Zicasso Top Holiday Picks: Best destinations for festive & unique holiday season travel

Want to travel somewhere special this holiday season, but have found that hotels are either already booked solid or have doubled the price for the holidays while air tickets are off the charts? (Gosh – it’s still months before the holiday season!)

Zicasso surveyed our distinguished travel specialists for their recommendations on 2008 holiday season travel. We asked for the following selection criteria: 1) Destinations must offer unique experiences and are not overly crowded; 2) Air tickets, hotels, and tours are still available at reasonably good value. The top holiday picks came in two groups.

Festive European Christmas and New Year vacations

Did you know that the Christmas Market was started in Germany in 1384 and that the Christmas tree was invented by the French in 1605? Be filled with Old World Christmas traditions and charm…festive decorations everywhere, mulled wine, delicious gingerbread houses... Plus, traveling in Europe during the holiday season can save travelers up to 20% compared to the summer high season. More festivities, more value, less crowds.

Once in a lifetime unique holiday vacations

Toying with the idea of an African Safari? How about spending Christmas eve in an exciting South African game reserve? Tired of the same beach resorts in Hawaii? How about a relaxing, but exotic vacation in Papua New Guinea or Samoa? Or consider shopping at the colorful bustling Marrakesh bazaars in Morocco and admiring Petra, the wonder of Jordan. For the more adventurous, how about trekking in Argentina’s Patagonia? The holiday picks here give truly unique experiences this holiday season...and a lifetime of memories.

Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain and the U.K.

Other festive trips for the holiday season

South Africa

Morocco

South Pacific islands with great beaches and authentic culture