Christmas is right around the corner, and it’s a little different this year! But not to worry, you can still make it as memorable as you want it to be. This year was kind of a bust for travelers all over the world, but that won’t keep us from dreaming and forming goals for next year! Here are some ideas to get you started. Some will have to wait until next year, but some you can do right now!

Have a White Christmas

I grew up in Tennessee, so I think I maybe had a white Christmas once in my entire lifetime! If you already live in a place that gets snow every year for Christmas, this is no big deal to you, but for the rest of us, it’s a dream to be achieved! Even if you don’t spend Christmas Day at a snowy destination (because, you know, family), aim to spend part of a Christmas season in a snowy destination one year. Need ideas? How about Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, New England, Alaska, Wyoming, Canada—anywhere they have plenty of the white stuff!

More here: The Top Winter Destinations

Spend Christmas in a Warm Climate

Again, this doesn’t have to be Christmas Day! There’s something to be said for changing things up. If you’re used to a cold Christmas season, this is like a dream come true. Christmas decorations look great on palm trees, against a beachy backdrop, and in the heat and humidity. Trust me, it’s just as festive!

For all of us who love summer vibes all year long: Endless Summer Bucket List

Try Christmas Foods from Another Country

What do they eat for Christmas in Germany? Sweden? New Zealand? Australia? South Africa? Find out! And then make it. Or, if you’re able, go there and try those things for yourself! Like what you eat? Bring some home with you if you can and invite some friends over to try it, too!

More here: What to Eat at German Christmas Markets

Do All Your Christmas Shopping Abroad

This is something I try to do every year. I start my Christmas shopping early, and I pick up gifts from our travels all year round! I know that whatever I pick out for my loved ones, it’ll be unique and special! This takes a little planning, but it’s worth it when your friends and family open the gifts from you.

More here: All the Best Gifts for Travelers

Visit A European Christmas Market

This is one of the best Christmas things I’ve ever done. A couple of years ago, I spent a few days in Heidelberg, Germany, at Christmastime, and I loved every second! Between the food, the handmade gifts, the decorations, and the sweets (yeah, I mentioned food twice), celebrating the season at a European Christmas Market (or several!) should be on everyone’s bucket list!

More here: What to Know Before You Visit German Christmas Markets

Visit A Local Christmas Market

But Europe no longer has the Christmas Market market cornered! Christmas Markets have been popping up all over the United States (and the world) for years now, so odds are good that there’s one close to you! Check out the locally made gifts, seasonal foods, live music, and more that make Christmas Markets so festive!

Check out five different Christmas Markets in my Home Lost and Found book!

Watch The Holiday

This is one of my favorite movies of all time! There are lots of reasons to enjoy it, but as a traveler, I especially love that the two women in the movie not only switch homes, but also countries! If you’ve never seen it, Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz have a couple of rough relationship moments and decide to do a home exchange over the holidays. They end up meeting people, struggling with jet lag, and learning a little about what matters most. Hilarity ensues.

Get it here, at my Amazon affiliate link!

So what’s on your Christmas traveler bucket list? Comment below to inspire us all!

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