Here's Where You Should Travel This Holiday Season, Based on Your Zodiac Sign
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With decorations, delicious food, and a convivial atmosphere, the holidays are without a doubt the most magical time of the year. What’s sure to make the festive period even more memorable? Going on a trip somewhere special to soak in the spirit of the season. There’s something endlessly appealing about a mountain town dusted in fresh flakes, while a cosmopolitan city with shop windows decked out in garlands and twinkling lights guarantees a postcard-perfect getaway that doesn't skimp on pomp and excitement.
Then again, escaping somewhere far away that feels like an entirely different world has a certain appeal. All this is to say that the options are endless. And that’s when that old paradox of choice rears its ambivalent head. Having a hard time deciding where to go for the holidays this year? Why not let the stars be your guide? We tapped professional astrologer and writer Lauren Ash to help select the ideal destination for each zodiac sign based on its unique traits and quirks. For example, a thrill-seeking Aires might be attracted to the far reaches of Patagonia whereas a more laid-back Cancer could find some domestic delight in Charleston. Read on to find out where you should consider jetting off to this holiday season, based on your zodiac sign.
Aries: Patagonia, Argentina
“The first sign of the zodiac, Aries tend to be bold, ambitious thrillseekers,” says Ash. The way that translates to travel is seeking out new frontiers and trendsetting destinations that give fiery globetrotters major bragging rights. Add a little adrenaline to the mix and it’s a major win.
That’s why Patagonia is the nonpareil place for Aries to journey to this holiday season. It’s an end-of-the-world dreamscape that boasts some of the most exciting, bucket-list active adventurers— among them kayaking on pristine lakes, glacier trekking, and mountain biking—and scenery you have to see to believe.
Where to Stay: Llao Llao Hotel
Taurus: Rome, Italy
Taurus is ruled by Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and aesthetics. When it comes to travel, this earth sign loves sensory-driven experiences brimming with art and culture. “Tauruses are definitely the type to go somewhere for food tourism, too,” Ash says.
While Rome impresses year-round, it’s especially attractive during the holidays when lights illuminate the larger-than-life landmarks. After a full day of shopping at designer stores, admiring the centuries-old architecture, casting wishes in the Trevi Fountain, and marveling through world-class museums, handmade pasta, crispy Roman artichokes, and red wine await at cozy trattorias around the Eternal City.
Where to Stay: Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Gemini: Kyoto, Japan
There’s a chameleon-esque quality to Geminis. The sign of the twins likes to do a little bit of everything and wants a destination that can offer a mix of history, culture, food, nature, and yuletide spirit. That’s exactly why Kyoto tops the list of potential places for a holiday trip.
The ancient Japanese city brims with peaceful Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and imperial palaces. It’s also home to a magnificent bamboo forest. Deep-rooted traditions remain alive through geisha performances in the Gion district, kaiseki dining, and Nishiki Market, a five-block-long street lined with shops and eateries. The huge glittering tree in front of Kyoto Station always wows.
Cancer: Charleston, South Carolina
The homebody of the zodiac, Cancer doesn’t necessarily need or want to venture too far from home for a luxury travel experience. “The ‘mother sign’ is a nurturer with and will happily plan everything before departing, but views a vacation as a time for relaxation and doesn’t want to stress on the actual trip,” explains Ash. “They also enjoy being by the water and getting swept up in the spirit of the season.”
The slower, more laid-back pace of Charleston will definitely appeal to a Cancer. The Holy City also turns on the holiday charm with greenery garlands and magnolia wreaths on the churches, storefronts, boutique hotels, and waterfront mansions.
Leo: Cartagena, Colombia
The only zodiac ruled by the sun, Leos love attention and having a good time. “They’re really looking for a vibrant destination with pulsating energy and great nightlife,” says Ash. Colorful, vibrant, and endlessly charming, Cartagena is a dream for photo ops and social media snaps with a UNESCO-listed Old Town, cobbled squares where performers entertain crowds, live music, dance halls, and cocktail bars galore.
It’s a sizzling Colombian port city that calls for busting out a cute new outfit and hitting the town. Leos will also connect to the friendly, local vibe and warm climate, plus the chance to buy handmade gifts for friends and family back home.
