Christmas getaway inspo: The 7 most exotic destinations
Fancy escaping the stress and expense of Christmas this year? We’ve got you covered.
As more people opt to forgo the backyard barbie and archaic family gathering (see also: bickering), many of your clients are going to be looking for a stress-free, relaxing alternative before the start of the new year.
Smart Lemur, a travel site that offers smart travel advice, has selected a list of exotic destinations, packed with quirky seasonal traditions for a Christmas with a difference. Check them out below.
1. Christmas Island, Australia
Rising above the clear waters of the Indian Ocean, 1,550km north-west of the Australian mainland lies Christmas Island.
Apart from its obvious affiliation to Christmas after being named on December 25th in 1643 by Captain William Mynors, the island is bursting with natural wonders: from the spectacular annual red crab migration to birds found only indigenous to the island.
Glorious deserted beaches and the majority of the island residing inside the National Park mean Christmas Island is a place of natural beauty and wonder, sure to provide any seasonal visitor with a trip to remember.
2. Goa, Southwest India
On the Southwest coast of India, two and a half hours flight from the international hub of Mumbai, lies the former Portuguese province of Goa.
This tropical paradise is a favourite holiday destination for Indian and International tourists with its variety of day and night time activities.
Quiet sandy beaches, palm trees and an abundance of wildlife including dolphins, pink-bottomed macaque monkeys and Olive Ridley turtles are on show.
Goa is a popular spot with those looking to escape the winter cold and immerse themselves in a true tropical paradise that still celebrates Christmas.
3. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Located on the north-eastern coast of Puerto Rico, the capital city of San Juan is the second oldest European-established capital city in the Americas.
San Juan combines old town 16th Century Spanish colonial architecture with the hustle of the modern Isla Verde resort strip, lined with bars, nightclubs and casinos.
Also known as the Enchanted Island, San Juan can offer seasonal visitors an exotic mix of tropical weather and unique Christmas festivities.
4. Barbados, Atlantic Ocean
In the western area of the North Atlantic and 100 km east of the Windward Islands and the Caribbean Sea lies Barbados.
Clear waters, natural coral reefs and idyllic sandy beaches coupled with a strong Christian ethos make the island a popular destination with international visitors at Christmas.
Barbados offers unique traditions such as an early morning walk through Queen’s Park on Christmas morning or taking a taxi ride around the island to view the enthusiastic locals approach to Christmas decorations.
5. Samoa, Pacific Ocean
Situated halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand, in the Polynesian region of the Pacific Ocean lies a tropical paradise.
Natural jungles, waterfalls and long sandy beaches interlaced with Polynesian culture and tradition mean Christmas in Samoa is a real treat on the senses.
The island embraces Christmas with choirs singing Pacific-style carols and shows in the Upolu village of Vaitele-Uta.
Despite its location, Samoa is still one of the most affordable South Pacific destinations to enjoy at Christmas.
6. Kauai, Hawaii
Kauai, also known as the Garden Isle, is an island in the Central Pacific.
Part of the Hawaiian archipelago and has featured in more than seventy Hollywood movies and shows such as Jurassic Park, due to its stunning natural geography.
In December, the island really comes to life and one can enjoy the Festival of Lights, Hula Celebration, and a Christmas parade.
For those seeking an alternative festive period, winter time in Kauai is perfect for surfing.
7. Cape Town, South Africa
On the southernmost tip of South Africa lies Cape Town, known for its harbour, beautiful natural setting in the Cape Floristic Region, and for landmarks such as Table Mountain and Cape Point.
Activities range from mountain hikes with spectacular sceneries to lazy days on one of Cape Town’s many beaches.
Christmas in Cape Town is especially lively with traditional celebrations, light parades and Christmas carols.
Latest News
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
Global tour operator Collette has announced a series of special offers on selected dates across a range of tours in the peak northern hemisphere 2024 summer season. Greece The offers include ‘Greece & Its Islands’ features classics such as the Parthenon as well as the picturesque islands of Mykonos and Santorini. A saving of $700 […]
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Air India and All Nippon Airways have signed a codeshare agreement connecting their networks. The new commercial partnership will provide more travel opportunities for customers of both India’s leading global airline and the largest Japan’s largest carrier. Effective from 23rd May, the Air India and All Nippon Airways agreement will see passengers fly to their […]
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
A&K Travel Group will now provide a minimum of 18 weeks paid parental leave for both care-givers, setting a new standard for the travel industry. By providing 18 weeks of paid time off for all new parents, regardless of gender, A&K Travel Group is not only enabling parents to spend valuable time with their newborns […]
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.