On sites like TravelZoo.com and various industry blogs, I’ve been reading about all of these discounted airfares, great cruise close-out prices and last-minute hotel deals. Seems to me it’s a great year to consider a family trip for the holidays!
Growing up in New Hampshire, I had the typical Currier & Ives Christmas at home, with loads of snow (usually), a freshly cut tree in the corner of the living room, and turkey dinner on the fancy china that was only pulled out twice a year.
Fast forward to adulthood and my getting married and settling in Colorado. Again, same Norman Rockwell scene — just now with in-laws and later children. For thirty-some years, I enjoyed the December holidays at home in chilly weather.
In 2005, my family bucked tradition. My mother and her then husband, my family of four, my stepbrother and stepsisters and their kids (15 in total) descended upon the Iberostar Tucan all-inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, for nine days over Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
It was the best family vacation I ever had. And certainly one of the most memorable Christmas holidays.
Instead of traditional turkey dinner at noon, we ate a lunch of fajitas and margaritas at touristy Carols & Charlie’s. We didn’t spend the afternoon sledding or snowmobiling in our Colorado backyard; instead we went sightseeing in Cozumel. Nobody had to cook or clean or entertain. We had cocktails at our disposal. The kids played in the pool until they turned into prunes. Our Christmas spent in Mexico was such a wonderful break from the familiar holiday routine, and we relished every minute of it.
Granted, we had to deal with some logistics. We wrote a letter to Santa, and asked him to come to our house the Saturday before December 25 (God forbid the kids didn’t get to open stockings hung from our fireplace Christmas morning) and we did still exchange gifts with my husband’s family on an earlier date.
But instead of going haywire with gifts for the kids or each other, my husband and I just saved our pennies to enjoy some “extras” in Mexico, like fun sightseeing tours and activities. (Generous Mom and my then-stepfather gave us the family vacation as their gift to our family.)
I heartily recommend an all-inclusive Caribbean or Mexican resort for a holiday vacation, simply because the convenience of having all your meals, drinks, entertainment (and often kids’ clubs!) included in your room rate. Plus, at such tropical, oceanfront resorts, there’s typically something for everyone — kids’ camps for the younger children, and teen discos for older kids; romantic a la carte restaurants for a “grown-ups’ night out” (this is where Grandma as babysitter comes in) and buffets for finicky youngsters’ palates. Here are some more tips when considering holiday travel with extended family:
1. If you’re not into the all-inclusive idea, consider renting a condominium on the beach or in the mountains. Multiple bedrooms mean some semblance of privacy, plus a full kitchen allows you to store fixin’s for breakfast, lunch and late-night snacks. (Hey, you’re on vacation; you’ve gotta eat out some of the time — eat at a restaurant for most dinners!).
2. Book a cruise. With prices dropping, cruises are a relative bargain these days. I do some marketing work for AffordableTours.com, which offers awesome close-out, discounted prices. Plus, holiday meals are typically festive affairs on board cruise ships. (New Year’s Eve parties have got to be a blast!) Best part: No cooking or cleaning for anyone. And like all-inclusive resorts, there are amenities and activities for all generations on board ships like Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian.
3. Take an urban trip. Yes, hotel accommodations might be more expensive in big cities like New York, San Francisco, Boston or Los Angeles, but again, lots for all ages to see and do. Think of the fun window shopping, with department stores brightly lit and decorated for the holidays!
If you’re seriously considering booking a last-minute family trip for the holidays, check out my article on Grandparents.com for more ways to celebrate the holidays away from home.
