holiday train show at the New York Botanical Garden are also included. It’s hard not to feel festive.
TPG Tip: Be in the center of it all at the Courtyard New York Manhattan/5th Avenue (from $369 a night or 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points per night). If downtown gives you more vibes, The Beekman, A Thompson Hotel starts at 29,000 World of Hyatt points per night or $519.
