Christmas cheer is here, ya’ll . . . and to be honest, I feel like we could have used it ALL YEAR round. Do you agree? We’re hoping for a white Christmas here in Kyiv, Ukraine. We’ve already had lots of ice, but some fresh snow for sledding, snowball flights, and snow angels could make the holiday even more magical.
Although many of us are facing lockdown and/or travel restrictions, it’s never too early to plan for travel in 2021. The pent-up demand for travel is off-the-charts, so when people can move freely, there will be a boom. Do you know where you want to go? Do the kids have any special requests? I’m going to lay out a few of my top choices, in hopes to inspire you to plan some of your own (and let’s be real . . . to hold me accountable to plan, too).
Travel in 2021
Strasbourg, France
Beautiful Strasbourg (photo credit: Fr Antunes)
Why? Because beauty, history, food, friends, food, parks, food. Wait, did I say food?
No, but in all seriousness, have you seen pictures of this place? The colorful homes. The cobblestone streets. The spectacular cathedral. A food tour including bretzels (large, soft pretzels), sweets, charcuterie, cheeses, wine, beer, and eu de vie. Yes, please. Also, we have some really good friends who just relocated to Strasbourg. Score!
2. Lapland, Finland
I mean, look at those igloos! Lapland, Finland. (Photo credit: Greenland Travel)
Because my kids need to see Santa’s village, I need to see the Northern Lights, and we all need to cozy up to some reindeer (duh)! Also, I’m dying to admire the sky from inside of one of Finland’s famous glass igloos.
3. (everywhere) Lithuania
Trakai Castle in Lithuania (Photo credit: Christophe Goessen)
It’s our year of off-the-beaten path, so why not? I have heard great things about the Baltics, and Lithuania is know to be cozy, quiet, and family-friendly. Rivers, lakes, castles and forests, oh my! It seems ideal for a week-long summer getaway.
4. lviv, Ukraine
Packaging Lviv Handmade Chocolate (Photo credit: Emyan)
We’re a mere six-hour drive away from this romantic, medieval town in western Ukraine. Culture, live music, chocolate factories, beautiful town square, what’s not to love? This excellent post I came across does a great job of laying it all out.
5. kyoto, japan
Evening light at Kiyomizu-dera temple, Kyoto (Photo credit: Dimitry B)
Because if you are going to go big, go big. This one is far from us. Like half a world away . . . well, maybe a little less, but still. One can dream. Japan would be an amazing cultural and educational experience for all of us.
