It's nearly September and time to start thinking about what you are going to do for Christmas this year. in fact if you were ultra organized you would have decided straight after last Christmas and booked it.
Have you considered Christmas in Australia? For those of you in the northern Hemisphere, it tends to be a very cold time of year and there is something very nice about experiencing a cold Christmas, log fires, mulled wine and twinkling lights.
If however you are fed up of doing the same old thing every year then why not consider spending Christmas in Australia. It's a great time of year to be in Australia as it is smack bang in the middle of the summer. It means blue skies and temperatures generally around 28 degrees.
Given Britain used to rule over Australia, the English traditions are still strong. Traditional turkey with all the trimmings is still served in some homes on Christmas day. It is however hot work in the kitchen so most opt for a BBQ instead. Sea-food features highly on the menu and a traditional Pavlova is often served for desert. Whatever is served, it's about getting the family round the table and enjoying great food and the odd drink or two.
By now you should be getting a picture of a typical Australian Christmas. Can you see yourself on a beach with your Santa hat on sipping champagne? Perhaps you'd like to be in the bush at one of the National Parks. Maybe an island getaway to the Whitsundays is more your thing?
There are a few facts you should know before you run off to pack your bags for Christmas in Australia. It is probably the most expensive time to visit Australia. This is because it is summer and because of the Australian Summer School holidays. From mid December to the end of January, many families choose to take their annual holiday.
Don't be swayed too much by the expense though. It is a truly magical time of year, especially if you can incorporate the New Year's Eve Fireworks in Sydney into your itinerary.
It's hard to find cheap accommodation but there are ways. Given many Australians go away at this time too, you can usually find a short term let or holiday let at this time. It works out much cheaper than a hotel, especially for a family. Would you consider a home exchange? Many Australians want to experience a cold winter so a swap could be perfect.
I'd suggest booking at least 9 months in advance if you want to have a good choice and range of options. By August availability really starts to dwindle and by September it starts to get booked up but still, not impossible to find places.
For example some of the more popular Australian National Parks even use a ballot system to make booking accommodation over Christmas as fair as possible. But generally, camping is an excellent and affordable way to enjoy Christmas and something totally different. The scenery throughout Australia is simply stunning. There are thousands of km of unspoiled pristine beaches to enjoy with some fantastic island getaways too if you fancy a totally indulgent resort type holiday. Or, if you can take the heat and have a real sense of adventure, head to the outback.
So how about it? Why not spend Christmas in Australia?
Have you considered Christmas in Australia? For those of you in the northern Hemisphere, it tends to be a very cold time of year and there is something very nice about experiencing a cold Christmas, log fires, mulled wine and twinkling lights.
If however you are fed up of doing the same old thing every year then why not consider spending Christmas in Australia. It's a great time of year to be in Australia as it is smack bang in the middle of the summer. It means blue skies and temperatures generally around 28 degrees.
Given Britain used to rule over Australia, the English traditions are still strong. Traditional turkey with all the trimmings is still served in some homes on Christmas day. It is however hot work in the kitchen so most opt for a BBQ instead. Sea-food features highly on the menu and a traditional Pavlova is often served for desert. Whatever is served, it's about getting the family round the table and enjoying great food and the odd drink or two.
By now you should be getting a picture of a typical Australian Christmas. Can you see yourself on a beach with your Santa hat on sipping champagne? Perhaps you'd like to be in the bush at one of the National Parks. Maybe an island getaway to the Whitsundays is more your thing?
There are a few facts you should know before you run off to pack your bags for Christmas in Australia. It is probably the most expensive time to visit Australia. This is because it is summer and because of the Australian Summer School holidays. From mid December to the end of January, many families choose to take their annual holiday.
Don't be swayed too much by the expense though. It is a truly magical time of year, especially if you can incorporate the New Year's Eve Fireworks in Sydney into your itinerary.
It's hard to find cheap accommodation but there are ways. Given many Australians go away at this time too, you can usually find a short term let or holiday let at this time. It works out much cheaper than a hotel, especially for a family. Would you consider a home exchange? Many Australians want to experience a cold winter so a swap could be perfect.
I'd suggest booking at least 9 months in advance if you want to have a good choice and range of options. By August availability really starts to dwindle and by September it starts to get booked up but still, not impossible to find places.
For example some of the more popular Australian National Parks even use a ballot system to make booking accommodation over Christmas as fair as possible. But generally, camping is an excellent and affordable way to enjoy Christmas and something totally different. The scenery throughout Australia is simply stunning. There are thousands of km of unspoiled pristine beaches to enjoy with some fantastic island getaways too if you fancy a totally indulgent resort type holiday. Or, if you can take the heat and have a real sense of adventure, head to the outback.
So how about it? Why not spend Christmas in Australia?
About the Author:
Jennifer Schellington has nearly half a decade of experience in traveling Australia and has recently become a new Mum. Her site, www.realaustraliatravel.com offers practical information for planning your trip to Australia as well as what to do and where to go. Click here for more information on spendingChristmas in Australia
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