It’s the most wonderful time of the year — but is it the most wonderful time to travel?
We have reached the annual period that seems to fly faster than any other. The weeks from Thanksgiving to Christmas and on to New Year’s Day pass in a blur of planning, shopping and celebrating. And if you’re like me, you might wake up on January 2 wondering where the season went.
With so much going on in such a short period, the holidays may not seem like a great time for group trips. People are short on time, and if they haven’t planned well for the year’s gifts, they may be feeling short on money too.
But for all the drawbacks, the holiday season presents plenty of travel benefits as well. Here are five reasons you should spend some time this year thinking about taking a trip in November or December of 2025.
1. Seasonal Events
Perhaps the most compelling reason to take holiday trips is that there are some bucket-list experiences only available at this time of year. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day in Pasadena, California, are high-profile events that bookend the season, and both are popular with groups. But dozens of other holiday festivals, events and other celebrations around the country should be on any travel lover’s radar as well.
2. Shopping Opportunities
Amazon may be your go-to destination for run-of-the-mill gift buying, but shopping online isn’t nearly as much fun as visiting a great retail spot in person. If someone on your list is difficult to buy for — or if you enjoy giving thoughtful, handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts — a holiday-season trip with lots of “shopportunities” may be just what you need. Outlet malls, artisan communities, main streets and other sites offer places to pick up gifts or souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else.
3. Cash Flow
If you run a for-profit tour company or travel agency, holiday trips can play an important role in your business strategy. Since managing cash flow is an important part of running a company, consider the potential revenue you could generate from a December trip. The income created by offering some trips at the end of the year could help you close out your year on a high note or bridge your organization financially from the profitable fall until spring, when people begin traveling in earnest again.
4. Warmer (or Colder) Weather
A holiday trip can give your group an excuse to enjoy a welcome change in weather, if only for a few days. Groups based in the North, where snow sometimes begins falling before Halloween, might enjoy visiting a Southern destination to warm up a bit in mid-December. Conversely, groups living in subtropical climates may enjoy a few days of winter chill by taking a seasonal trip to a cooler destination.
5. Holiday Spirit
Travel has a way of opening people’s minds and hearts, which means a well-planned December trip could help even Ebenezer Scrooge get into the holiday spirit. Twinkling lights, carols and hot chocolate can help transform any itinerary into a seasonal celebration. Throw in a holiday show, a gift exchange or a living nativity to take the warm and fuzzies to the next level.
