If you’ve been around for any length of time then you probably know how much we like to travel. Even amidst a pandemic we’ve been able to explore some beautiful spots along the western United States. Christmas traveling can be a wonderful addition to the fun traditions that you already enjoy. Since I definitely think that it’s possible to travel safely during this time so today I want to share some magical places to spend the holidays with you!
Christmas traveling across the country
Usually I focus more on California locations but I did some research and found some amazing spots across the country to share with you! These 5 spots are full of magical fun if you’re feeling a little short on holiday spirit.
Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando Florida
The first place on our list had to be Walt Disney World Resort of course. When you think of holiday magic many people think of Disney. Even though Disneyland is still closed for the foreseeable future you can still get your does of Disney magic in Florida. My friend Jenny recently went to see the Christmas Pixi dust at Disney World and has all the fun saved to her Instagram highlights.
Rush Creek Lodge near Yosemite National Park
Some of the best Christmas traveling you can do right now is to visit our beautiful National Parks. Plenty of fresh air and social distancing are available in the great outdoors, right? But maybe you’re not a fan of roughing it. If you want to visit one of our nation’s most popular parks when crowds are low then consider making Rush Creek Lodge your homebase. That way you can have plenty of nature-filled adventures but come back to civilization for a comfy bed, hearty meal, and maybe even a relaxing massage.
|Read some of my tips for visiting Yosemite with kids here! |
Gaylord Opryland Resort and Covention Center
File this one under “MAJOR family vacation bucket list item”. This vacation destination came under my radar when my friend Meghan started talking about it. Until January 3rd you can celebrate a Country Christmas at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and enjoy holiday activities, shows, and even ice skating! I know that many families that attend keep going back year after year because the Christmas magic is so prevalent. Their brand-new Christmas walk-through experience sounds like a blast too!
| Thinking about roadtripping to Nashville? Check some of my tips here!|
The Cliffs Resort and Spa in Pismo Beach, California
Last month our family visited The Cliffs in Pismo Beach, California. The weather was in the upper 70s and gorgeous for the whole weekend. We spent the weekend simultaneously having a blast and trying to figure out when we could plan our next trip. The Cliffs is even celebrating Christmas in a very special way with Cliffsmas. You can reserve their Oceanfront King Suite that will be decked out for the holidays with a tree and milk and cookies for Santa.
| Read all about our family’s stay at The Cliffs here! |
Hershey Park in Hershey, Pennsylvania
What Christmas traveling would be complete without lots of delicious treats to eat?? Hershey Park has been a wish list destination of mine for years and I can think of no better time to visit then at Christmas? After all, hot chocolate winter go hand-in-hand, right? The Hershey MeltSpa® even has a brand-new Chocolate Candy Cane Collection that sounds amazing. My friend Leah has all the tips for Hersheypark on her blog so be sure to check it out!
special things to consider for the 2020 holidays:
- Consider your food choices. Do your research ahead of time about which restaurants will be open for indoor dining, etc. Will your hotel still be offering a free breakfast or room service? Be sure to check so you can be prepared and not be hangry. Some options for easy food prep in your hotel room include cup of noodle soup or oatmeal packets you can prepare by boiling water in the coffee maker.
- Don’t forget your PPE. Personal Protective Equipment used to just be something healthcare workers were familiar with, now we all know what the acronym stands for. No matter where you’re going you’ll want to be sure to have your masks (even if just for bathroom breaks on a road trip!) and bringing hand sanitizer is also a good idea.
- Don’t plan to fail. There’s an old saying that goes “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”, which I’ve always thought was very wise! Times are weird right now, nothing is completely normal. If there’s a certain activity you want to do at your holiday destination you better make sure it’s open! Lots of places are either closed or have reduced hours and offerings.
Do you like to travel during the holidays or do you prefer to stay close to home?
