Right now, while the temperatures are soaring and stepping outside feels a little like opening the oven door, it may be hard to imagine ever wishing for warmer weather again. But those chilly winter days will be here before we know it—and when they arrive, you may be very glad you gave yourself a sunny vacation to look forward to.
That is why we are celebrating a little Christmas in July at Kingdom Destinations!
Whether your ideal winter getaway includes twinkling lights and festive theme park magic, a cruise ship sailing toward turquoise water, or an all-inclusive resort where the only ice you see is floating in your drink, now is the perfect time to start planning.
Winter travel can mean spending the holidays somewhere unforgettable, surprising your family with a vacation instead of more “stuff,” or simply escaping the post-holiday slump with a warm-weather getaway. Whatever kind of break you need, here are a few of our favorite ways to trade cold days at home for memories somewhere a little more magical.
Holiday Magic at the Theme Parks
For travelers who want to embrace the season rather than escape it, Orlando’s theme parks know how to make the holidays feel extra special.
Walt Disney World
There is something especially magical about Walt Disney World during the holiday season. The parks and resorts are filled with festive decorations, seasonal entertainment, holiday treats and plenty of opportunities to see favorite characters dressed for the occasion.
Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on select nights, offering special entertainment, a holiday parade, fireworks, character appearances and seasonal treats. EPCOT also traditionally celebrates holiday customs and flavors from around the world during its International Festival of the Holidays.
A Disney holiday vacation can be a wonderful choice for families who want to turn Christmas gifts into shared experiences—or for anyone who believes Cinderella Castle looks even better surrounded by twinkling lights.
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando brings its own mix of festive fun, larger-than-life entertainment and slightly mischievous holiday spirit.
Guests can experience Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, festive décor throughout the resort, seasonal entertainment and holiday fun in areas such as Seuss Landing. Universal Orlando now includes four theme parks in its vacation offerings—Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, Volcano Bay and Epic Universe—giving families even more to experience during a winter getaway.
Universal is an especially great fit for families with older children and teens, Harry Potter fans, thrill seekers or travelers who want their holiday cheer served with a side of roller coasters.
Sail Away From the Winter Blues
Not every winter vacation needs a detailed park plan. Sometimes the best holiday itinerary begins with boarding a ship, unpacking once and letting the vacation come to you.
Disney Cruise Line
A Disney cruise gives families the storytelling and service they love from Disney with the added bonus of waking up somewhere new. During select holiday sailings, ships are decorated for the season and may offer festive entertainment, themed activities and special character experiences.
It is a great option for families who want holiday magic without spending every day walking through a theme park. Parents can relax, children can enjoy their own dedicated spaces, and everyone can come back together for dinner, shows and time in port.
Royal Caribbean
For families who want big adventures, Royal Caribbean offers ships packed with activities, entertainment and dining for a wide range of ages.
Winter itineraries include Caribbean and Bahamas sailings from several convenient departure ports, including options from Florida. Depending on the ship, guests may find everything from waterslides and surf simulators to Broadway-style entertainment, kids’ clubs, relaxing adults-only spaces and visits to destinations such as Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Royal Caribbean can be an excellent choice for multigenerational families because everyone can spend the day doing what they enjoy and still gather for meals, shows and shore excursions.
Escape to an All-Inclusive Paradise
Perhaps your winter vacation wish list does not include parades, characters or waterslides. Perhaps it simply says: warm beach, good food and no cooking.
An all-inclusive Caribbean vacation offers one of the easiest ways to leave winter behind. Accommodations, meals, drinks and many activities are bundled into the vacation, allowing travelers to relax without constantly reaching for their wallets.
Sandals Resorts
For couples, Sandals Resorts offers adults-only, all-inclusive properties throughout the Caribbean, including Jamaica, The Bahamas, Saint Lucia, Antigua, Grenada, Barbados, Curaçao and Saint Vincent. Depending on the resort, guests may enjoy included dining, drinks, water sports, entertainment and airport transfers.
A Sandals getaway can be a wonderful Christmas gift for couples, an anniversary trip or a much-needed escape after the rush of the holiday season.
Ideas to highlight:
- Adults-only atmosphere
- Multiple restaurants and included drinks
- Beautiful Caribbean destinations
- Swim-up suites, private pools and butler-level accommodations at select resorts
- Honeymoons and anniversaries
- January or February couples’ escapes
- Choosing the right Sandals resort based on personality rather than simply price
Beaches Resorts and Other Family-Friendly Options
Families do not have to miss out on the all-inclusive experience. Beaches Resorts offers family-friendly Caribbean vacations with kids’ clubs, activities, entertainment and water parks at select properties. Beaches Negril, for example, includes children’s programming, teen spaces and the Pirates Island Waterpark.
Kingdom Destinations can also help families compare additional all-inclusive resorts based on their children’s ages, preferred destination, dining needs, desired activities and overall budget.
Why Plan a Winter Vacation in July?
Planning winter travel during the summer may feel early, but popular holiday dates, preferred room categories, family-sized accommodations and convenient flights can become limited as the season approaches.
Starting now gives you more time to:
- Compare destinations without rushing
- Choose accommodations that fit your family
- Make payments over time when available
- Coordinate school, work and family schedules
- Plan a vacation as a holiday surprise
- Build excitement for the colder months ahead
It also gives your Kingdom Destinations travel advisor time to help you sort through the many choices and find the trip that fits your family—not simply the first option still available.
Wrap Up Your Winter Vacation Early
You may not be ready to hear sleigh bells while you are still wearing flip-flops, but your future cold and shivering self may be very grateful that you started planning now.
Whether you want to celebrate the holidays surrounded by theme park magic, sail toward a sunny island or spend a quiet week with your toes in the Caribbean sand, Kingdom Destinations is here to help you find the right winter escape.
This Christmas in July, give yourself something better than another sweater: give yourself a vacation to look forward to.
Contact your Kingdom Destinations travel advisor to begin planning your holiday getaway or warm-weather winter escape. We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us at www.kingdomdestinations.com or email info@kingdomdestinations.com.