Where to go Christmas/Year

[Iamtheresurrection]

DH's allocated holiday period is starts Christmas Eve to mid January. Looking for inspiration on holiday destinations for 2 adults and a 6 year old. Doesn't have to be a sunshine destination.

It's the most expensive time to go away!
How,about center parcs? Expensive but most flights to pay for

Cape Town is lovely at that time but horrendously expensive flights!

We already have Center Parks booked for next year.

Unfortunately, this is the time we can have our main holiday

What's your budget roughly?

Probably about £5k - we were thinking Orlando but there are no Scottish or Manchester flights. If we are connecting via London we'd be as well considering all options.

You could do Orlando. Scottish flights are usually to JFK or Newark and then down to Orlando. Or go via London.

Skiing ? First week of Jan is usually cheaper. SIL has spent Christmas in the Canaries in the past.

Apparently my husband isn't allowed to go skiing - it's in his employment contract.

I'll look at Orlando via NY - a lot of the London flights that were coming up involved airport changes so this might be a better option.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Thailand was lovely last Christmas/New Year. We flew from Manchester with Etihad.

I'd vote for Thailand that time of year

Orlando could be tight for £5k bit it's a great time to go. Lots of budget Orlando tips on the dibb forum

I'll have a look - thought it was great he's off at Christmas for once without realising the impact on our annual holiday.

I'd go to the Far East - Malaysia probably, it's beautiful.

If you went to the Canaries, and were there on the evening of 5th January, you would be able to see the Three Kings Parade which is the biggest part of Christmas in Spain. The Three Kings ride camels through the streets and there are floats etc and sweets are thrown into the crowd - your 6 YO would absolutely love it.

Lanzarote would be my choice because there's lots of things to do if it isn't warm enough to lay around in the sun (caves, boat trips to other islands, volcano park, museums, arty stuff) but if you get a hotel with a heated pool you should be able to swim and get some decent weather - we went in mid December last year and did spend some time on the beach. Princessa Yaiza in Playa Blanca is often recommended on here and you probably have the budget for it.

Wonders what other things your DHs employment contract bans and what his job is?

The contrary side of me would be finding somthing equally risky to get into or is it a bit of a catch all ie 'not allowed to ski, snowboard, downhill mountain bike, ride motorbikes or other hazardous activities' sort of thing?

It's pretty much a catch all. If anything happens he won't get sick pay and could be disciplined.

Has anyone been to Dubai at this time of year?

Dubai is lovely weather that time of year. Most hotels make you pay for their 'gala dinner' on NYE though, so check that out

Very expensive for hotels though.

£336 per person for the gala dinner!

This is a lot harder than I thought it would be!

Swiss alps are great for a real Xmas. Lots of train journeys and cable cars. I second Thailand.

For Orlando via NYC you need time, and lots of it, to clear both immigration and customs. Do not accept a transfer time of less than say 3 - 3.5 hours to make the next plane.

Swiss alps could be a winner for me and dc - Dh can enjoy the apres ski!

Another vote for Thailand

Look at interlaken. You can get the train to Grindelwald for a cable car to view the jungfrau, Eiger etc. Lovely day trips out to Lucerne.we went on a sleigh on Xmas day. I don't ski but went for the scenery.

Thanks Sorrel, I'll look into that.