Will you be getting out and about over the festive period? As nice as it is being at home and relaxing, if you find you’re getting a spot of cabin fever then get yourself outdoors and to a new place! This could be popping out for a few hours to a local event, or jetting off to a whole other country. Either way, here are some tips that will make things run more smoothly.
Going on Day Trips
Day trips over the festive period can create special memories for your family, they get you out and about, doing new things and making memories. Explore local festive markets where you can find cool handmade gifts and yummy treats. Look on Facebook for local events like light switch ons, meets with Santa and festive days at places like farms and zoos. Ideally, plan activities early as this allows you to budget better. While there are lots of free and cheap things to do, many activities can rack up cost too so thats something to be aware of. Check the weather to dress appropriately, pack a lunch if you want to keep your costs down and think about how you’ll get there. Take into consideration things like bus or train fare and parking costs.
Winter Vacations
Getting away on vacation isn’t for everyone during December but there are lots of reasons this could work for you. Maybe you don’t want to go down the traditional Christmas route, or perhaps you just fancy doing something different. You might want to travel somewhere snowy and festive, or you might want some winter sun instead. Look for family-friendly resorts with various entertainment options, ensuring a delightful holiday experience for all. Since it’s the off season in many places in the world, snagging a December vacation can be really cheap and you have the luxury of it being quieter too. Compared to the price of hosting Christmas dinner and Christmas parties, buying new lights and decorations and everything else over the festive period, getting away can actually save you quite a bit of money. You can eat Christmas dinner at a restaurant at the resort and have everything done for you and generally enjoy a more laid back experience.
Visiting Family Members
Christmas is about family for lots of us, and many will travel to be with loved ones. Coordinate travel dates well in advance, remember that certain dates over Christmas will get booked up very quickly if you’re flying and the roads will be super busy too. On days like new years day and Boxing Day, public transport will either be limited or not running at all so consider this too. You might be able to catch a flight ok but once you land, will you be able to get to your family members house without buses and trains? If not, you’ll need to arrange a lift or taxis.
Navigating Crowded Attractions
If your Christmas plans include popular attractions, plan your visits strategically. Consider going early in the day to avoid crowds, purchase tickets online in advance, and explore less crowded alternatives. Being mindful of peak times can make your family’s experience more enjoyable and less stressful.
Road Safety in Winter
If your Christmas plans involve a road trip, safety is crucial, especially in winter. Check your vehicle thoroughly, including tires, brakes, and fluids. Pack an emergency kit with blankets and snacks. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and road conditions to plan your journey safely. If your car is past its best and you’re in the market to buy a vehicle then now could be a good time to do so if you plan on doing a lot of driving. Thanks to finance options you can spread the cost so you’re not out of pocket right before Christmas. And have peace of mind that you and your family can get around safely without the risk of breaking down.
Stress Free Packing
Efficient packing is key to a smooth journey regardless of where you’re going. If you’re just out for the day then a bag of snacks, drinks and changes of clothes should get you through. For longer trips make a checklist of essentials like weather appropriate clothing and toiletries. If you’re going to be away over Christmas day, decide what you’ll do about gifts. Will you bring them with you? Have them posted to wherever you’ll be staying? Open them when you get home? These are all things to consider.
Planning Downtime
The holiday season can be overwhelming, especially for kids. When you have so much going on, it’s easy for little ones to become exhausted and meltdown and that makes things difficult for everyone. Create a balance between festive activities and quieter days. Some times, a day of watching movies, baking and crafting can be all you need to restore the balance, especially if you’ve been doing a lot of travelling. This ensures everyone can enjoy the magic of Christmas without feeling stressed or tired.
Embracing Spontaneity
On the flip side, while planning is essential you should leave room for spontaneity too. Sometimes, the most magical moments happen when they’re least expected so have some plans in the diary but be open and flexible if other things come up. It could be driving past an interesting event, or getting a last minute invite to a party that end up being the highlight of the season. Despite careful planning, unexpected changes can occur. Weather conditions, travel delays, or other unforeseen events may require adjustments to your itinerary. Embrace flexibility, stay calm in the face of changes, and focus on finding alternative ways to enjoy the holiday spirit. A flexible mindset contributes to a smoother journey. Embracing the unexpected can make your Christmas journey truly unforgettable.
Staying Healthy
The holiday season often brings indulgent treats, but it’s important to prioritize health. When you’re doing a lot of travelling, you will likely be exposed to a lot of people and therefore a lot of germs. You could consider wearing a mask, use antibacterial hand gel regularly and washing your hands often. Pack nutritious snacks for your journeys, stay hydrated, and ensure everyone gets enough rest. A healthy and energized family is better equipped to embrace the holiday festivities and make memories.
Documenting Your Adventure
Bring along a camera or remember to use your smartphone to capture the special moments over the holidays. Documenting your Christmas journey not only creates a beautiful keepsake but also allows you to relive the memories for years to come. Now is a time of year when you’ll likely be seeing friends and family so use the opportunity to take pictures together. If you’re travelling around a lot, capture the breathtaking moments you’re bound to experience and you can put together a scrapbook or album in the new year. This is something you could do every Christmas and make a beautiful collection of albums to look back on. As your Christmas journey comes to an end, take time to reflect on the adventure with your family. Share your favorite moments, look through the photos you’ve taken, and express gratitude for the time spent together. These reflections help create a sense of closure and leave everyone with fond memories of your Christmas travels.
Will you be travelling anywhere this Christmas? What exciting plans are you looking forward to the most?