It's only mid-October, but Christmas lights are twinkling in many department stores and ideas for out of the ordinary holiday trips are percolating in the minds of many travelers. Among the possibilities:
River trips to Europe's Christmas markets are increasing in popularity because of the opportunity to find unique gifts and because of the off-season prices. Starting at about $1,200, these trips visit various countries, traverse rivers such as the Danube and the Rhine, and go from one to two weeks. Some are already sold out.
Among companies offering river trips are Durgan Travel (durgantravel.com), Grand Circle Travel (gct.com), Grand European Tours (getours.com), and Vantage Deluxe World Travel (vantagetravel.com).
For those who prefer staying in one place, many European communities have Christmas market specials. Wiesbaden, Germany, attracts visitors with choirs, Nativity plays, arts and crafts displays, and the Twinkling Star Christmas Market. A day program includes admission to the holiday-decorated skating rink and rentals, soup and mulled wine, and admission to the thermal baths and saunas of Thermalbad Aukammtal. Prices are about $40 per person.
Visit wiesbaden.eu/christmas.
The Tides Inn in Irvington, Va., unwraps its Christmas activities with a Taste of the Tidings package, Dec. 7-9, starting at $139 per person per night. The weekend, timed to coincide with the community's annual boat parade, begins with a tree lighting ceremony. Saturday events include a breakfast, an afternoon cruise, gingerbread decorating, and wood carving, with the boat parade that evening. Fireside desserts are a part of the weekend, as are other area events.
Visit tidesinn.com or call 800-843-3746.
During Christmas week at the Balsams in Dixville Notch, N.H., elves join a welcome reception and guests get a commemorative ornament and a sleigh ride around the property. There will be gingerbread decorating, ornament making, caroling, dancing, and wine tastings. On Christmas Eve, guests gather at the fireplace for a reading of "A Visit From St. Nicholas." Outdoor activities include broomball, ice skating, and snowshoeing. At Christmas brunch, each family will receive a Balsam fir sapling to plant back home. Rates for the week, Dec. 21-27, begin at $109 per person per night and include overnight accommodations, a full breakfast, and the holiday resort activities.
Visit thebalsams.com or call 866-380-6798.
Port Charlotte, Fla., won't let its southwestern Gulf Coast location keep out the holiday spirit. During the Holidays on the Harbor celebration throughout December, the community celebrates with street and boat parades, concerts, art fairs, and outdoor nature excursions, all featuring thousands of lights. Accommodations range from a waterfront motel starting at $69 per night to a luxury resort starting at $320 per night.
Visit charlotteharbortravel.com or call 800-652-6090.
Beat the holiday rush
Wherever you are going, book those flights soon. Here's why:
"Competition for deals, and for seats, will be stiff," says Nicola Corrigan, deal finder for travel-search engine Cheapflights.com. According to Cheapflights, the number of fliers searching for holiday fares began to rise last month and continues steadily right up to the holidays. "You'll be flying with an estimated 25 million other air travelers over Thanksgiving and another 9 million over Christmas," says Corrigan.
To save, travel a day or two earlier than the crowds, says Barbara Messing, a travel specialist for discount site Hotwire.com. For Thanksgiving, the busiest travel days will be Nov. 20-21 (the Tuesday and Wednesday before the holiday) and Nov. 24-26 (the three days after it). For Christmas travelers, the most expensive flight days are Dec. 21-23 and Dec. 26-31.
Wrapped gifts may result in a hassle at the airport's security checkpoint. Wrap them when you get to the destination or send them ahead.
When not included, hotel taxes, airport fees, and port charges can add significantly to the price of a trip. Most prices quoted are for double occupancy; solo travelers will usually pay more. Offers are subject to availability and there may be blackout dates. Richard P. Carpenter can be reached at carpenter@globe.com.
