The holiday season is approaching. Are you already feeling overwhelmed with your to-do list? You want to celebrate in style, but you are under pressure to get the best gifts, cook the perfect meal and eat to bursting without piling on the pounds. It happens every year. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to just get away from it all? With a bit of planning and a quick search for cheap travel and accommodation, you’ll be surprised how affordable real Christmas cheer can be.
Below, we’ve listed some of our favourite cheap December getaways to beat the winter blues.
New York, New York
New York is high up there on the list of places to be during the winter season, especially during Christmas. Just watching the buildings light up with Christmas lights at night is a sight that is sure to put some cheer into you. Flights to New York can be snagged at attractive prices if you book ahead. There are always some fantastic deals around during the holiday season.
Affordable activities in New York
Start with a stroll in Central Park. Just enjoy the sights and sounds and take your time to soak in the Christmas spirit.
New York Christmas kicks off at the Rockefeller Center Plaza. Don’t miss the huge Christmas tree that has been the city's Christmas icon since 1931. Today, the tree is lit up with an insane 45,000 LED lights.
Macy's Santaland is another must-see with its elaborate scene comprised of bright Christmas trees, toy trains, snow filled statues and, of course, Christmas elves.
Catch a holiday show like The Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. It is one of the most iconic shows with plenty of dancing Santas and leg kicking Rockettes.
Most important of all, don't forget to window-shop. The shops are elaborately decorated and it's a sight that will keep you entertained without spending a cent.
Cranking it Goan Style
On the list of cheap December getaways, Goa has been slowly and steadily climbing up the ranks on the international Christmas map. Apart from providing some amazing party options, what draws travellers to this cute Indian coastal town is that it's unbelievably cheap. If you play your cards right booking cheap flights and a good package, a Christmas holiday in Goa can cost less than a local shopping trip. Flights to Goa can be affordable when booked in advance.
What to do in exotic Goa
Explore the best beaches in India. A sure favourite is Agonda beach. If peace and quiet it’s what you are looking for, you are in the right place. Sunbathe, listen to the waves lapping on the beach, relax, take a walk, have a massage and forget about the chilly temperatures back home. Goa International airport, more commonly known as Dabolim airport, is only a 90-minute drive away.
If you are more of a party animal, the most amazing nightlife awaits you with a string of affordable clubs, bars and restaurants lining the beaches.
The cuisine has Hindu and Portuguese influences and it’s to die for. Goa is a foodie’s paradise, especially if you love seafood and spices. Think curries, coconut, prawns, squids and lobster: mouth-watering goodness to write home about.
The Balinese Christmas
Bali is another Christmas hotspot you should consider. Visit Bali if you're in the mood for some Christmas rejuvenation. Flights to Bali can be dirt cheap if you book online in advance. The local population, which is predominantly Hindu, welcomes Christmas celebrations in its own way. Everything has a special local touch to it, whether it be the carol singers, the decorations and lighting and even the fireworks.
Must-do activities in Bali
Visit Padangtegal Monkey forest or the rice terraces and yoga retreats in Ubud. Ubud is an enchanting small town full of Hindu temples and shrines. Just wandering the streets is a sight in itself.
Head to Mount Batur for some hiking. The trek starts at 4:00am, but the sunrise view from the top makes totally worth it.
Charter a boat, enjoy a beautiful sunrise and spend some face time with wild dolphins in Lovina.
Head to Kuta for some cheap guilt-free Christmas shopping.
When all is said and done, if you are looking for a winter holiday that gets you your fair share of cheer without going broke, Bali is the place to be.
There are plenty of great offers online if you book your cheap December flights in advance.