With the summer over and travelers returning to reality, they may already be thinking about their next big vacation – the Christmas holidays. While the allure of a white Christmas from the comfort of home is tempting for most, 20 million Americans last year used the holiday season to embark on an adventure abroad. With so many people traveling at the same time, vacationers might want to jet off somewhere different. 

“The modern traveler craves experiences that are as unique as they are unforgettable,” says Adventure Life’s travel experts. “While the festive season is undeniably magical, it can also be overcrowded. So it might be a good idea to venture off the beaten paths.”

Adventure Life has curated a list of seven unique travel destinations that they believe would make for the perfect Christmas vacation this year. Each item on the list promises adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, and most of all – distance from the hustle and bustle of the typical tourist hotspots. 

Adventure Life’s 7 Unique Christmas Travel Destinations

• Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

A Christmas cruise to the Galapagos Islands can be an opportunity to share the waters with many marine creatures found nowhere else on the planet, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and perhaps even the elusive blue-footed booby. Snorkeling happens to be a popular activity here. 

Adventure Life reveals that “Galapagos cruises during the holidays are particularly sought after and traditionally sell out a year or two in advance.” 

Many wildlife animals have mating seasons through December, so they are more active and visible than in other months. Interestingly, the marine iguana there is known as the “Christmas Iguana.”

• New Zealand

Christmas in New Zealand means summer vacation. Schools are closed, and the focus is on festivities. One popular Christmas activity for Kiwis is sailing. The marinas are full of astoundingly decorated boats. 

“The evergreen Pohutukawa trees in New Zealand bloom bright red flowers every December, giving them the status of the New Zealand Christmas tree,” says Adventure Life.

“Hell’s Gate” in Rotorua could also make for a memorable Christmas spot. It’s an active geothermal reserve housing a mud spa with healing properties, a mud volcano, and overall 50 acres of erupting waters, colored pools, hot water lakes, bubbling mud, steaming cliffs, sulfur crystals, and land coral.

• Costa Rica

Christmas—or, as it’s known in Costa Rica, “Noche Buena”—can be spent marveling in a rainforest or in the capital, San Jose, enjoying the month-long extravaganzas and ample festivals. 

Costa Rica’s Christmas traditions are a unique blend of fiesta, family, and food. The country boasts lush jungles, stunning beaches, and abundant wildlife. “From zip-lining through the canopy to relaxing on pristine beaches, Costa Rica offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation,” says Adventure Life.

They recommend vacationers try ‘tamales’, the main Christmas dish at every Costa Rican house, while visiting.  

• Slovenia

For those seeking a tranquil and less crowded Christmas experience, Slovenia is the place to go. Its charming alpine villages, serene lakes, and cozy holiday markets create a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a stress-free holiday.

Visitors can enjoy theaters, museums, restaurants, and festive Christmas markets, like the Ljubljana Festive Fair. Many towns and cities deck out their historic centers. 

Those looking for a romantic atmosphere may consider spending time in Radovljica or Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest town. During the season, thousands of twinkling lights are put up in the town.

• Iceland

For the ultimate winter wonderland experience, Iceland is the place to go. Although the sun only appears in the sky for four to five hours a day, the high festive spirits combat any seasonal blues!

Iceland is one of the best places to hunt for the Northern Lights, explore ice caves, and soak in geothermal hot springs. 

“December is one of the best times to visit Iceland,” says Adventure Life. “It’s a destination that will leave you with lifelong memories.”   

• Thailand

Thailand offers a vibrant nightlife, great dining experiences, Buddhist temples, serpentine canals, and lively, authentic street life. 

The weather is perfect at Christmas, and the rainy season is over. Adventure Life says, “The beaches are stunning, the food is finger-licking, and the people are warm and friendly.”

Although Christmas is not an official holiday in Thailand, the famous beaches will likely still be crowded. So, for a quiet Christmas, vacationers can head to less well-known but equally beautiful beaches like Koh Lanta or Koh Mook.

• Bhutan

Bhutan is not considered a trendy tourist spot, but trends show that the Himalayan paradise is growing in popularity. 

Bhutan offers a unique blend of culture, spirituality, and natural beauty for those seeking spiritual rejuvenation. “It’s a low season for travelers, so expect to find fewer crowds and lodging discounts,” says Adventure Life.   

Most major cities in Bhutan are filled with Christmas decorations, and tourists can feel the festivity in the air.

Adventure Life encourages travelers to step outside their comfort zone and explore the world’s hidden treasures during the holiday season. “With careful planning and a sense of adventure, you can create a truly magical and memorable Christmas.”