Shapin Up | Holiday Travel Inspiration

It’s November, and normally I’d be dreaming of a tropical vacation because of the dropping temps, but actually it’s been quite nice in NYC. 70 degrees in November? I’ll take it! I know it won’t last long and the winter chill will takeover soon, but I’m not too worried…yet. Which is why as I plan my holiday travel, I’m not super consumed with heading somewhere warm. I’m not against a tropical vacation (like Costa Rica in the above pic, would 100% go back), but I’m keeping my options open to cooler locations as well.

Does it seem a bit late to be planning holiday travel? Maybe, but I’m trying something new this year and may do some spontaneous travel booking. Due to some changes at work, I didn’t know what my days off would look like, and now that it’s confirmed I’ll be off the week between Christmas and New Years, I’d like to do something with the time off. I expect to use some of the time off as a staycation, but I absolutely need to get away for at least part of the time.

So where should we go? I’ve been toying with a few ideas:

Iceland (obviously this would be a very cold trip, but the winter months give you a better chance of seeing the Northern Lights)
Niagara Falls
Road trip to somewhere in Canada (Toronto? Montreal? What’s cool?)
Skiing out West (will never say no to a trip to CO)
Surfing…somewhere?

Seeing as it’s late in the game, I’m hoping to find a good deal. Since I don’t celebrate Christmas, I’m fine traveling on the holiday and was hoping to find a package somewhere. In my limited searches so far, I’ve had no luck.

So I’m asking YOU! Do you have any affordable places that you recommend or sites that you use for travel deals? Happily will travel somewhere cold or warm and don’t mind a very last minute booking (I have the time off so even if things get squared away a couple of days in advance, I’m fine with it).

My days off are all in December, but if you’re looking for November travel deals, check out this piece from Washingtonian with November steals!