In the midst of a scorching summer, it might be hard to picture feeling cold again — and some of you might even be looking forward to it! For those who want to maintain their Vitamin D levels with some sunshine this winter, now is the perfect time to start planning. The peak holiday season from December 20 to January 5 has seen a full rebound in travel, and destinations with limited tourist spots, like the Galapagos, are already fully booked.
If you have flexible travel dates, you can still plan a trip to the Galapagos. Here are some other destinations that have limited availability, along with ideas on how to make your holiday season more meaningful by helping those in need.
Thailand
Spend time with your family on a secluded beach, enjoy activities like biking, zip-lining, kayaking, snorkeling, learning to cook Thai dishes, and exploring fascinating cities and ancient ruins.
Fulfilment Idea: Volunteer at an elephant conservation center by preparing their meals, walking with them, observing their baths, and learning about these gentle giants.
Recommended Accommodation: Soneva Kiri
Morocco
Explore Marrakech and Fes with a private guide, hike the Atlas Mountains or the valleys around Skoura Oasis, ride camels in the Sahara Desert, windsurf in Essaouira, and more.
Fulfilment Idea: Install solar panels for a family, significantly reducing their cost of living.
Recommended Accommodation: La Mamounia
Costa Rica
Enjoy zip-lining, white-water rafting (with family-friendly options), jungle walks, wildlife safaris, surfing, snorkeling, and much more.
Fulfilment Idea: Assist at a wildlife rescue center by preparing meals for monkeys and parrots, feeding them, maintaining their enclosures, and creating enrichments to stimulate the animals.
Recommended Accommodation: Nayara Tented Camp
Belize
Discover ancient Mayan ruins, waterfalls inside caves, make your own chocolate from scratch, kayak on rivers among Howler Monkeys, snorkel or dive at the Belize Barrier Reef, track jaguars, and more.
Fulfilment Idea: Build eco-friendly stoves for rural Mayan families, which are safer for children, better for respiratory health, and more fuel-efficient.
Recommended Accommodation: Copal Tree Lodge
Mexico
Go mountain biking, explore the Yucatan’s Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, marvel at the ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum, snorkel, swim in freshwater sinkholes known as cenotes, relax on the beach, sail on a luxury catamaran, and more.
Fulfilment Idea: Help renovate classrooms, sort donated food and clothing, prepare and serve meals, and assist in garden projects.
Recommended Accommodation: Rosewood Mayakoba
Guatemala
Hike up volcanoes, visit picturesque villages around Lake Atitlan, shop in the bustling markets of Chichicastenango, explore the colonial town of Antigua, view ancient Mayan ruins in Tikal, and more.
Fulfilment Idea: Distribute reading glasses to those in need, giving the gift of sight to people who cannot afford it.
Recommended Accommodation: El Convento
Whatever you decide to do this winter and holiday season, make sure to book soon and enjoy your time with loved ones.
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Christopher Hill is the Founder and CEO of Hands Up Holidays, an award-winning travel company that specializes in tailor-made luxury family trips combining sightseeing with hands-on service projects. If you’re interested in raising your profile by becoming a guest blogger for A Luxury Travel Blog, please get in touch.