The holiday season can be a busy time to travel, but it can also be an easy time to go on a vacation with your entire family. Your children are likely off of work, and your grandchildren are out of school—so the sky is the limit!
However, before you pack your bags, we recommend considering a more unique travel destination this year. That way, you can avoid the crowds and save money. Here are some of the most awesome yet underrated travel destinations.
1. Lake Bacalar, Mexico
Looking to spend the Christmas season somewhere warm this year? While Mexico might be at the top of the list, Cancun, Tulum, and Puerto Vallarta will all be overflowing with other tourists.
We urge you to try out Lake Bacalar in Quintana Roo near Tulum, which still has white sand beaches and warm weather but is off the beaten path enough to give you some peace and quiet!
2. Riga, Latvia
Northern European countries are famous for their Christmas markets, which offer warm beverages, hot snacks, and fun shopping during the holiday season. While you might be tempted to head for the popular ones in Austria and Germany, we urge you to consider Riga instead.
Not only will Riga be less crowded than the more popular cities, but it will also be cheaper, and you can discover some award-winning museums while you are there. Besides just the Christmas markets, you can check out some breweries, cathedrals, and more!
Prefer to join a travel group? No problem, check out our list of the 7 best tour companies for seniors in Europe.
3. Sibiu, Romania
Another forgotten EU country, Sibiu, Romania, is also known for its Christmas markets. It’s a bit smaller than Riga, but it still has some amazing eats to enjoy. Something notable about Sibiu is its medieval architecture, which you will be able to take some fantastic pictures of because there won’t be any crowds!
4. Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
You don’t have to leave the country to have a fun and exotic holiday. Puerto Rico is technically America, though they have their own unique culture and way of life.
Here, you can enjoy beautiful beaches, exotic food, and quaint restaurants and bars. San Juan is likely to be packed, though, so definitely check out Cabo Rojo.
5. Cartagena, Colombia
Once, the name of the country in the northern portion of South America was synonymous with drugs and corruption, but a lot has changed since the 1990s. While you still have to be cautious when traveling abroad, Colombia has so many amazing cities to offer.
Cartagena and Cali are two favorites, though it’s easy to see why! With low prices, beautiful beaches and architecture, and tasty eats, you won’t find yourself lacking much. Not to mention that it’s only a 3-hour flight from Florida, which allows you to visit a whole new world even if you can only go for a weekend.
6. Valletta, Malta
Malta is an island in the Mediterranean Sea and an excellent place to visit for those who don’t want the cold Christmas markets but don’t want summer either! This island is tiny, but it has so much to offer, including temperate weather during the winter holidays.
Malta is full of history, gorgeous churches, and some of the oldest ruins of human civilization. It isn’t the cheapest on our list, but December and January are the off-season, so we are sure you can find some good deals!
7. Taos, New Mexico
You don’t have to leave the United States to have an amazing Christmas vacation, as just a drive to Taos will do! The landscape here really is beautiful but be aware that it does snow there—meaning this won’t be a vacation to get your tan on!
Regardless, we found Taos affordable, fun, and with some of the best foods in the United States. You absolutely can’t leave until you have at least a taste of the green chili!
8. Taipei, Taiwan
Chances are you’ve thought about visiting China or Japan, but you’ve forgotten about the former Chinese-owned country of Taiwan. A small country filled with amazing food and tea, this is a fun and unique destination during the holiday season.
While Christmas isn’t as popular here as it is in other countries, you can still enjoy world-class food and fun museums during your winter break.
9. Luxembourg
Back on the topic of Christmas markets, Luxembourg is another underrated city in Europe that has amazing Christmas markets. While this country is a bit on the small side, there is free public transport, which makes getting around easy.
We should mention that if you plan to go here, a few words in French or German will go a long way. Because the country has both as national languages, we found the English often a bit lacking!
10. La Paz, Bolivia
In South America, most people consider visiting Peru or Chile but forget all about the country in the middle. Bolivia is a truly hidden gem, with low prices and lots to do. Plus, since the weather is opposite of the United States, when it’s cold here it will be warm there!
You’ll need to ensure you plan to visit the Uyuni Salt Flats, Lake Titicaca, and the Amazon Rainforest. However, some immunizations might be suggested, so talk to your doctor before you leave.
Related: 10 Senior Travel Tips
11. Tirana, Albania
Unfortunately, Croatia has been flooded with tourists in recent years, to the point where you can barely walk in some of the most popular cities. To get a similar experience (but without the people) we recommend checking out Albania.
Full of beautiful scenery and friendly people, you’ll have a fun vacation at a fraction of the cost you would pay to see Croatia. While the weather won’t be warm during the Christmas season, you won’t be freezing either.
Enjoying your holidays so much you want to move abroad? Check out our guide for how to retire abroad.
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