Are You Ready for Winter Break?

It's Never Too Soon to Start Planning!

By Mia McDonald

I know what you’re thinking: does Singapore even have a winter? No, not in the traditional sense where cold temperatures permeate, but most expats have holiday time off between American Thanksgiving and the New Year. So why in the world should you be thinking about a winter break in June? You’re in full summer vacation mode.

Although summer is thoroughly underway, the fact remains that you should plan your winter holiday vacations now if you plan to travel. As more countries open borders and people feel comfortable moving about the world, the best locations will see peak pricing and limited availability sooner.

According to The US Travel Association, airfares have increased more than 23% from March 2021, and accommodations have increased 29% within the same time frame. Last-minute "deals" will be rare! The earlier you plan, the more relaxed you can feel, knowing that you’ve secured your dream holiday at a reasonable rate.

FOUR FABULOUS FAN FAVORITE WINTER HOLIDAY IDEAS

The Northern Lights

Go see Earth’s most magnificent light show on full display. This bucket list trip is sure to be memorable. A guided trip to the Northern Lights is highly recommended for first-timers. Guides teach you the science behind these magical lights and know the best spots for potential viewing since tour operators have been scoping them out for years! And don’t just plan to sit around and watch the sky, because the Northern Lights display can be unpredictable. Choose a destination where other winter activities and sports can be enjoyed simultaneously. For example, Finland, Sweden, and Norway offer activities such as reindeer-pulled sleigh rides, dog sledding, and snowmobiling that might be fun to add to your holiday itinerary. Do you have young kids? Add meeting Santa to the list. You’ll need at least four nights for an 80% chance to see the lights. Are you wondering where else you can go see the Northern Lights? Iceland, Canada, and Alaska are all great places as long as you’re above 65 degrees North latitude, along the Aura Belt. Accommodations to consider are Aurora Village in Canada; Deplar Farm in Iceland; or Scandic Ishavshotel in Norway.

Adventure Down Under

Australia has so much to offer during your winter holiday break because it’s the start of their summer season. Australia’s seasons are opposite ours in the Northern Hemisphere. The hottest months are December to February, where average daily temperatures range from about 20°C to 37°C (68°F to 99°F). Each coast of Australia offers new and exciting adventures. Experience wine country in Victoria, New South Wales, West or South Australia. Take a trip to see the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns or Hamilton Island. Engage with and learn from the many Aboriginal people who provide educational tours. Of course, a trip Down Under isn't complete without nature and wildlife. The young and young-at-heart will enjoy the multitude of unique wildlife encounters from the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, the Australia Zoo in Brisbane, or any number of nature parks throughout the country, most notably the Uluru National Park near Alice Springs. There's a lot of ground to cover in Australia, so prioritize your must-see and must-do lists wisely. You'll need at least five days per region, mainly depending on how long your wish list is. Keep in mind that you won't be able to do it all. Accommodations to consider are Wilpena Pound Resort in South Australia; The Oaks Darling Harbor in Sydney; O’Rielly’s Rainforest Retreat in Queensland; or Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort in Western Australia.

European Christmas Markets

The Christmas markets throughout Europe are iconic. They date back centuries and make the holidays feel more magical than ever before. They’re a wonderment of lights, laughter, and games. Delicious foods and beverages like Glühwein are bountiful on cobblestone streets in old central European towns, where vendors sell unique handicrafts. If large crowds aren't going to make you crazy, start planning this trip now. Most Christmas markets start the weekend after our American Thanksgiving holiday and run until Christmas Eve. You can catch the festivities in cities throughout Germany, Belgium, Austria, and Switzerland. A Danube River cruise allows you to unpack your bags once and enjoy the many port stops and their various Christmas market flair along the way. Tip: Pack light or bring an extra suitcase. There are so many beautiful things to buy at these markets. Accommodations to consider are those by The Romantik Hotels Group, with various unique properties in many Christmas Market towns.

Stay Semi-Local

If the idea of long flights isn't what you have in mind for your winter holiday, consider a short flight and river cruise. Through the Mekong Delta, explore cities within Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, or Halong Bay to experience northern Vietnam. These river cruise options provide effortless sightseeing in multiple cities with an English-speaking tour guide and free time for your own unique excursions. You can have adventurous excursions or luxurious epicurean indulgences with various cruise lines. Riverboats are much smaller than an ocean cruise liner, some with as few as ten cabins onboard. Additionally, they generally have larger standard cabin room space. You can wake up with a new city to explore almost every day of your trip. The best river cruises offer allinclusive pricing, so your food, beverages, and entertainment are included. You'll need four to 14 days to enjoy a Mekong Delta cruise, or as little as three days to enjoy a Halong Bay cruise.

Loved these ideas but need help?

Mia McDonald is an American expat who’s been living and working abroad for more than seven years. As an international travel specialist, Mia will guide the travel planning and booking process with your input to ensure your accommodations, river cruise, or tours are the perfect fit for you. Contact Expats Traveling Group to get started.