Best places/countries to visit over Christmas and New Year?

[slowth]

Hi fellow travellers,

I'm planning a holiday with my folks(all adults) over the christmas period and possible over New year. Any recommendations for what countries to go to? I'm asking cos I actually planned to go Southern France but as I researched I found out quite alot of places of interest e.g hisorical, museums etc are closed durin this period and activity is on the low so I din want to go to a place where everything's closed..

so.. any recomendations?

[footandbike]

hi slowth,
have you thought about belgium? get overlooked by a lot of people but i've have a few really great trips there. In the winter the flemish towns look really great and very festive, the belgians are some of best people (a bit of stereotype i realise!) and the food and drink is 2nd to none...
if you are going for a few days i would recommend Ypres in Flanders - its very handy for x channel ferries and has a really nice square with excellent restaurants, there is a peacefull walk around the walls and bastions of the little town. the museum in the cloth hall is worth a look and the town itself is spotlessly clean and friendly. Not too mention the Menin Gate ceremony and surrounding battlefields to explore.
Cheeers
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[slowth]

belgium...

would that be brussels?
Don't think SIA flies there though..

I've heard of their chocolate and mussels! is it an expensive place?

[footandbike]

Yes - Brussels is the capital. The towns in Flanders, Ghent, Ypres, Brugges are real gems and well worth a visit!

The mussels and chocs are excellent! Its not very expensive and the standard of hotels and food in restaurants is high in my experience.

Dont forget the beers! Belgium beer is probably the best in the world as far as 'ale' type beer goes. They have a brewing tradition going back to 12 century and some of the trappist beers (made by monks to traditional recipes!!) are amazing. Even if you dont normally like beer you must try these... they are not like other beers. Dont forget that some are 12% alcohol so its more a slow relaxed beer drinking experience as opposed to a 'down the hatch' approach!

My advice would be to fly to Brussels and then explore by train...
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[slowth]

wow great!! thanks for the swift reply. will def read more! are these towns far from brussels? only about a wk so don't want to spend too much time travellin around and see so little.

[footandbike]

Belgium is a small country and easily explored by train - if you arrive in Brussels you can a get a train to nearly anywhere in Belgium within a couple of hours. Its a good place to start if you want to explore any other cities in Western Europe too and it is very easy to travel by train from Brussels to Paris or Amsterdam for example.

Good luck with your plans!
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[Simon Ndekere]

Visi Kenya in Easr Africa. You will have alot to see and you will always remember
this Christmass Festive season.
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[Nepal_Himalaya]

It's a small country with profuse natureal beauty. Nothing will be closed as it is celebrated in the tourist sector only. But live bands, snow clad peaks, crystal clear lakes and cheerful peoples hosting special christmas and new year program.
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[Jane2007]

Hi slowth,

I went to South of France last year and had a fab time, stayed in a place on the Promenade and fireworks, food and people were magic. Here is where I stayed: niceflats net (please dont delete, it ain't advertising!

Be sure to check out all the places in the old town if you go, Museums and art galleries are not to be missed! The pizzas in the Old Town are extra extra yummy!

Jane

[Africa Travel Guide]

South Africa for a sunny festive season. Great food, excellent wines, stunning scenery and great prices for accommodation and travel. Beaches and game parks, culture and adventure - its the best! See it on this South Africa travel site.
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[stephenslave]

Hi friend,
I suggested to go for the caribbean tour, there are many places to see.I am sure you are enjoying there.It's such a good place for vacation with your family and i am sure your child also happy.I will give you the resource where you got more information.
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[jennychic]

Australia is lovely in the New Year. Sydney always makes a splash.
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[lakis20]

I think you will go to visit Switzerland.
I think it's heavens on earth. So, what are you thinking ? Making new year Vacation at Switzerland(heavens on the earth).




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[mrs kitty]

Rome is interesting over christmas....nice atmosphere, all very vital and active, good shopping, food, museums. It's not far away therefore a week will be ok and not that expensive.....


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[johnny_mac]

All of these suggestions are great, but the season's nearing, what's your pick?
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