I don’t love last minute travel planning. I like a long runway, with time to compare options, snag the best rooms, lock in good flight times, and build in the little extras that make a trip feel effortless. But I also know all too well that life doesn’t always cooperate with a planning calendar (I have three kids!) And it’s a real trend … more and more travelers are planning just weeks (or days!) before they want to be somewhere.
So rather than fight it, I decided to share. Over the past few weeks I’ve been doing research for clients who came to me with short timelines, and I’ve found some good options still available for the holiday season.
Thanksgiving Getaways
Thanksgiving trips tend to be short, often just a long weekend or a few extra days, so the sweet spot is somewhere that feels like a real escape without eating up your time in transit.
Interior Mexico
Mexico City is one of my favorite answers for a short Thanksgiving trip. The flight is quick (for Texans at least), there’s little or no time change to adjust to, and late November is a lovely time to be there, with the rainy season behind it and pleasant, sunny days. It’s also one of the great food cities of the world, from street tacos to some of the most celebrated restaurants anywhere. Add in world-class museums, beautiful tree-lined neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa, and an energy that’s hard to match, and you have a city that packs a lot into just a few days.
If you’d like something a little slower, Oaxaca is a wonderful alternative. It’s known for its incredible cuisine (think mole and mezcal), colorful colonial streets, and a rich tradition of local crafts and markets. It’s a place to eat well, wander, and recharge.
Closer to Home
If you’d rather stay in the U.S., two destinations stand out. Sedona offers stunning red rock scenery, great hiking in cooler temperatures, and plenty of spa options if relaxing is more your speed. And Napa Valley, with harvest wrapped up and the crowds thinned out, is a great fit for anyone whose ideal holiday involves long lunches and good wine.
Europe, If You Can Stretch It
If you can manage at least five nights or so, Europe is very much on the table. Here’s how I’d weigh the top options.
London is the easy answer. The flight is relatively short and even Austin has a direct flight. The holiday season is already in full swing, with lights and markets up across the city, and plenty of restaurants and pubs serve a proper American Thanksgiving dinner if you don’t want to miss the turkey. There’s always something to do. The tradeoffs: hotels are likely to be pricey, and November is London’s wettest month, so expect damp, dark days. (Frankly – you don’t go to London for the weather, ever. Pack the cute boots and jackets and go have an adventure.)
Vienna is the glamorous choice for anyone who loves a Christmas market, and its markets will be open by late November. Between the palaces, the music, and the café culture, there’s plenty to explore. You’ll likely have a connection and also likely to be chilly with a chance of rain or even snow, and you may want to plan a day trip or two to round out a longer stay.
Seville is the pick for those who’d rather trade festive for warm. It has less rain than much of Europe this time of year, fantastic food and wine, and since summers there are brutally hot, fall is truly a better time to go. Just know it involves one connection and the holiday twinkle lights will just be starting to pop.
Rome and Florence are all about the food and history, and late November brings a welcome break from the crowds. It’ll be chilly but not truly cold, though you should pack for some rain.
Late December: Christmas Through New Year’s
The stretch between Christmas and New Year’s is one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, so this is where flexibility really pays off. The good news is there are some truly magical places to spend it.
North America
Santa Fe is at its most enchanting in December. Adobe buildings glow with farolitos (small paper lanterns), the Christmas Eve walk along Canyon Road is a beloved local tradition, and a dusting of snow on the mountains makes it feel like a holiday card. Pair that with red and green chile and a cozy fireplace, and it’s hard to beat for a festive trip without a passport. We went in 2021 as you see in the pic above!
Quebec City is the closest thing to a European Christmas you’ll find in North America. Its old town, with stone buildings and narrow streets, looks straight out of a storybook when it’s decorated for the season, and the Christmas market adds to the charm. Pack your warmest layers, because it will be cold and snowy, but that’s a big part of the appeal.
San Miguel de Allende in Mexico is a wonderful option for those who want festive and warm. This colorful colonial town celebrates the season with posadas, the nightly processions leading up to Christmas, along with lights, music, and celebrations in the main square. Days are mild and sunny, though evenings get cool at its high elevation. Most travelers fly into León or Querétaro and take a transfer of about an hour or so from there.
Europe
Strasbourg calls itself the Capital of Christmas, and it earns the title. Its Christmas market is one of the oldest in Europe, and the entire half-timbered old town is decked out for the season. It’s a fairy-tale setting with wonderful Alsatian food and wine to match. Getting there usually means flying into Paris and taking the train, which is part of the fun, and you’ll want to dress for cold, damp weather. (And please add a night or two in Paris. The weather is terrible, but it’s Paris. You’ll shop and eat and be happy.)
Copenhagen is the place to experience hygge, the Danish art of coziness, at its best. Tivoli Gardens transforms into a holiday wonderland, the city is full of candlelit cafés and design shops, and the food scene is surprisingly good. Just know that days are very short this time of year, with only about seven hours of daylight, so plan to embrace the glow of the evenings.
Madeira, Portugal, is my pick for anyone who wants to skip the cold entirely. This island in the Atlantic has mild, spring-like weather even in December, dramatic cliffs and gardens for exploring, and one of the most famous New Year’s Eve fireworks displays in the world over Funchal’s harbor. It’s a spectacular way to ring in the new year.
A Few Tips If You’re Booking Late
Flexibility is your best friend. Being open on departure dates, airports, or even destinations can make the difference between “sold out” and “we found something great.” It also helps to decide quickly once you see something you like, because good availability this close in doesn’t last long. And don’t assume last-minute means bargain. For the holidays especially, it often means paying for what’s left, so it’s worth weighing the value, not just the price.
If any of these ideas spark something, reach out soon. Even with a short timeline, I’m happy to dig in and see what we can make happen.
