Vacation – 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!

Maldives Alternatives: Great Vacation Getaways

The Maldives is top of the mind when we think of the world’s most relaxing destinations. But its ridiculous exclusivity and cost of travel can definitely sour any dream vacation plans. So if you’re looking for an island paradise with no crowds, don’t look too far. Here are our top picks for your next great escape.

Cebu, Philippines

As an archipelago in the tropics, the Philippines has more than its fair share of fantastic beaches. Skip the tourist flocks of Boracay, and head elsewhere in the Visayas region to Cebu. A rare mix of everything you need in a vacation, and more: water sports, powder-soft sands, and resorts and guesthouses for every budget range. Spend a day exploring the coastal mountains, which will treat you to spectacular sunsets and a view of the other 167 nearby islands dotting the sparkling sea.

Komodo, Indonesia

Yes, this is a reference to the dragons. Komodo, Indonesia is a secluded paradise for nature lovers filled with lush mountains, crystal clear waters, and colourful coral reefs. And of course, exotic wildlife fresh off the set of Jurassic Park.

Koh Phayam, Thailand

Thailand is a great country with a lot to offer locals and tourists (READ: 6 Thrilling Bangkok Activities) but it can get overcrowded during peak holiday season. With a local population of roughly 500 people, and tourists heading to Thailand’s better known islands, Koh Phayam is wonderfully quiet. With all the holiday attractions of its more known neighbors, Koh Phayam is a beach paradise perfect if you don’t want to be disturbed.

Jeju Island, Korea

Underrated Vacation Spots: Jeju, Korea (image via Republic of Korea)

This longtime honeymoon spot for Korea’s newly weds boasts of incredible beaches, seas of exotic wildlife, and landscapes shaped by centuries of volcanic activity. Spend a day exploring Mt. Hallasan, a dormant volcano rising 1,950 meters above sea level and see the stunning crater lake and colourful fields of flowers, before heading back into town for some delicious (and affordable) seafood.

Con Dao Archipelago, Vietnam

Unerrated Vacatin Spots: Con Dao, Vietnam (image via Lam Tr Th)

Vietnam is full of incredible sights and steeped in culture and history. Much of Con Son is charmingly Gallic, with almost no traffic and a number of cheap and delicious cafes and restaurants. But for many years, many of the islands were used as prisons by the French and US. It’s an interesting but sobering history worth exploring, but be sure to end your visit on a high note. Enjoy the wildly idyllic beaches now mostly populated by nesting sea turtles.

North Borneo Beach, Sabah

Underrated Vacation Spots: Sabah, Malaysia (Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas)

The lack of roads and tourist facilities make a great deterrent. But isolation has its upsides, and Simpang Mengayau is a beach that has thrived from the solitude. Take day trip up north from Kota Kinabalu and enjoy kilometers of pristine coastline as the South China Sea crashes into the shore. And if you have the time, be sure to explore Sabah’s forests and see Mt. Alab and the Mahua Waterfall.

Escape to the World’s Most Relaxing Destinations

Is the work week getting you down? Nothing puts you in vacation mood more than a hump day that’s extra tough. To help you along, we’ve rounded some of the world’s most relaxing destinations that make for the best vacations. Bookmark this for your next long weekend or vacation trip!

Maldives

With powdery beaches and crystal-blue waters like nowhere else in the world, and ultra-exclusive resorts, Maldives is top off the head when it comes to dream vacations. Resorts are constantly competing to give travelers the most relaxing experience possible, with services and amenities such as personal butlers and underwater spas. But over the years, the Maldives has become more accessible to the independent traveler and you can choose from the many luxury resorts, or go backpacker style and stay with a friendly local family. Whether you stay in a small guesthouse or a luxury villa, you’re sure to enjoy the pristine sands and seas.

Koh Lanta, Thailand

Step away from the crowds and reconnect with nature at Koh Lanta. Go island hopping and trek through the jungle, where you’ll stumble upon waterfalls that will take your breath away. Explore Maya Bay, a hidden beach tucked behind 100-meter high cliffs and was the setting for Leonardi DiCaprio’s movie ‘The Beach.’ And after you’ve recharged enough? Head over to the famous Why Not bar where you can meet friendly strangers, listen to live music, and just enjoy the sound of the waves.

Bali, Indonesia

While a number of beaches have become too touristy and commercialized, Bali is still full of the same powdery beaches, perfect waves, and incredible sunsets (READ: Bali’s Most Beautiful Beaches). Pockets are so untapped and secluded, a vacation getaway can quickly turn into a spiritual retreat. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, go on an off-road island adventure and a safari tour.

Budapest

We’ve got to thank Wes Anderson for reminding us what a wonderful place Budapest can be. And while you (hopefully) won’t be solving any murder mysteries during your stay, Budapest is full of all sorts of astounding sights to see. Explore the stunning architecture in cool weather with a guided walking tour (or bike tour), or make the most of your time and take an exclusive air cruiser. Don’t end your trip without a nightcap of some of their finest wine.

Marbella, Spain

Fancy yourself a Spanish siesta? The southern coast of Spain boasts of gorgeous sandy beaches, lush greenery, and peaceful harbours. If you find yourself feeling a little restless, wait until the sun goes down to enjoy the bustling nightlife, or sip a cocktail on one of the many tapa bars overlooking the sea.

Bondi, Australia

The atmosphere in Bondi Australia is so relaxed many of the locals don’t even bother to put on shoes. Spend a beach weekend here, where you’ve got access to numerous fantastic beaches via the Bondi to Coogee Beach Coastal Trail. After a day of surfing or sunbathing, have a hearty fill at any of the quaint cafes and restaurants nearby

El Nido, Palawan

Conde Naste has declared Palawan as the most beautiful island in the world, two years straight. And it’s easy to see why. With miles of pristine beaches, tropical forests, and its famous underground river system, El Nido is the perfect place to go for a taste of both adventure and relaxation.

Chefchaouen, Morocco

Let your eyes rest easy on Morocco’s Blue Pearl City, famous for its powder-blue painted doors and walls. Stroll through the small but vibrant town with an empty shopping bag, and fill it with all sorts of colorful finds from the city’s craft market: handwoven blankets, pots made from brass and clay, and intricate jewelry. After a day of haggling and bargain hunting with the local merchants, sit back and unwind with a cup of spiced coffee, and enjoy the incredible view of the Rif Mountains. If you’re up for something more, take a Balloon Flight, or go Quad Biking in the desert.

Bagan, Myanmar

If you’re itching to get off the grid and go backpacking, definitely consider Bagan, Myanmar (READ: 6 PLaces to Check Out on Your Next Trip to Myanmar). This growing backpacker haunt is little more than an overgrown village with some of the simplest traveler comforts. But don’t mistake its simplicity for boring; with over two thousand temples and pagodas and wide, winding dirt roads, Bagan is easily one of Myanmar’s greatest tourist attractions and is best explored by bicycle.

Vientiane, Laos

World's Most Relaxing Destinations; Vientiane City, Laos — World’s Most Relaxing Destinations: Vientiane City, Laos (via SaigonJoe)

Uncrowded and slow-paced, Vientiane has been nicknamed the ‘Capital of Calm.’ But this Mekong River-side spot is full of age-old Buddhist temples, impressive colonial French architecture, and great finds at the street markets. Spend your days pouring over a good book at any of the tiny cafes, and your nights at an old French villa turned boutique hotel.