Seasonal – Travel with KKday

10 Christmas Vacations for that Romantic Getaway

This Christmas, why not pack up the mistletoe for a kiss under a palm tree? We have 10 Christmas vacation ideas for couples so you can spend some quality time with your partner and explore a new destination. Grab your bae, book your tickets, and head on your way!

Christmas Vacation Idea for Couples #1: Wander the streets of Old Montreal, Canada

Christmas Vacation Ideas for Couples: Montreal, Canada (Flickr/Caribb)

Why it’s great for couples: Romantic atmosphere

What to do: Old Montreal 2-Hr VIP Walking Tour

Be transported to a quaint European city in Montreal, Canada. Hold hands with your better half, and stroll down the romantic streets of Old Montreal, stopping for warm cider and poutine.

Christmas Vacation Idea for Couples #2: Take a bite out of the Big Apple

Christmas Vacation Ideas for Couples: Montreal, Canada (image via Pexels)

Why it’s great for couples: Amazing entertainment

What to do: Watch The Lion King on Broadway or become part of Sleep No More, a fully immersive play

New York City is always a great idea, but the city transforms during Christmas into a winter wonderland. While you’re there, take in a Broadway show or experience one of New York’s unique performances. Enjoy ice skating at Rockefeller Center, then cozy up with a hot chocolate and your special someone. Afterwards, check out the incredible store windows and Christmas lights that line the streets.

Christmas Vacation Idea for Couples #3: Watch the sunrise in Cappadocia, Turkey

Christmas Vacation Ideas for Couples: Cappadocia, Turkey

Why it’s great for couples: Stunning landscapes

What to do: Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia

Make memories to last a lifetime and head to Cappadocia, Turkey. Hop in a hot air balloon and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city. Witness ‘fairy chimneys’, tall, cone-shaped rock formation clusters and check out historic Bronze Age homes carved into valley walls.

Christmas Vacation Idea for Couples #4: Chill out in Iceland

Christmas Vacation Ideas for Couples: Iceland

Why it’s great for couples: Cuddling under the northern lights

What to do: Half-Day Northern Lights Exploration Tour

Adventure with your partner to Iceland and spend a day in a geothermal spa. Soak away in the warm pools, before heading out after sunset to observe the northern lights. Keep warm by cuddling with your S.O. as you gaze up at the night sky.

Christmas Vacation Idea for Couples #5: Bangkok, Thailand

Christmas Vacation Ideas for Couples: Bangkok, Thailand

Why it’s great for couples: Foodie paradise

What to do: Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Day Tour

If you and your sweetheart have a love affair with delicious food, then head to Bangkok, Thailand. Tour the markets for local delicacies, tasty street food, and fresh fruits.

Christmas Vacation Idea for Couples #6: Make a splash in the Cebu, Philippines

Christmas Vacation Ideas for Couples: Cebu, Philippines

Why it’s a great for couples: Thrilling excursions for adventure-loving couples

What to do: Oslob Whale Shark Swimming and Tumalog Falls Tour

Head to Cebu, Philippines and swap cold winters for warm beaches, sunny days and picturesque islands. Kick this Christmas up a notch and try scuba diving, snorkeling and swimming with sea life.

Christmas Vacation Idea for Couples #7: Fall in love with Taipei, Taiwan

Christmas Vacation Ideas for Couples: Taipei, Taiwan

Why it’s great for couples: Street eats, natural beauty and cityscapes

What to do: Taipei 101 Observatory

Taipei, Taiwan has something for everyone: bustling night markets, scenic hikes, historic landmarks and enchanting panoramic views.

Christmas Vacation Idea for Couples #8: Hang out in Hong Kong

Christmas Vacation Ideas for Couples: Hong Kong (Wikimedia/Сидней シドニー)

Why it’s great for couples: Home one of the happiest places on Earth

What to do: Visit Mickey at Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong has excellent food, impressive temples, and breathtaking views but a trip is not complete without a stop at Hong Kong Disneyland.

