Cheap, short trips around Christmas?

[anna7602]

We did a quick trip from NY to Lisbon and Madeira one year in December and it was very nice. The weather was mild enough to walk around, sight-see, etc. I love Portugal in general and have visited at many different times of year. I don't think you'd be missing much by going in December v. another time of year. I don't remember what airfare is like that time of year, but food & lodging are generally far less expensive in Portugal than in other parts of Europe.

We did a trip to Chile & Argentina over New Year's one year as well, but you might want more than 5 or 6 days for that. The flight from NY to Buenos Aires is about 13 hours.

[anna7602]

If you're good at sleeping on planes, then Buenos Aires can stay in the running. The flight is overnight both ways. And bonus, it's summer there in December! The last time I was there (2011), I rented a 1-bedroom apartment for the week for about $350, but that wasn't around the holidays.

[rupertpenny]

I wouldn't go to Iceland because it will be dark all day every day. Most of the top things to do are outdoor type things that require an hour or more to get to so it's really hard to do much when you only have a few hours of daylight. It also makes jetlag SO much harder to get over. We went in late November a few years ago and I would not go back in winter because of the daylight issue.

[Deleted]

Lisbon! The weather is nice (not hot, but warm-ish and sunny) that time of year, it's a pretty inexpensive place to visit, and there is plenty to so in 5-6 days. We spent a week there over Christmas/New Years a few years ago and it was one of our favorite trips. We rented an apartment in a charming old neighborhood, spent time wandering around and stopping in cafes for coffee and pastries, great wine bars, beautiful architecture and tons of history. If you're interested I can give you more specific recommendations.

[Deleted]

Finland... The Arctic circle.

We did a short trip last Christmas to this place www.nellim.fi/accommodation/muotkan-maja-wilderness-lodge/

It was a great vacation and easy to do from Heathrow. It was truly beautiful, different and the activities were great.

[Deleted]

I'll add that the lack of sun made it really cool. The light was so different than anything I had ever experienced. There was enough light to do activities and we did get to see the northern lights briefly one night.

[frlcb]

I love Iceland so much but I wouldn't do it over Christmas unless you are okay with only a couple of hours of daylight a day. I have been to Argentina over Christmas and it was great, warm and sunny and summery.

[osumelissa]

I'm going to put a plug in for Washington, DC in December. There is a lot to do in 5-6 days, and there is the National Christmas Tree, Capitol Christmas Tree, and other holiday related activities. Plus there are loads of free activities and tons of good restaurants. Just saying...it's a cool city

[jaime183]

NYC at christmas is great! The rockettes, the tree, everything is so festive. It can be cold but it sounds like you are used to it

[Deleted]

I also live near Toronto, and some shorter trips we have done include:

Miami/South Beach or the Florida Keys (flying, obviously). It's nice to get out of the cold, and flights are cheap, especially if you fly from Buffalo.
NYC - much better weather than Boston, usually and so pretty around Christmas
Montreal/Quebec City - if you don't feel like driving in the shitty snow, you can take the VIA
Chicago - but it gets freaking cold, I would do it in May/June (when I did it, lol).
San Diego - 4.5 hour flight but only a 3-hour time difference is nice. Good weather in December.
Bahamas - but not guaranteed to be beach weather in Dec.

[naldridge]

We did Aruba at Christmas a few years ago and the weather was great. It's such a small island that it is super easy to get around, but kind of limited on the things-to-do list besides the beach.