Why Getaways Between Thanksgiving and Christmas Are Genius, Plus Where To Go
I've already told you where to get away for the Thanksgiving holiday, but now, let's move on to why travel between the two big American holidays is a brilliant idea. Allow me to quote my favorite travel guru, Wendy Perrin: "Tourists are scarce, hotel rates are low, free upgrades are plentiful, and in much of the world the favorable rates coincide with either lovely weather or festive holiday charm."
Make sense? Abundantly so! Perrin has agreed to share her favorite between-holiday getaway destinations, and I've added my own favorite spots within five of those destinations, to make your escape just a few easy clicks away.
Ready? Set? Go!
HAWAII
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Perrin reminds us that with the exception of Thanksgiving, all of November through December 18th or so is uncrowded, and hotels offer some very appealing deals during this period. Look for values on Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island in particular, Perrin says.
I love: Oahu's Turtle Bay Resort, which has just emerged from a multimillion-dollar makeover, and is full of activities for every traveler of every age. (Read more about my recent stay at Turtle Bay, here.)
THE CARIBBEAN
Hurricane season is over, finally! The weather is lovely, and you can score some great upgrades at what Perrin calls "blissfully empty five-star resorts" in that gorgeous part of the world.
I love: San Juan, Puerto Rico. I spent the days leading into Christmas here last year (read about my trip, here), and fell utterly in love with the city and its full-out embrace of the holidays. My two favorite spots for tucking in: the luxurious Condado Vanderbilt Resort and the charming O:live Boutique Hotel.
MEXICO
Is there ever a time not to love Mexico? Perrin's inside scoop is that this is peak season for fourth-night-free and fifth-night-free deals in Mexico up until December 18th or so. (If you’re still looking for an affordable Christmas vacation idea, she says, then Mexico is one of your best bets for that too.) Feliz Navidad!
I love: Two beautiful and luxurious resorts in Cabo have come back after Hurricane Odile, and are simply too wonderful for words: One&Only Palmilla and Esperanza--An Auberge Resort. You're welcome.
RIVER CRUISING TO EUROPE'S CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Perrin's between-the-holidays trip last year was a European river cruise focused on the magical Christmas markets of Central Europe. Brilliant, and suddenly coastal, if we allow rivers to create that magic (I think they do, which is why we are revealing our best river cruises for 2016 next week).
THE MALDIVES
If this romantic and far-flung archipelago is on your bucket list, now's the time to go. Perrin reminds that early December brings lovely weather, optimal conditions for snorkeling and diving, and "extraordinary values at the over-the-top private island resorts" you find only in the Maldives.
I love: The Viceroy Maldives is an exclusive accommodation in the far northern Shaviyani Atoll. Half of the resort’s villas are strung along a boardwalk over the water; the other half are hidden among tropical gardens.
I say: Be a smarter traveler and follow Wendy Perrin on Facebook and Twitter @wendyperrin and sign up for her weekly newsletter to stay in the know. Thanks to Wendy for sharing with us today!
Always wondered about Puerto Rico? Read why you should go right now, here.
Want to know the 3 best museums... on Bermuda? Go here.
