Will you 'Be Home For Christmas'?  Being the holiday spending mood no doubt has you looking oh-so-casually at the travel brochures.  But where to begin?

European Getaway for the Girls

Recapture the enchanting fairytale-feeling of Christmas you had as a child by grabbing your best gal pal, and flying to the home of the famous Christmas markets: Germany. Stroll along snow-covered cobbles, sip hot mulled wine and munch on roasted chestnuts as you take in traditional and handmade goods. From the sounds of church bells and carols to the aromas of gingerbread and grilled sausages floating in the air, every sense will be delighted.

April Merenda at Gutsy Women Travel has made it easy for you: a seven day, women-only market tour every December. Gutsy Women tours are for the ambitious, multitasking woman looking for a safe yet riveting adventure. The trips may be shorter than average, but they are no less action-packed. On the Christmas market excursion, women explore traditionally decorated castles, experience private Alpine horse-drawn carriage rides, and learn the secrets of German baking.

Weihnachtsmarkt (photo credit Christmas Markets)

Romantic Mountain Escape

For a Christmas meant for two, head to the winter wonderland of Lake Louise, Canada. The Mountain Romance Package offered by The Fairmont Chateau, includes sparkling wine, chocolate, and bubble bath. For even more romance, try a moonlit sleigh ride through a white forest or skate hand-in-hand through the glittering ice palace built on Lake Louise especially for the holidays. Warm up in front of a fire with a glass of wine and rediscover that your love will keep you warm even after you leave glorious Lake Louise.

Lake Louise (photo credit: The Fairmont)

Christmas Cruise on the Nile

Charlie Scott of TrufflePig, a Toronto-based travel company that builds custom-made trips, is a pro not only when it comes to adventure, but also with tapping into the best travel secrets. He claims “secrets are everywhere, you just have to dig to find them,” and dig he has.

For a whimsical and exotic experience, Scott recommends heading to Egypt for a lazy five-night sail down the Nile on the Nour El Nil, a 19th-Century replica of a traditional dahabiyah, a passenger barge-like vessel native to the river.  With its antique chandeliers and Egyptian cotton drapery blowing in the breeze, the boat whisks you back in time. The smaller size of the Nour enables a more intimate and quiet exploration of the Nile. Imagine sipping your mint tea while watching countryside untouched by time pass you by.

Photo credits: Nour El Nil

Wherever you may be traveling, December is a hectic and pricey month to do it. Make your holiday travels a little easier with these easy tips:

1. Book in advance
This is the mantra of every travel agent at Christmas. “Start booking your travel as early as March if you can,” recommends Joshua Lipson of Flight Centre.

2. Be flexible
Prices are always raised during the holidays, so finding a deal is not exactly easy. However, if you can change your dates and times, discounts can be found. For example, book your travel for early December or after New Year’s for a price break.

3. Arrive on time
Avoid airport meltdowns by arriving at least three hours early. Punctuality will guarantee that your seat not be ‘bumped’ to another passenger, and you may even be lucky enough to jump on an earlier flight.

4. Do your research
Lipson also suggests checking out the tourism boards of your chosen destination for deals.  You may be paying top dollar for your flight, but you can save money on meals, accommodation, or activities once you arrive.

5. Hide the evidence
Clear your browser or use another computer after searching for travel deals. Most travel sites have cookies that recognize your IP address and will increase the rate if they find you keep coming back. Sneaky sneaky!

However, travel agents agree that the best Christmas destination is home.   After all, there’s no place like it for the holidays!

Will you be traveling this December?

by Sarah Groundwater