Happy holidays...what? It's almost June!

Can you believe we're nearing the middle of the year already 😅

Spring flowers have come and are going…

And while it’s tricky to think past this summer,

my travel advisor brain is demanding that I let you know something very important:

You’re running out of time to plan your holiday getaway.

“But it’s only May!” you might be thinking.

...And I’m here to say — it’s already May,  and December is the hottest time to travel around the world.

A December getaway — whether it’s a festive escape or a total unplug — is one of the best gifts you can give yourself (or your family). From snowy cities that sparkle to sunny shores that have never seen a winter coat, there’s no shortage of ways to do the holidays your way.

If you’re thinking about traveling over the holidays, here’s why you need to start thinking about booking right now:

✅ Availability Goes Fast: Boutique hotels, beachfront villas, and direct flights? They’re often booked months in advance!

✅ Rates Rise Quickly: December travel is already premium, but waiting until the last

minute? Not the move! Early planning = better value.

✅ Holiday Logistics Are A Doozy: From airport crowds to restaurant reservations, having an expert on your side can make or break your trip...

but we can't be magicians if we don’t have enough time to work our magic!

Whether you’re dreaming of cozy, cultural, or completely off-the-grid, here are a few December destinations worth putting on your list now.

Your holiday, your way. What will it be? 🛫

AUSTRIA OR SWITZERLAND? | THE EUROPE PICKS

A classic holiday showdown, indeed. When it comes to a winter wonderland itinerary, you really can’t go wrong with Europe... but these two options are hard to beat.

📍 Vienna, Austria: Was Vienna designed for this time of year? It may seem so, as you wander through iconic Christmas markets with mulled wine in hand while live music drifts through the squares.

● Perfect For: Couples, festive first-timers, and culture aficionados who want a slower pace.

📍 Switzerland (Zermatt, Lucerne, or St. Moritz): Snowy, cinematic landscapes? Check. Cozy alpine villages with twinkle lights that look suspiciously like your grandma’s Christmas décor? Also check! Add in world-class skiing and scenic trains, and suddenly winter feels like the main event... not something to escape.

● Perfect For: Families, skiers, and travelers who want that full “winter wonderland” experience.

ST. LUCIA OR COSTA RICA? | THE SUN & SAND PICKS

A warm-weather escape in the middle of winter is a no-brainer. The only question is... are you here to completely unplug, or do you need to keep things a little more active?

📍 St. Lucia: Towering Pitons, lush greenery, and your pick of resorts that are beachfront or tucked into the hills. This is the kind of island where your busiest day looks like morning coffee with a view, an afternoon in a hammock, and just enough activity to justify another cocktail.

● Perfect For: Honeymooners, couples, and anyone craving a true “do not disturb” kind of escape. I did take my daughter to Saint Lucia last December, we had an amazing time and stayed in the most beautiful resorts. This was one of our rooms:

📍 Costa Rica: A completely different take on a tropical getaway — one that blends beach time with jungle experiences in a single trip. And the wildlife?! Plan on building in time each day just to watch monkeys swinging through the trees or spotting a sloth who’s been in the same position since breakfast.

● Perfect For: Families, active travelers, and anyone who wants a balance between

relaxation and adventure.

We did white water rafting, zip lining, sunset catamaran, private dinner and hiking in the cloud forest.

NEW YORK CITY OR ASPEN? | THE CLOSE TO HOME PICKS

Not everyone wants to leave the country for a little holiday magic. Sometimes the best trips are the ones that feel festive the moment you land, no passport required.

📍 New York City: The Rockefeller tree, ice skating in the middle of the city, over-the-top window displays... it’s all as magical as it looks in the movies! Add in Broadway shows, incredible dining, and (fingers crossed!) snow in the forecast for that extra holiday vibe, and you’ve got a holiday trip pulled straight from the Hallmark Channel.

● Perfect For: Families, girls’ trips, and anyone who wants a short and sweet getaway

📍 Aspen, Colorado: If your idea of a perfect gift is zig-zagging down a mountain followed by an après scene, Aspen delivers on all fronts. The “12 Days of Aspen” is the perfect addition for those looking to have a chat with Santa or take a spin around the ice rink.

● Perfect For: Families, ski lovers, and anyone craving a cozy winter escape

CLOSING STATEMENT + P.S.

If you made it this far, consider this your official sign to start the conversation sooner rather than later! The best holiday trips aren’t the ones you scramble to piece together in October... they’re the ones that are thoughtfully planned now, while there’s still something worth

choosing from.

Begin planning today; hit reply or fill out our request information form: https://www.goodlifetravel.org

Happy almost summer!

Debbie Ellis

🧭 P.S. Not sure which direction to go? That’s usually the hardest part! Reply and share what you’re envisioning (snowy, sunny, somewhere in between), and I’ll help narrow it down to the right fit.