If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to plan for your holiday season travel. Google recently analyzed trending international destinations from Google Flights data for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The result? Travelers are shying away from ski resorts and other snowy wonderlands, choosing warmer locales instead.
While there’s nothing like sipping a mug of hot cocoa by the warmth of a fire while snowflakes fall outside, or gliding down a snowy slope beneath brilliant blue skies—swaying palms, idyllic sands, and warm turquoise waters are pretty enticing too.
The Caribbean islands of St. Lucia and Curacao both landed among the top five international destinations travelers are targeting.
St. Lucia or Curacao? What’s Better for Your Holiday Escape
If you had Jamaica, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, or any other tropical destination at the top of your list, you might wonder why St. Lucia or Curacao?
St. Lucia
St. Lucia is renowned for its natural beauty, with emerald mountains, iconic volcanic peaks, lush rainforests, diverse beaches, and even geothermal sites. In fact, it’s home to what’s called the Caribbean’s “only drive-in volcano,” Sulphur Springs. Surrounded by rainforest, it includes warm, mineral-rich mud baths to soak in.
If you like outdoor adventures, St. Lucia is also outstanding for activities like snorkeling or diving among vibrant coral reefs, and exploring the volcanic landscapes on foot. There are many luxury resorts attracting honeymooners and other romance-seekers, but anyone looking for a tranquil escape focused on nature and relaxation is sure to enjoy this island.
Curacao
While St. Lucia boasts stunning scenery and volcanic features, Curacao has better beaches, with white powdery sands often tucked into secluded coves and framed by strikingly clear, Easter egg blue water. It’s exceptional for snorkeling and diving among diverse marine life, with one of the healthiest coral reef systems in the Caribbean. A wealth of fish species, including angelfish and parrotfish, sea turtles, moray eels, rays, and much more, can be observed.
Curacao is also known for its rich Dutch Caribbean culture, colorful colonial architecture, and local festivals. You’ll find a more lively atmosphere, particularly in the capital of Willemstad, including a wide range of bars and restaurants.
Holiday Airfare
One of the challenges of traveling during the holiday season is that flights sell out faster and prices are higher due to the demand. The lowest airfare tends to be 49 days or more before your departure date, but when booking for the holidays, further ahead is even better. Try to be flexible with your dates. The best fares are typically found by traveling Monday through Wednesday. But if you can fly on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day, you might score an even better deal.
