Sharing the magic of the holiday season with a group can make for the coziest and merriest of seasons.
But a holiday trip can be a tricky feat to pull off if you’re not prepared, thanks to high demand and the general chaos of the most wonderful time of the year.
Here are some tips for building a holiday trip that maximizes the seasonal offerings at destinations around the country and around the world.
Start Early
The holidays are the busiest time of the year for most people, and that means flights, hotels and tickets to holiday attractions fill up fast. If you’re planning a holiday trip for your group, you’ll want to start early, maybe even earlier than you’re used to. Having your product designed and available for purchase a year in advance is a good rule of thumb; you won’t find hotels or flights if you wait until June to book a December holiday trip.
While you’re building your trip, double check if the attractions on your itinerary allow reservations during the holidays and find out how far in advance they need to be finalized. Many restaurants and attractions handle reservations differently around the holidays due to increased demand, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Start early when planning a holiday trip for your group. Events and accommodations sell out quickly.
Don’t Get Too Close to Christmas
Booking a holiday trip can be challenging, because you want to make sure it’s festive enough without infringing on your travelers’ other holiday plans. If you visit too early, destinations won’t be fully decorated. If you plan the trip for too late in the holiday season, you’ll have trouble getting people to sign up. From the end of November through the second week of December is an ideal time. Any later than that and you’ll find that many of your travelers drop out or don’t commit to the trip because of overlapping holiday commitments.
By the way, we always recommend travel insurance, but it’s especially important for travelers to purchase it on holiday trips, since it is such a busy time of year.
Booking holiday trips require precise timing to be successful.
Find a Partner
While you might think you know a destination well, you’ll find that most places and their offerings change around the holidays. That’s why it’s not a bad idea to look for partner tour companies or receptive operators that have pre-packaged holiday tours. Many of them offer white-label options so you can purchase the with your branding intact. This option will save you time and hassle. Additionally, local and specialized operators tend to purchase tickets for big events in bulk and well in advance; booking with a partner might give your group the chance to attend the festivities you could not otherwise get into.
Partner with a tour company who has done the work for you.
Prepare for Weather and Contingencies
Travel in December requires vigilance and lots of backup plans, due to unpredictable weather and general holiday craziness. It’s important to keep an eye on the weather, especially if traveling to (or through) northern destinations. Make sure you have backup itinerary plans for any outdoor activities that could be affected by weather, like a tree lighting ceremony or parade.
Prepare for the weather during season and have contingency plans for your group.
Add Destination-Specific Holiday Experiences
Hot cocoa, shopping and pretty lights are basically universal holiday experiences no matter where you are. To make your trip stand out, choose destinations with holiday traditions and experiences all their own. From a holiday-themed dinner train to shopping in a quaint Christmas village that mirrors the Christmas markets of Europe, there are plenty of distinct holiday experiences you can opt for.
Make sure any big holiday experiences fall near the end of your trip, not the beginning. Having a fun local holiday experience, like a local tree lighting or Christmas-themed performance, can be something to build anticipation for throughout the trip. It also ensures you don’t miss the main attraction thanks to flight delays or other contingencies.
Make your trip attractive, by choosing destinations with area-specific holiday traditions.
Work With DMOs
We always recommend making destination marketing organizations (DMOs) such as local tourism offices aware when you’re coming to town, especially when you’re in a smaller destination, because they can take a good trip to a great one. From connecting you with a local hotel that offers special room rates to snagging you a spot on a local Christmas parade float, DMOs offer exclusive deals and can give helpful insights into planning your holiday trip. They’ll know about the seasonal offerings, like local Christmas markets and shopping districts. They can also make the connection between you and local business owners and give recommendations for great restaurants, activities and attractions.
Don’t fight the crowds in places like New York City. Opt instead for small towns known for their holiday spirit.
Don’t Be Afraid to Think Small
While the big-name holiday gatherings and events — think the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting in New York City — tend to get a lot of attention, don’t be afraid to think of smaller, more regional attractions. Plenty of smaller destinations have a magic of their own during the holidays, and your groups might just enjoy the smaller crowds and easier travel arrangements. You’ll also enjoy the cheaper price tag and individualized attention from the DMO and local businesses.
