Marta 5 last-minute destination ideas for Christmas without flying
No plans for the Christmas holidays? No desire to do anything too crazy? No energy to plan anything? That's totally ok. Here are 5 spontaneous trips you can take to do something, change scenery and get everyone out of the house for a fun adventure. City or nature, 3 to 10 days, you choose. Pack a bag, get in the car or the train and explore. Sometimes, you don't need to plan too much.
Paris
Why
Because Paris is always a good idea! Over Christmas it is beautifully decorated, all the shop windows are sparkly, and you'll get into the festive mood in a heartbeat. There are endless activities for children and teenagers, and parents will have the luxury of fabulous food for every meal. What else?
What to do
Go and see a show with the kids (the kids' version of Swan Lake)
Visit the "Jardin d'acclimatation" with the full-on Christmas spirit
Enjoy delicious buttery pastries and excellent bistro food
Visit museums, galleries and the Cité des sciences
To surprise de kids, pay a visit to Disneyland
Black Forest
Why
In need of a more natural retreat, away from people and the Christmas madness? Reconnect with nature and its beauty in the Black Forest. It is often associated with the Brothers Grimm fairy tale. You can enjoy hiking, spas, hearty food and fresh air—the perfect reset for the whole family.
What to do
Baden-Baden spa
Walk around villages and old towns
Hike by the Triberg waterfalls
Enjoy sweet treats in the many typical bakeries
Maastricht
Why
Get into a Medieval atmosphere in Maastricht. This city of the Netherlands is at the cross between Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany and can be a perfect stopover for a road trip in the region. The cultural scene is vibrant and there is plenty to do for the whole family.
What to do
Visit the bookstore in a former church
Pay a visit to one of the many museums (Natural History, Bonnefanten)
Enjoy the historic city and wander around the city hall and market square
Head out to Valkenburg and discover Sprookjesbos
National Park Wattenmer
Why
The what? this is the continuation of the Wadden sea but on the German side. This will be perfect for those who are in need of the refreshing sea air, no one around and all the space in the world.
What to do
Visit the biosphere reserves and the National Park Centre
Learn about the local fauna, flora and sustainability
Enjoy some German hearty delicacies
See some animals in the wild
Zurich and around
Why
Fancy fancy chocolates, art, history, galleries, and museums, all in a super clean city? Zurich is the perfect place. The Old town and the city itself are worth a few days. And once you are ready, take yourself to Lake Zurich, Lucern and the countryside. The best of both worlds. (Bonus: it can be accessed by train)
What to do
Art, museums and culture
Delicious chocolates at Laderach
Hiking around Lake Lucern
Churches, cathedrals and clock towers
Have a beautiful festive period. I hope you will get to explore, rest and see something new.
Bon voyage
Marta x