Planning a trip for the holiday season can never start early enough – do you go for an all time classic destination or do you choose something new and exciting? If you're living in the Northern Hemisphere, perhaps you are hoping to escape the cold and wet winter this Christmas and escape to a summer climate- or for those in the Southern hemisphere, maybe you'd like to find out what a white Christmas is like. Whatever the case, it sounds like some Christmas adventure is in order!
If this year you want to hang up your stocking somewhere different, here are some inspirational ideas by World Expeditions on where around the globe to spend Christmas.
Top 10 Christmas Destinations for 2019
1. Patagonia
Fitz Roy National Park, Patagonia
Towering granite peaks, secluded lakes and stunning glaciers set amongst beech forests and rolling grasslands: this spectacular scenery sets the perfect background for a breathtaking adventure into the wonderland that is Patagonia. Stay in comfortable iconic lodges, cruise up the stunning fjords to impressive glaciers and spot a mighty condor soaring overhead!
World Expeditions’ 15-day Paine & Fitz Roy Trek combines the two most famous national parks in Patagonia, Los Glaciares and Torres del Paine. Departs 6 December 2019, extend your trip with a few days to spend Christmas in Buenos Aires.
2. Mount Everest
Towards Mount Everest base camp, Nepal
Perhaps one of the most trekked trails in the world, the route to Everest Base Camp becomes even more exciting when you tackle it with World Expeditions. Freshly prepared meals are included (3 times a day!), well trained and looked after guides accompany you, as well as a portable altitude chamber, and a sturdy kitbag (yours to keep). Along the way, pick up litter through our 10 Pieces initiative and overnight in standing height tents at locally run campsites exclusively for World Expeditions.
Learn more about why the 17-day Everest Base Camp Trek is done differently with World Expeditions. Departs 25 December 2019, or choose from one of the other guaranteed departures around Christmas.
3. Costa Rica
An adventure high on the wish list of active adventurers keen to take on the challenge of traversing Costa Rica under their own steam. From cloud forests and powerful rapids to tropical rainforests and banana plantations, this crossing takes you on bike, foot, raft and kayak across Costa Rica’s spectacular natural wilderness through to the Caribbean coast.
Spend the holiday season crossing Costa Rica from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean with World Expeditions’ 12-day Costa Rica Traverse. Departs 21 December 2019.
4. Namibia
Desert in Namibia
An exploration of Namibia that has been specially designed to suit families; driving distances have been kept to a minimum and the places visited have all been chosen with a mind for activities that will appeal to adults and children alike. The sand dunes of Sossusvlei, rock art at Twyfelfontein, Etosha National Park and much more are all included.
World Expeditions’ 10-day Namibia Family Adventure shows you the most beautiful sand dunes in the world, spectacular views of vast desert landscapes and unique wildlife. Departs 21 December 2019.
5. Antarctica
A journey of endless photographic opportunities. Marvel at the surreal landscapes and take in the wonders of the earth’s least visited continent with this base camp option on which you can take optional activities such as camping on ice, snowshoeing and kayaking. With the most dramatic scenery, Antarctica is all about discovery and exploration.
World Expeditions’ Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp is specially designed to take in the natural wonders of Antarctica in just 12 days. Departing on 18 December 2019.
6. Mount Kilimanjaro
Summit Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
Stand on the highest peak of Africa - approach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, fondly known as Kili, with maximum possible acclimatisation to enjoy the incredible scenery. Also, discover the city of Arusha, located at the base of Mt Meru.
World Expeditions’ 10-day hike up Kilimanjaro via Lemosho Route is as at the same time challenging and beautiful, a fantastic Christmas gift to yourself or a loved one. Departs 20 December 2019.
7. Annapurna Region - Nepal
Private Camp in Annapurna region, Nepal
Would you like to get active this Christmas and be ahead of your New Year's Resolutions? Join a trip that is the perfect introduction to Himalayan trekking and enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna Range. We follow trails through oak and rhododendron forest and get to know Nepali culture as we trek through Gurung villages.
World Expeditions’ 10-day Annapurna Trek lets you sleep in comfort at our eco lodges and private eco-campsites with off the ground camp beds, mattresses and pillows. Departs 25 December 2019.
8. Vietnam
Vietnam boasts not only some of the friendliest people in Asia but also a unique diversified culture – there are 54 ethnicities living across the country. Get a taste of Vietnam as you travel this Christmas!
World Expeditions' Vietnam by Bike 15 day tour provides you with the opportunity to see that without a doubt cycling is one of the finest ways to discover a country where hospitality comes as second nature. Departing on 15 December 2019.
9. Laos
Big Buddha inside the Wat Wisunalat
Christmas is all about family, so why not take them with you on an adventure through Laos. Step back in time and explore the incredibly beautiful Buddhist town of Luang Prabang, here you'll witness the dawn procession of hundreds of monks collecting alms. From learning to cook the Laos way to discovering remote villages, this trip provides something for the whole family.
Celebrate Christmas on our Laos Family Adventure trip for 7 days. Departing 21 or 22 December 2019.
10. Uganda
Spot primates in Uganda for Christmas
This comprehensive tour encompasses the best wildlife encounters in Uganda along with wonderful hospitality and superb lodge accommodation during your Christmas break.
Get the thrill of standing within metres of a male silverback and his family, take a walking safari to spot reintroduced white rhinos, and enjoy some of the best bird watching in Africa on World Expeditions’ 10-day Best of Uganda trip.