Exploring new destinations during the holidays can be incredibly rewarding.

No matter if your home is far away or if you're seeking new adventures, traveling during the holiday season is always a fantastic idea.

Originally from Perth, Australia, Melissa has made New York City her home for six years now. She loves the vibrant atmosphere of the city, but during the holidays, she finds it challenging to be so distant from her family, who live more than 11,600 miles away! Planning a trip to Australia requires careful preparation to manage such a long distance. 

In response to the distance, Melissa and her partner have developed a new holiday tradition: choosing to vacation in a nearby location instead!  

As she puts it, “Traveling allows you to enjoy and uplift your spirits during this season, even if you can’t gather with the entire family.” Her yearly holiday trips have led her to destinations like Vancouver, Canada and Tulum, Mexico. 

Embracing your traditions while traveling

It might feel a bit less festive when you’re on the move during the holidays, but Melissa solves this by packing a variety of Christmas decorations! Items like tinsel, string lights, and ornaments are essentials in her luggage—even a small tree!

“We also pack Santa hats for a touch of whimsical cheer. It really helps create a festive atmosphere!” she shares.

She discovered early on that you can creatively incorporate your holiday traditions while traveling. Her additional tips? Prepare in advance and carry a festive attitude wherever you go. She also sends gifts back home to Perth for her nieces and nephews well ahead of time and always schedules video calls to see their reactions as they unwrap their holiday presents.

Embrace the experience when you’re away from home

The holiday season is filled with group gatherings, shared meals, and various festivities. If you're not there, it’s easy to feel left out. Melissa combats this feeling by treating herself to a luxurious vacation.

“Every Christmas and New Year’s, we always organize a special meal,” she shares. Some memorable experiences include a farm-to-table dining experience at a farm in Cabo San Lucas, where they witnessed how the produce was cultivated before it was served, as well as a luxurious five-course dinner right on the beach in Tulum. 

Organizing unique excursions can enhance the experience, such as planning a boat tour to see the iconic arches at the tip of the peninsula in Cabo San Lucas—complete with live jazz and wine tastings. By scheduling a few remarkable and unique activities while traveling, you’ll find yourself missing the holiday festivities back home much less!

Embracing Local Celebrations

Another advantage of traveling during the holidays? Embracing the local way of celebrating!

When Melissa visited Vancouver, they stayed on the Sunshine Coast—surrounded by lush, green islands just north of the city along the Strait of Georgia for New Year’s Eve. Their celebration was not about hitting the town; instead, they enjoyed a crackling bonfire on the beach, surrounded by nature, while the twinkling lights of the city shimmered in the distance. 

In Mexico, they celebrated New Year’s Eve at a rooftop party, dancing to salsa music, sipping tropical cocktails, and enjoying the spectacular fireworks above. 

 Advantages of celebrating abroad

One of Melissa’s favorite aspects of being away during the holidays is the opportunity to completely disconnect from work and indulge in total relaxation. As the year wraps up, she takes any leftover vacation days to truly step away from her job and savor the experience of being in a new place. 

Whether you can't return home for the holidays like Melissa or you simply wish to discover a new part of the world during this season, there are numerous reasons to travel at this time of year. No matter where you are, there’s always a way to make the holidays feel meaningful.