My Favorite Holiday Destinations & Homey Hotels
By: Trevor Hanks, Managing Partner
You know what they say: “There’s no place like home for the holidays.” While the holly jolly season often finds us migrating back to the homestead to see friends and family, it also offers the perfect opportunity to embrace our wanderlust and explore. Our 360 Destination Group team recently curated a blog with some top destination picks by season, and it got me thinking about how I like to spend my December downtime. Personally, I can’t feel fully refreshed and ready for the New Year without some new experiences and annual favorites under my belt. So, pack your bags, and let’s set sail for, in my opinion, the best holiday destinations.
A Holiday Classic: NYC
No city does the holidays like Manhattan. From the chill in the air to the cheery decorations everywhere, the Big Apple offers an authentic taste of the holidays. If you want to window shop your days away on Fifth Avenue, skate next to the big tree in Rockefeller Center, or dine across the boroughs, NYC has you covered. There’s a reason family-favorite holiday classics from Miracle on 34th Street to Elf are set here.
Where to Stay
- The Marriott Marquis is a staple of NYC, especially during the holidays. This hotel has a prime location overlooking Times Square’s hustle and bustle. You really will feel like you’re in the heart of it all!
- We are so excited that the Waldorf Astoria New York will reopen soon. This quintessential NYC luxury hotel is a gem of midtown Manhattan, located only blocks away from the holiday shopping mecca of Fifth Avenue, as well as seasonal must-visits such as Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
NYC Winter Traditions
Your holiday trip to New York City just isn’t official until you’ve kicked it with the Radio City Rockettes! Then, put a cap on your stay by seeing the trendiest play on Broadway. You’ll have the perfect talking point over your New Year’s Eve bubbly!
Insider Tip
Since New York is known around the globe for its seasonal splendor, hotels and attractions can sell out fast and can be pretty pricey. I always recommend shopping around and signing up for promotions. If your plans are flexible, be on the lookout for last-minute deals. While airfare is best booked well in advance, activities, theaters, attractions, and museums always have deals if you look hard and try to book midweek or, better yet, outside school holiday weeks.
Some Like Their Holidays Hot: Miami
In December, most of the country is cold, but Miami is HOT! If 85-degree temperatures, warm ocean breezes, and to-die-for-food at every turn sounds like your perfect vacation, give yourself the gift of spending the holidays in South Florida. Trust me, there’s nothing like returning to work with a tan! 😎
Where to Stay
- Life really is a beach when you stay at Loews Miami Beach. If you can’t think of a better gift to yourself and your family than sticking your feet in the sand and spending the day in the sun, this hotel is it.
- The 1 Hotel is also on the beach, bordered by the famous Miami boardwalk. They add a luxurious spin to that local South Beach flavor savored the world over.
Miami Winter Must-Dos
For those who want to adventure Miami Vice-style, check out the Thriller Speedboat experience. To soak up the local Latin culture, be sure to stop in Little Havana – the heart of Miami’s Cuban diaspora. It’s a great place to pick up unique keepsakes and souvenirs for friends and family back home!
The holidays are all about experiencing life and enjoying time with family. Whether your crew is more into the surf, sun, and sand or the cozy, snowy, big-city traditions, these two destinations will not disappoint. Both locations provide a unique vibe that people fly from all over the world to enjoy. This life is not a dress rehearsal, so why wait? Do it all this December!
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