Virgo: Brussels, Belgium
“If there’s someone who knows the travel hacks and has the airline credit cards, it’s a Virgo,” says Ash. The ultimate planner of the zodiac derives joy from making spreadsheets, curating itineraries, and coordinating timetables. Ash adds, “Maximizing time and seeing a lot on a trip is really important.”
More than just a magical holiday destination with grand architecture and Christmas markets, Brussels acts as a central home base. That means pack-it-all-in types have the option to hop on a train to Ghent for castle tours and walks along the river, then hit the enchanting Flemish city of Bruges for fairytale architecture and carriage rides.
Libra: Paris, France
Our astrologer explained that the Libra is the sign of lovers. “They want to fall in love on vacation and enjoy every aspect of a trip, indulge in experiences, and come back with a good story.” Few places are more seductive than Paris during the holidays. It’s a city full of pleasure (think: decadent food, wine, and designer shopping).
When the twinkling lights turn on and garlands adorn the landmark buildings, it’s straight out of a movie—one that ends with the main character sipping Champagne and eating fancy French cheese while staring at the Eiffel Tower glistening at night.
Scorpio: Cairo, Egypt
Scorpios have a penchant for investigation and deep exploration. They are also quite action-driven and will typically choose desert over water. An ancient city like Cairo really fits those proclivities and makes for a great solo trip—you'll never get bored visiting the iconic pyramids, browsing museums full of antiquities or cruising the Nile River!
While Egypt’s sprawling, vibrant capital might not seem like the most obvious pick for holiday travel, with Scorpios it’s less about decorations and more about being dazzled by centuries of history.
Where to Stay: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence
Sagittarius: Hoedspruit, South Africa
“Sagittarius is the world traveler of the zodiac,” notes Ash. When it comes to the holidays, globetrotting shines bright as the gift that keeps on giving for this always-on-the-go fire sign.
The prospect of hopping on a long-haul flight to Cape Town or Johannesburg and then connecting to smaller domestic plane en route to Hoedspruit doesn’t phase a Sag, especially when the final, hard-to-reach destination promises a once-in-lifetime South African safari with Big Five viewing, sundowner cocktails, and snoozing in a luxury tented camp in Greater Kruger National Park.
Capricorn: Dolomites, Italy
The boss CEO of the zodiac works harder than anyone and probably doesn't vacation enough, according to Ash. Since the professional side of things takes priority most of the time, it’s really important for Capricorns to go somewhere to decompress with nice hotels and a few activities.
The Dolomites put stunning alpine scenery, crisp mountain air, and groomed slopes within reach during the holiday season. The views of snow-capped peaks, a heated pool, and abundance of spa offerings—from pine body scrubs to healing wood massages—might even be enough to make an always-plugged-in Capricorn power off their laptop.
Aquarius: Istanbul, Turkey
Aquarius marches to the beat of their own drum. The rebel of the zodiac isn’t going to choose somewhere trendy and overly tourist-trodden. They’d much prefer a more unique place that’s different than where everyone else goes during the holidays with distinctive culture and hidden local treasures to discover.
Straddling Europe and Asia, this longtime crossroads displays centuries of influence from both the East and West. Its Old City, Sultanahmet, is a treasure trove of ornate mosques, shops, fountains, and family-owned cafés. Turkish bathhouses, bustling open-air markets, and dance performances provide greater insight into local life.
Where to Stay: Six Senses Istanbul
Pisces: Queenstown, New Zealand
“The dreamer of the zodiac seeks out places for travel where they can get lost in their own world,” says Ash. Virtually as far away from the realities of North America as you could possibly get, Queenstown looks ripped out of the pages of an illustrated storybook about a fantasy realm.
It’s a Southern Hemisphere (read: December holidays fall over the summer) destination that’s perfect for unplugging and finding some seclusion in nature. Because Pisces are drawn to water, the city’s setting on the shores of the mystical mountain-backed, lightning bolt-shaped Lake Wakatipu will definitely satisfy that affinity with shark boats, jet skis, and scenic catamaran cruises.
Where to Stay: Matakauri Lodge
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