Christmas Vacation Idea for Couples #9: Seoulmates

Christmas Vacation Ideas for Couples: Seoul, Korea (Flick/Nestor Lacle)

Why it’s great for couples: City life and relaxing nature hikes

What to do: Nami Island and Petite France Day Tour

While Seoul itself is a bustling and vibrant city, it’s easy to slow down with a day tour to the surrounding areas. Enjoy a leisurely pace on Nami Island, as you stroll the pathways lined with trees and snow.

Christmas Vacation Idea for Couples #10: Make Memories in Malaysia

Christmas Vacation Ideas for Couples: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Why it’s great for couples: Wildlife and dreamy sunsets

What to do: Kawa Kawa Wetland River Cruise

See incredible scenes of wildlife and lush forests in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Watch the sunset and admire the twinkling fireflies at night.

This holiday season, escape with that special someone and head out on a Christmas vacation!

Europe’s Top 10 Christmas Markets

Nothing says Christmas like strolling through the illuminated aisles of a market, mulled wine in hand while carols play in the background. Add a little extra magic to this holiday season with a visit to one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Wander through one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, in Strasbourg, France. Shop for gifts and souvenirs at one of Berlin’s 60 markets (yup, 60). A trip to one of these 10 best Christmas markets in Europe will grow any Grinch’s heart three sizes bigger.

1. Strasbourg, France

From November 24 – December 30

Best Christmas Markets in Europe: Strasbourg, France (Wikimedia/Michal Osmenda)

This Christmas market in Europe first took place 1570. While they’ve changed up a few of the attractions and stalls (since saddles are ‘so yesterday’), many of the traditional aspects still remain. You can still see the famed Christmas tree, sample spiced cake and mulled wine and pick up Christmas ornaments and souvenirs across themed areas and over 300 stalls.

2. Viennese Christmas Market, Vienna, Austria

From November 17 – December 26

Best Christmas Markets in Europe: Viennese Christmas Market (Wikimedia/VitVit)

One of the most well known Vienna Christmas markets is the Viennese Christmas Market that takes place in front of City Hall. The unique City Hall backdrop makes it one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Join in the holiday fun and learn to bake cookies or make candles. Enjoy live music from international choirs singing your favorite Christmas carols.

3. Bath Christmas Market, United Kingdom

From November 23 – December 10

Head to the award-winning Bath Christmas Market to explore to over 200 stalls featuring gifts, homewares, tasty food, accessories, and more. Find handicrafts and treats made by local artisans. Stop by for the opening ceremony to hear live music and bring the children for storytelling by Snowflake the Elf.

4. Dresden, Germany

Most markets run until December 24

Best Christmas Markets in Europe: Dresden, Germany (Wikimedia/Daderot)

Scrooge’s beware—Germany is home to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Christmas markets happen all over the country and each city hosts multiple markets. Dresden has become synonymous with striezel cake, also called stollen. It’s a traditional Christmas cake and a must-try for tourists.

5. Zagreb, Croatia

From December 2 – January 7

Zagreb was actually voted best Christmas market in Europe in 2016, so you know it’s pretty darn excellent. Events take place all over the city, turning Zagreb into a winter wonderland. See a live nativity scene next to a cathedral, take in outdoor concerts or enjoy a date night skating at the Ice Park.

6. Berlin

From November 23 – December 31

With some 60 markets, Berlin is clearly big on Christmas. Berlin markets feature jugglers, acrobats, fire artists, dance troupes and choirs for an exceptional Christmas experience.

7. Tallinn Christmas Market, Tallinn, Estonia

From November 17 – January 6

Best Christmas Markets in Europe: Tallinn Christmas Market

The Tallinn Christmas Market first displayed a Christmas tree in the Town Hall square in 1441, making it the first Christmas tree to ever be put on display in Europe. Savor Estonian delicacies like black pudding, sour cabbage, and gingerbread. You may even spot Santa with his reindeer!

