This article originally appeared in the September issue of AGENTatHOME magazine. Subscribe here to receive your free copy each month.
When it comes to planning travel for families, travel advisors may be developing vacations for parents and kids, multiple generations, multiple families or any combination of the above. But when it comes to holiday family travel, specifically, most clients are looking for one of two things: a classic “White Christmas” experience — such as Christmas market cruises, European cities and ski resorts — or heading somewhere warm.
“I find it’s an even split between those looking for sun and sand, and those looking for the magic of snow during the holidays,” said Krista Weaver of Hi Ho Vacations.
Regardless of which type clients choose, planning vacations during the holidays can raise expectations even more than usual — especially if it’s the only time the family travels together each year.
Here’s how to guide families to their perfect festivities.
Planning White Christmas Vacations
City trips to destinations such as New York, London and Paris have always been favorites, but they’ve recently gained popularity among families who want the “holiday energy” of elaborate light displays and festive store windows, according to Beci Mahnken, owner of MEI-Travel.
Suggest Antartica to adventurous clients. (Photo Credit: Tony /stock.adobe.com)
However, of all the cold-weather travel options, Weaver of Hi Ho Vacations says river cruises — which have become increasingly popular with families — do the best job of being “holiday-oriented.”
“Travelers can experience a winter wonderland on both the Rhine and the Danube, with cities decked out for the holidays and Christmas markets in some of Germany’s iconic cities,” she said. “Onboard, guests can participate in ornament exchanges with trinkets they pick up at the markets.”
Of course, the ultimate winter wonderland is Antarctica, and Weaver notes that family-friendly National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions itineraries feature an onboard Explorers-in-Training program for travelers under 18. There is also the “Fly the Drake” option, which makes Antarctica accessible to clients who had previously nixed the idea due to the often challenging Drake Passage crossing.
Holidays on the Sand
While a winter wonderland may be appealing to clients from the Western or Southern U.S., families living in Eastern or Northern states will likely want to escape the cold by choosing sunny holiday destinations, such as Mexico, Hawaii, Costa Rica or the Caribbean.
After all, as Mahnken of MEI-Travel notes, “There’s something very appealing about spending Christmas on a beach when it’s freezing at home.”
And Weaver agrees.
Costa Rica is family-friendly. (Photo Credit: Adventures by Disney)
“The Adventures By Disney Costa Rica trip is very popular among guests looking for tropical trips around the holidays,” she said. “It’s full of adventure and excitement, and with December marking the start of Costa Rica’s dry season, there are plenty of opportunities for guests to take full advantage of the beautiful warm weather.”
New Zealand and Australia also remain popular winter holiday destinations, with the most common draws being the comfortable early summer temperatures in the Southern Hemisphere and, of course, the famous New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration above the Sydney Opera House, dubbed one of the world’s best fireworks shows.
Cruising Into the New Year
Cruising has become a holiday tradition for many families, and it’s easy to see why.
“Families still want to be together,” Mahnken said. “But choosing to gather through travel, rather than at someone’s home, means no one has to cook, clean or play host.”
Weaver singles out Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Cruises for offering the best of both worlds, with Caribbean itineraries that provide beach days and snorkeling, as well as ships fully decked out in festive holiday decorations.
“No matter what destination they choose, families are looking for meaningful time together, and they’re willing to invest in creating lasting memories,” Mahnken said. “The holidays are the perfect time to just be present — and travel makes that possible.”
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