With winter always approaches faster than you’d expect, many UK families are starting to think about where they can go for some much-needed sunshine and adventure.
If you’re looking for an unusual, sunny and exotic destination for your Christmas family holidays, Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent are ideal places to go.
With their incredible array of experiences be they wildlife, foodie and or cultural, there’ll be something for everyone.
Christmas family holidays are a great excuse to blend festive cheer with the excitement of travel.
Unlike the usual routine of celebrating at home, venturing to a new destination adds a unique twist to the holiday season.
Imagine waking up on Christmas morning in a cosy villa in Sri Lanka, surrounded by greenery, or enjoying a beachfront celebration in Thailand, with the sound of waves as your festive background music.
It’s the perfect opportunity for families to bond over shared experiences and create lasting memories, whether it’s exploring the local culture, indulging in special holiday feasts, or taking part in unique Christmas traditions abroad.
ETG Travel Expert Sara and on a multi-generational family holiday to Sri Lanka.
Planning a Christmas family holiday requires a bit more forethought than a regular trip, but the payoff is well worth it.
Start by deciding what kind of experience you want—relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both. For example, a family holiday to Vietnam can combine cultural exploration with beach relaxation, offering something for everyone.
Once you have a destination in mind, book early to ensure you get the best accommodations and flights, as this is a peak travel season. For the best availability and rates, it’s wise to book by the end of May.
This way, you can secure the most suitable options for your family and avoid the last-minute rush.
Consider activities that are suitable for all family members, from young children to grandparents.
A tailored holiday with Experience Travel Group can ensure everyone’s interests are met, providing a stress-free planning process.
Here are five top winter holiday destinations to consider, along with some tips for planning your trip.
Thailand makes a perfect Christmas destination thanks to the weather, the abundance of interesting things to do and places to stay, and its relative ease to get and explore.
The weather in Thailand is at its best between late October and early February, with very little rain and slightly cooler temperatures than the rest of the year.
This high season does mean it’s also the most popular time to go so we recommend booking early to make sure you get the flights and hotels you want.
Best time to visit: Late October to early February
How far in advance to book: Book early to get the flights and hotels you want
Flight time: Approximately 12 hours direct from the UK
Suggested things to do:
Try delicious street food in Bangkok with an expert guide
Explore the northern mountains and forests, ideal for trekking and cycling
Download our Thailand Travel Guide
Vietnam offers a great mix of culture and beaches, and is especially good for families with children who love train rides.
The reunification railway is a brilliant experience for all ages and lets you see the stunning countryside whilst skipping domestic flights.
It also offers excellent value direct flights from the UK and across the country with Vietnam Airlines.
Best time to visit: Good weather all over the country in December
How far in advance to book: Book as far in advance as possible to avoid issues with availability
Flight time: Approximately 12 hours direct from the UK
Suggested things to do:
Cruise the Mekong and see rural life
Enjoy the sunshine on Hoi An’s nearby beaches
Download our Vietnam Travel Guide
Cambodia is a great destination for families who want an exciting Christmas with a difference.
Siem Reap is the perfect place to impress the kids – skip stockings at the end of the bed for sunrise on the lake and floating villages.
Ditch Charades for cycling through tomb raider-style temples. And swap Xmas lunch for quad biking through the tropical countryside at sunset.
Best time to visit: Good for Christmas
How far in advance to book: At least 6 months in advance, or 9 months if you want to ensure you get a room at Song Saa or Shinta Mani Wild
Flight time: Approximately 15 hours in total, including a stop in either Bangkok, Singapore or Dubai
Suggested things to do:
Sunset quad bike ride through rural Siem Reap
Exploring Angkor Wat
Discover Tonle Sap Floating villages
Download our Cambodia Travel Guide
Sri Lanka and The Maldives offer a perfect mix of adventurous and relaxing experiences, and are especially good for children who love wildlife.
The south coast beaches can be a little unreliable in terms of weather in Sri Lanka which is why we suggest you combine a visit in December to the country with The Maldives, just a 1-hour flight away.
Best time to visit: December – Our winter, sunny beach break to escape UK winter weather
How far in advance to book: Book as soon as possible for the best value and availability
Flight time: Approximately 10-11 hours direct from the UK
Suggested things to do:
See some of Sri Lanka’s Big Mammals
Ride a train through the hill country
Dive with Marine conservation NGO Save the Beach
Large parts of India have good weather across December and a range of cultural, wildlife and relaxing experiences.
Focus on Rajasthan south of Jaipur and you’ll get comfortable temperatures and blue skies and an opportunity to experience rural Rajasthan and its amazing forts, palaces and village colours.
Avoid the Golden Triangle though unless you’re a fan or cold mornings and fog.
Kerala though is perfect for a Christmas holiday. Hot temperatures and Christian influence provide perfect contrasts for a Christmas break.
Kerala doesn’t get booked up quite as quickly as other great Christmas destinations but to give yourself choice and time to plan, we recommend booking 8 months in advance.
For a sneaky option at Christmas, why not consider Glenburn Estate?
Lower than Darjeeling it’s not quite as chilly and you get great Himalayan views. Combined with the plains of West Bengal and Kolkata this is a great contrasting Christmas option.
Best time to visit: Large parts of India have good weather across December
How far in advance to book: 8 months in advance
Flight time: Approximately 13 hours connecting flight from the UK
Suggested things to do:
Miniature Painting in Udaipur
Cruise the Keralan backwaters
Enjoy the Himalayan views from Glenburn Tea Estate in Darjeeling
BONUS – for an added bit of luxury, why not take advantage of the direct flight from Cochin to Male to end Christmas on a spectacular note
No matter where you choose to go, booking early is key to securing the flights and hotels you want for your Christmas family holiday.
So start planning now, and give your loved ones a winter family holiday to remember!
If you want to talk to an expert about planning your Christmas family holiday adventure, call 0203 993 4264 or email us with your questions. We’d love to chat.