8. Munich

From November 27 – December 24

Best Christmas Markets in Europe: Munich (Flickr/Heather Cowper)

Immerse yourself in the nostalgia of the Munich Christmas markets. Meander the laneways, surrounded by lit up trees that become a glittering forest at night. Tuck into Bavarian cuisine and homemade specialties. If you’re hoping to hit up more than one of the Munich markets, opt for a tour and learn about German holiday traditions at some of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, Prague, Czech Republic

From December 2 – January 6

Best Christmas Markets in Europe: Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square (Wikimedia/Hynek Moravec)

You’ll find two Christmas markets in Prague within walking distance of each other so you can easily check out both in one day. Be sure to pick up klobasa (Czech sausage) and a cold Pilsner Urquell as you sit back and watch the tree lighting.

Winter Wonders, Brussels, Belgium

From November 24 – December 31

The Winter Wonders event takes place in Brussels across various neighborhoods. Discover the 200 stalls that make this one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. With a Ferris wheel, light shows, ice rink and live music, this market is guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit.

Visit these 5 Stunning National Parks in Korea This Fall

Fall is the perfect time to trade the dull office grey for the bright colours of the province. Drink in the autumn air and add some colour to your life (and Instagram feed) and spend the day touring and hiking Korea’s National Parks. Here’s a quick list of places to go and things to do in Korea this fall season!

Naejangsan National Park: Go Hiking

If you’ve only got a day outside of Seoul, go here. Mt. Naejangsan, which loosely translates to ‘many secrets in the mountain’, is a year-round natural marvel, but it’s especially lovely in the fall.

The cool autumn weather makes for a perfect day of hiking, where you can uncover the park’s hidden wonders. Across its spider web of trails, you’ll stumble upon myth-like waterfalls, sacred temples, and lush forests. Take the park’s cable car and marvel a the autumn carpet of reds and orange from above.

Fall in Korea: Naejangsan National Park Cable Car Ride

Seoraksan National Park: Have a picnic

At Mt. Seorak (from ‘Seol’ meaning ‘snow’ and ‘Ak’ meaning ‘big mountain’), fall and winter meet early to give visitors a breathtaking view: brightly colored leaves littering powder-white snow, with crystal clear ponds and streams cutting through.

In 1965, Seorak Mountain was designated a Natural Monument by the Korean government and in 1982, a Biosphere Preservation District by UNESCO.

Everywhere you turn, the park is filled with odd rock formations, dense forests and interesting wildlife. Enjoy the fall afternoon with your friends and family with a picnic of homemade goodies and a bottle of meoruju, a traditional wild fruit wine.

Daedunsan National Park: Ride a Cable Car to the Top

What makes Daedunsan National Park particularly enchanting in the fall is the bare mountain. Rising from the lush forest is the overwhelming bareness of Mt. Daedun The craggy, stony cliffs are a stark contrast to the warm hues of the trees.

Drink in the autumn atmosphere when you take a cable car ride to the mountain peak. Our advice? Try to ride the cable car in the late afternoon, just as the sun sets and the sky turns the same color as the leaves.

Fall in Korea: Daedunsan National Park Cable Car Ride

Gingko Forest: Have Afternoon Tea

For a truly rare sight this autumn, head to Korea’s Gingko Forest this October. For most of the year, the forest is closed off to tourists and visitors. But for around three weeks, the park opens to the public. catch rows of some 2,000 Gingko trees turn into a brilliant golden yellow.

After exploring the yellow forest, sit down with your friends and family for some afternoon tea at the Millennium Tea House.

Odaesan National Park: Relive Your Favorite Scenes from Goblin

Who could forget the tragic love affair between Kim Shin and Ji Eun-tak? The hit Korean Drama, ‘Goblin: The Great and Lonely God’ took us on a roller coaster of emotions. The show was shot all over Korea (and you can visit those spots with KKday!), including Odaesan National Park. Even during the quiet moments where they stroll through the autumn leaves, our hearts were reeling.

Stroll through the fir tree paths, just like Goblin and his bride. Even if you aren’t a fan of the Kdrama, the fall leaves of Odaesan National Park are sure to bring out your inner romantic.

Korea is full of post-card ready landscapes and scenery; it would be a shame if you spend the season locked away in your house of office. Book your fall adventure with us today!