Where to Go for the Holidays: Christmas Markets, Beaches, or Somewhere In Between?

The first Christmas song of the season hits, and suddenly Crystal Hammond and Joe Saul-Sehy are deep into holiday travel daydreaming mode. Some people want snow, twinkling lights, and mulled wine at a European Christmas market. Others want to flee the cold entirely and spend December with their toes in warm sand. Both are valid, and this episode celebrates them equally.

Crystal and Joe map out their top five dream holiday escapes, from sparkling European markets to sun-drenched beaches that make you question why anyone owns a winter coat. They reflect on destinations that nail the holiday magic, the ones that fall frustratingly short, and the places that surprised them in ways they didn't see coming. Whether you're drawn to crackling fireplaces and postcard-worthy snowfall or prefer December afternoons where sunscreen beats sweaters, this episode has something for your travel style.

Along the way, you'll hear stories about Shazam mishaps in public places, unexpected holiday frustrations that no guidebook warns you about, and the quirks that make December travel both delightful and occasionally maddening. Crystal and Joe get honest about which famous holiday destinations actually deliver on their reputation and which ones are better left to Instagram rather than your actual itinerary.

The episode wraps with practical gear recommendations that make holiday travel smoother, whether you're hopping between Christmas markets, chasing holiday parades, or trying to pack gifts without everything arriving in pieces.

What You'll Take With You:

• What actually makes a holiday destination magical versus just crowded and expensive

• Crystal's and Joe's top five dream holiday getaways, plus a few they're happy to skip

• Ideas for warm weather December retreats when you need a break from winter

• Which Christmas markets around the world stand above the rest and why

• How to avoid the worst holiday travel pitfalls like crushing crowds and endless lines

• Why Shazaming Christmas music in public is always a gamble worth taking

• Gear that makes holiday travel easier and significantly less stressful

• Ways to blend family traditions with new travel adventures without losing either

This Episode Is For You If:

• You're dreaming of a holiday escape but can't decide between cozy and tropical

• You want honest takes on famous holiday destinations before you book anything

• You're curious which Christmas markets are worth the trip and which are tourist traps

• You need permission to skip the traditional holiday and do something completely different

• You believe December is the perfect time to travel, crowds and chaos be damned

Before You Hit Play, Think About This:

What's the best holiday destination you've ever visited, or the one still sitting at the top of your dream list? After hearing Crystal and Joe debate their favorites, we want to know where your perfect December escape would take you. Drop it in the comments because we're building the ultimate holiday travel bucket list together.

 

To find our awesome Gear of the Day picks, present and past! Gear of the Day

To share YOUR holiday adventure stories: StackingAdventures.com/MyStory