Where to go in December

[flowerycurtain]

Hello.

After a really shitty year DH and I have a whopping 10 days we can go away together as a family next December. It'll be the first time off we've had as a family since Dec 19.

It's our 10th wedding anniversary and my 40th so something special. Kids will be 8 and 7. We need somewhere we can go where all 4 of us can really really relax. Probably hot as will be to tempted to ski if it's cold! Probably need a kids club.

Ideally within a 7 hr flight window. Budget is 5k-7k.

Does anyone have any suggestions please?

Barbados would be my choice, every time.

@chocolatesaltyxmaspudballs id ruled that out due to 8.5 hr flight time. I'd happily do that but as DH's preference is to spend 10 days at somewhere like Chewton Glen I think I'll do well to get him on a plane at all!

Longer, but direct over night flight - would you consider South Africa?

OP I've made it to Barbs in a little over 7 hours. Depends on which way the wind is blowing! It's well worth it.

@sesquipedalia I always thought if I did South Africa it would be more sightseeing/safari holiday. Quite like the idea of an overnight flight though. Could possibly persuade dh for that.

@chocolatesaltyxmaspudballs I could alway pretend to dh it's just over 7 hrs - not much he could do once on the plane!

Do it! Flight home is overnight as well.

If you do, please come back and tell me how fabulous it was. Planning a trip there myself next year.

@chocolatesaltyxmaspudballs this is me planning for December 2021!! You'll probably be there before me!

Indeed, my plan is to be there in October!

Ten days at the Chewton Glen would cost more than that all in ha ha
Although it's lovely !!!

You could fly to the Middle East in 7 hours or less - Jordan, Dubai, Abu Dhabi?

Or North Africa-Morocco or Egypt?

Barbados is around a 7 hour flight time.but you may struggle to find a holiday on your budget- its peak expensive season in December.

South Africa is a longer flight but such a minor time difference I always feel it's an easier journey with no jet lag than eg to Caribbean where it's a 5 hour time change.

My choice would be somewhere in Asia like Thailand, Malaysia or Vietnam but probably too long a flight for you.

Your budget will be the constraining factor in December, unless you are able to depart before the 10th when the prices shoot up. I priced up several destinations for my family similar ages, 10 nights departing 27th December a couple of weeks ago (found my notes on my desk). All four or five star hotels.

Dubai - £12k HB
Abu Dhabi - £10k HB
Dominican Republic - £10.5k AI
Antigua - £14k AI
Barbados - £16k HB
Langkawi - £9k HB
Phuket - £6.5k B&B

I know this spanned New Year but would give you an idea. We decided to leave it and wait and see what happens with COVID19.

Given the age of your kids, have you considered going to Lapland to see the real Santa? We went with Canterbury Travel a couple of years ago. It was honestly one of my best family holidays ever. Reindeer sleigh rides, husky sleds, sledging, snowmobile riding, plus hunting for the big man. We also got to see the northern lights. Stayed in a proper fairy tale log cabin in Luosto which is in the middle of nowhere. Truly magical. I was really sceptical. To be honest we were doing it more for the kids. Both husband and I had as good a time as they did.

If it’s of interest then do choose your travel company wisely. I have one friend who went with a big high street agent and their trip was underwhelming to say the least. Based in Rovaneimi which is very touristy. Good for shopping but there’s a real Santa round every corner.

@BiscuitsUnited Egypt would be my first choice as I have been many times before. Great flight time & country but I just font feel safe enough there these days.

@Zodlebud I'd done a couple of quotes which were coming out at 7k leaving on the 11th so had thought it was upper end of what we can do. That was for Dubai.

I'd normally love the idea of Lapland but we're at the point of being absolutely exhausted now and we have a whole year of work before this holiday so just fee we need something really relaxing rather than doing Iykwim. We'd normally ski but obviously won't be doing that this year and Feb 2022 seems like such a long way away to wait.

Have a look at the Florida Keys. It's not hot hot but a very pleasant 24 degrees usually. Lots of resort hotels but you could also hire a villa for a more cost effective holiday. Ooodles of restaurants to eat in in most of the towns (but reservations are required that time of year).

You also might find the flights significantly cheaper to go via New York (three nights in the Big Apple maybe before flopping on the beach). Otherwise fly to Miami or Tampa and drive down.

Actually, driving from Tampa would be rubbish. I forgot I did it pre kids!!! Miami is your best bet and you could spend a few days there before driving to the Keys.