Flight Centre's Christmas Playlist

I don’t know about you, but all I want for Christmas is... a great holiday! After – yet again – not getting our proper travel fix this year, itchy feet are well and truly taking over. Whether it’s exploring a delicious new cuisine, absorbing the local culture, taking in diverse landscapes or simply kicking back, relaxing and doing nothing at all – we’ve all got a few things we’re desperate to tick off our travel wishlist in 2022. And, with Christmas fast approaching, we’re taking inspiration for our holidays from an unlikely source this year… our favourite Christmas tunes! So, turn up the music, pour yourself a glass of something mulled, and read on to find out which destinations are sure to make your 2022 merry and bright!

Forget the chestnuts and don’t forget to pick up some marshmallows before heading to the great outdoors on your next adventure! If you’ve been hearing the call of the wild, Alaska's remoteness means untouched natural wonders await... Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, uncover rural villages, wild national parks and creeping glaciers, taking in the fresh air and keeping your eyes peeled for bears, moose or even migrating whales as you go. After a day's exploration, we’d argue that there are few better places to set up camp. Get ready to enjoy your breathtaking surroundings without interruption from the outside world, as you build a campfire, cosy up with your nearest and dearest, and get those marshmallows toasting, with the glow of the magical Northern Lights overhead (if you’re lucky)!

If camping’s not your thing, a great way to explore a new destination at your own pace is from behind the wheel and, although we can’t promise it will be light blue, we can certainly request it! Jump in your convertible and hit the open road for an all-American road trip; whether that’s cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway of California, soaking up the rugged scenery and making frequent stops to take in the spectacular marine life, wineries and beaches, or roaming cross-country along America’s most famous highway, Route 66. No matter which route you take, you’ll be sure to tick off plenty of natural wonders, iconic landmarks and vibrant cities along the way – leaving everyone back home thinking of all the fun they’ve missed!

If you’re dreaming of a (statistically unlikely) white Christmas, why not let us plan you a snow-filled adventure for 2021? There are snow many beautiful wintery destinations to choose from; Canada, Iceland or even Japan no name a few, however we reckon for the full frozen experience, heading to Lapland (where reindeer outnumber people!) is your best bet. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel like you’ve flown into a fairytale. Spend your days snow-shoeing, sipping hot chocolate fire-side in cosy cafes, or learning more about the vibrant Sami culture. By night, hear sleigh bells ring as you wait for the magical aurora borealis to light up the sky. Walking in this particular winter wonderland, truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience...

Snow might not be falling all around us, but the dropping temperatures have certainly left us shakin’ like Stevens! If you’re looking to escape the cold, one spot sure to get everyone playing and having fun, is the Land of Smiles – Thailand! Whether you're looking to get away with the family, or simply looking for a holiday that will unleash your inner child, this diverse destination has it all; from zip-lining through the jungle in Chiang Mai and aquatic adventures in the Andaman Sea, to tuk-tuk tours to find the best street food in Bangkok and wildlife-spotting opportunities in Phuket's national parks. What’s more, with on-site water parks, wellness centres and exciting kids' clubs, you often don’t have to venture further than your resort for entertainment the whole family can enjoy.

You won't catch us waiting under the mistletoe! Instead, find us raising a glass amongst the sun-soaked vines of South Africa’s mesmerising Cape Winelands. Here you can spend your days eating and drinking your way around picturesque wine estates – whose vines produce the award-winning Chenin Blancs and world-class Cabernet Sauvignons that the region is famous for. And, with a variety of exciting ways to get out and explore on offer, no-one has to be the designated driver. From Segway tours through charming Stellenbosch, to the legendary hop-on-hop-off wine tram of Franschhoek, you’ll be sure to discover your favourite tipple (whilst also learning more about the wine-making process and local history) behind the endless, inviting cellar doors – best paired with fresh, local produce and breathtakingly scenic mountain vistas, we reckon.