“Whaddaya mean last minute? It’s the end of October fercryinoutloud! I just barely bought a carload of candy, for the trick or treaters you know, *burp* and you’re telling me “nearly last-minute Christmas travel?” Geddoudatown!”
Yes, out of town. That’s what we are suggesting with this list of Christmas travel destinations. As far as “nearly last minute” is concerned, travel professionals expect this to be one of the busiest holiday travel seasons on record. While it won’t be LAST last minute for a couple of weeks, time is running out.
“Well, okay. I didn’t mean to pop off. You just surprised me. It feels like it was summer five minutes ago, and now you drop this nearly last-minute thing on me. I needed a moment. But, I’m ready now, so lay them on me.
No offense is taken. These deals were valid as of mid-day October 29. Double-check the prices before purchasing, and start anticipating your Christmas trip. Flights listed are one-way, leaving December 21. Obviously, check with your favorite travel website as terms and conditions apply.
Boracay Islands, Philippines:
December is the end of the rainy period on Boracay Islands (pictured above), so the Christmas season would be a shoulder season, at least from a weather standpoint. This hotel-lined area has a sand pathway to the beach. How about a Christmas vacation spent entirely barefoot? Flights from New York City starting at $1976.03.
Phuket, Thailand:
This is Asia’s super-popular beach destination that you have heard about lately. It’s actually one island with a dozen separate beach areas, each different from all the others. Patong Beach is the biggest and most well-known. But, Gildshire’s job is to get you there. The beach that suits your vacationing style is up to you to find. Flights from New York City starting at $1,777.91.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates:
If you don’t mind being around people on your Christmas holiday, consider Dubai. It is an enormous city, but one that boasts surprisingly lovely beaches. Oppressively hot for much of the year, Dubai in late December is pleasant. Shop-’til-you-drop folks will be in Heaven here. The favorite activity in Dubai is shopping in enormous malls filled with items priced more than reasonably. Flights from New York City starting at $1252.00.
Cartagena, Colombia:
Colombia is experiencing a travel renaissance, but Cartagena never knew that such a renewal was necessary. Perched along Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Cartagena’s claims to fame are beautiful beaches and a walled city (pictured below) that dates back hundreds of years. Holiday-takers like to walk through the walled city and experience a little of Colombia’s past in this beautiful town. Flights from New York City starting at $649.00.
The walled city of Cartagena is among our favorite of the nearly last-minute Christmas destinations.
Panama City, Panama:
There are two kinds of vacations to be experienced in Panama City. Of course, the beaches sparkle, and you can’t go wrong there. But downtown Panama City fairly tingles with sights, shopping, nightlife, and history. Gildshire recommends splitting your holiday in two and enjoying both sides of what Panama City has to offer. The hotel prices are reasonable whichever way you choose to spend your time. Flights from New York City starting at $395.00.
Montego Bay, Jamaica:
We’re calling this one Montego Bay, but it is actually three towns under one title. We chose Montego Bay because the airport is located there. But, Negril and Ocho Rios are part of the action. If all-inclusive resorts are your idea of a vacation, Gildshire recommends this one most of all! There are several resorts in the tri-city area catering to the all-inclusive vacationer. You folks will find attractive deals in beautiful resort atmospheres. Flights from New York City starting at $427.00.
You aren’t too late…yet. But early passes on time and becomes late in the blink of an eye. So, check out these nearly last-minute Christmas travel destinations and choose one for yourself. You cannot go wrong with any of them. Enjoy!
