Enjoy the holidays without the snowfall
White Christmases are gorgeous, but they’re cold! The icy roads, the shoveling, and the reality of being trapped inside with your kids over winter break can make the holidays less than happy. Luckily, this year, traveling is an option again, and Christmas getaways can provide the perfect escape. If you’re wondering what is Christmas without snow, think about waves lapping on the beach, palm trees swaying in the sand, and a warm breeze caressing your skin. So why not bring the family (or escape the drama of your family) and head off to one of these amazing warm-weather spots?
Because many of us are just now easing back into travel, try a destination that’s not too far from home. The southern half of the United States offers a number of picture-perfect escapes, many of which are bona fide Christmas towns in their own right, offering Christmas light shows, boat parades, and other Christmas activities during the holiday season. The Caribbean and Mexico are just a short flight away, as well—you can even travel with gifts to keep your Christmas morning special.
How we chose the best Christmas getaways
Our location choices are based on expert recommendations and user reviews from travelers who’ve been there, with hotel picks based on affordability and star ratings. We also picked destinations based on Christmas activities, family friendliness, convenience, and safety. Travel is open to tourists at all of these destinations, but before booking, make sure to check local, state, and country COVID-related requirements for entry, as well as re-entry into the United States for international locales. You’ll also want to follow our holiday travel tips for each destination to get the most out of your Christmas vacation.
We’ve curated some great tips and tricks to bring joy home this season. Read on to make sure your whole family gets into the holiday spirit this year.
Anguilla
Best for: Luxury
Although all the islands are more crowded over Christmas, Anguilla’s relatively low amount of hotel rooms makes it a good choice for those looking for a sophisticated escape rather than packed beaches. And keep your eyes peeled—this exclusive island has been known to attract celebrities on their own Christmas getaways. Although there aren’t a ton of Christmas-specific activities on this quiet island, Anguilla is the ideal place for foodies to enjoy an elegant holiday meal, as it’s known for its world-class restaurants.
Anguilla is definitely not the cheapest vacation, but the calm atmosphere, epicurean delights, and picture-perfect beaches are worth a bit of a splurge for a special Christmas away. A moderate hotel that won’t break the bank, the Carimar Beach Club offers lovely rooms right on the gorgeous Meads Bay.
Readers Digest