Booking trend: Aussies are dreaming of a European christmas

christmas market blurred background, people walking in cozy decorated street with garlandes and wooden houses of shops

Trafalgar’s booking trends are showing that travellers are flocking to book Christmas and New Years trips in the Northern Hemisphere, so get on it folks!

Backyard barbecues and beach cricket have their perks, but who could pass up the chance to spend their festive break living it up in a storybook locale?

From the bucket-list icons of Rome and the Hidden Gems of Dublin, to the majestic snowscapes of Lucerne and the vibrant streets of Barcelona, ‘tis the season to sell the Christmas break.

“We saw a spike in Northern Hemisphere Christmas trip sales this time last year and we’re seeing similar growth for a forecasted peak in the coming weeks, so clients need to get in right now to secure their ideal festive holiday break in Europe at the best prices before they sell out.” Trafalgar Australia’s Managing Director, Matthew Cameron-Smith said.

So, consider this a heads-up, agents, your clients are gonna want to know about these inspiring destinations.

Verona, Italy on Best of Italy

Piazza delle Erbe at Christmas, Verona

Travellers can explore the story of the famous star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, in this exquisite Italian city, making sure to stop at Juliet’s Balcony to leave their love note on the wall.

When you’re are not being wooed by the city’s medieval architecture, a visit to the glittering Christmas markets is a must – before settling in for a festive Italian feast of epic proportions and then going on spending New Years eve in Lake Como.

Cardiff, United Kingdom on Real Britain

Cardiff Castle

Travellers can create new Christmas traditions in Cardiff this year, the capital of Wales and home to more green space per person than any other core city in the United Kingdom.

Delve into the proud heritage and culture of the Welsh, as they explore Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Castle and the myriad of bars, restaurants and pubs to sample the region’s top nosh.

Spend New Year’s eve in the captivating capital – Edinburgh, with the fun-loving Scots.

Lisbon, Portugal on Highlights of Spain and Portugal

Lisbon

If a festive break in warmer climates appeals to you, then a journey to the seafaring Portuguese capital of Lisbon is the one to peddle.

Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour of the spectacular 16th century Hieronymite Monastery, Belém Tower and the city’s sea of pastel-hued houses.

If you’re hungry for more, they can consider an evening in the quaint hillside bairro of Alfama, where you can enjoy traditional Portuguese flavours amidst the melancholic tunes of the local fado music.

New Year’s eve will then be spent in Spain’s cultural capital of Madrid, and join in the tradition of eating 12 grapes in front of the official New Year’s Eve Clock at the Puerta del Sol.

Lucerne, Switzerland on European Highlights

Lucerne, Switzerland, view of old town and Alps mountains

Travellers can swap their swimsuit for a scarf and embrace the festive season in lakeside NY Lucerne, where the exquisite Alpine setting is what Christmas dreams are made of.

Spend your days shopping for famed Swiss souvenirs and indulging in cheese and chocolate, or perhaps a horse drawn carriage experience, Mount Pilatus excursion or lake cruise.

There’s no better time to book, with Trafalgar’s 7.5 per cent off Autumn, Winter and Spring trips to celebrate the new brochure release – for bookings made by 23 August, 2018.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

cardiff christmas italy lisbon lucerne northern hemisphere portugal switzerland trafalgar United Kingdom verona