The most cheerful moment of the year is almost here. This is the time of year for joyful décor, the giving spirit, heartwarming films, and an abundance of gifts. Time’s also the ideal excuse to spend it away from home, no matter how well-furnished yours is. The top five locations for a holiday trip are listed below.
- Ascot, England
Ascot may be most known for the yearly horse race the royal family adores, but it also has its pleasures in the winter, particularly at the opulent and beautiful CowortNh Park. It is all you might imagine in an English country manor with numerous fireplaces, cozily nooks, and exquisite Christmas decorations. A champagne afternoon tea with holiday singing is among the special on-site holiday events, along with a showing of the King’s broadcast Christmas Day message, card-making classes, and numerous multi-course meals. Plus, the 22-suite facility is less than an hour from London if you wish to add a day of culture and shopping to the schedule.
- London, England
You won’t want holiday cheer in the UK capital because London is known for going all out with its decorations. There is truly no better moment for Americans to take advantage of the city—and its shopping—given the current situation of the British pound! So before retiring to the opulent surroundings of Claridge’s, another venerable London establishment with some of the best holiday decorations, take care of all your last-minute gift requirements at classics like Harrod’s and Fortnum & Mason.
- Loire Valley, France
Loire Valley is one of the most imposing chateaux in the Loire Valley of France. So go all out for Christmas decorations and seasonal activities in December. Each is decorated with a distinctive theme—for example, Chateau Royal d’Amboise will celebrate a White Christmas while Château de Villandry will create a winter garden with ornamental cabbage and leeks, boxwood lace, and lime trees—and is brimming with personality, history, and exquisiteness that is perfect for Instagram.
- Danube River
Legendary Christmas markets come up in numerous locations around Central Europe (Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria). Due to Uniworld, you can experience them all on one spectacular Danube River trip. The organization will stop in Passau, Salzburg, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest during its 8-day Danube Holiday Markets tour. There will be numerous shopping trips (do yourself a favor and pack an extra suitcase), spiced wine tastings, concert outings, a cruise through the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and museum visits, in addition to the numerous shopping excursions.
- Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is undoubtedly a pretty simple sell with its stunning mountain-meets-sea feel. There are no clouds in the sky, particularly in December when the decorations are up. Consider warm beach days, excursions to South Africa’s wine region, and walks up Table Mountain, one of the World’s New Seven Wonders.
