Extraordinary Destinations for Holiday Adventures

Experience a enchanting getaway in Belize, swim alongside Great Barrier Reef turtles, and more!

Germany and Scandinavia frequently top many holiday wish lists. While these and various other locations have rightfully earned their festive acclaim, numerous extraordinary travel spots also merit the holiday limelight.

From jungle adventures in Belize to underwater diving in Australia, we’ll guide you to locations brimming with amazing culture, cuisine, and attractions for an unforgettable holiday experience.

Adore the Christmas season but can’t stand the chill? Then feel the warm golden sands of Belize beneath your feet this holiday season!With an abundance of activities to enjoy, it’s a paradise for both thrill-seekers and those looking to unwind.

Make your holiday genuinely tropical by visiting Mayflower Bocawina National Park, a sprawling 7000-acre rainforest featuring ziplining, hiking trails, and waterfall rappelling! Afterwards, hit the streets to see how the locals celebrate. Throughout Christmas week, dancers in costumes known as Jankunu and Charikanari dance through the streets, accompanied by the rhythm of Caribbean drums!

And what would a holiday be without delicious food? Belize has that, too. Don’t miss out on trying rumpopo, the Belizean take on eggnog made with the country’s own Caribbean White Rum!

Merida is the shining star of the Yucatán, and rightly so. Why not conclude the year at a destination that was named one of the top places to visit in 2022? 

A significant aspect of the holidays is celebrating traditions and history—and this colonial city is abundant in both. Take leisurely tours to discover the city’s highlights, such as the Monument to the Country, a stone sculpture that illustrates the history of Mexico. You’ll also have the chance to visit a historic hacienda that crafts Xtabentún, a Mayan liqueur unique to the Yucatán. 

Interested in journeying further back in time? You can discover ancient Mayan ruins, including the Temple of Kukulkan. It’s recognized as one of the seven wonders of the world!

If you enjoy cruising through neighborhoods to admire Christmas lights, Merida will delight you. From November to December, the entire city sparkles with towering Christmas trees!

For Kiwis (New Zealand residents), the Christmas season is all about embracing the great outdoors. 

Locals frequently celebrate Christmas with barbecues on the beach! Feel free to host your own BBQ feast while relaxing on the shores, enjoying Polynesian spas, or soaking in the hot water springs of Auckland. This city is among the top destinations to explore in 2022, and it even features a beach named Christmas Beach! What could be more festive than that?

A distinctive holiday destination wouldn’t be complete without its own unique sights. In New Zealand, traditional Christmas trees are not pines, but pohutukawas, impressive trees adorned with brilliant red flowers that appear on many holiday cards. Make sure to bring a card home to commemorate your visit!

Just across the Tasman Sea is another treasure for holiday travelers… Australia! Whether you're heading to New Zealand, the Land Down Under, or both, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to unique holiday adventures.

Consider visiting Cairns, Queensland, to discover the natural marvels of the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. While you won’t see reindeer here, you will encounter nearly 10,000 species of aquatic and land wildlife!

Just an hour away is Port Douglas, where you can experience a white Christmas—not with snow, but on white-sand beaches! With a private-island feel, you can relax on the shore, take a refreshing swim in Mossman Gorge, or embark on a snorkeling adventure at Low Isles for a truly laid-back holiday getaway.