Christmas - the gift of travel
Traveling for the Holidays: Pros, Cons, and Why It’s for Me The holidays often evoke images of family gatherings, cozy evenings by the fire, and shopping sprees for the perfect gifts. For me, though, the holidays have become something else entirely—an opportunity to explore the world, create lasting memories, and reflect on my relationship with the season.
Pros of Traveling for the Holidays Exploring New Cultures This year, I’m spending the holidays in Chile. Experiencing how another culture celebrates this time of year is eye-opening and enriching. From unique traditions to new cuisines, it’s a way to expand my worldview in a way no gift could ever match.
Escaping the Seattle Cold Let’s face it—Seattle winters are no joke. Traveling to a warmer climate isn’t just a physical escape; it’s a mental reset. Sunshine has a way of lifting your spirits and setting a different tone for the holiday season.
Memories Over Material Things Travel may not always be the cheaper option, but the experiences and memories far outweigh the temporary joy of buying more “stuff.” Years from now, I’ll remember hiking in Patagonia or eating empanadas by the ocean—not the gadgets I didn’t buy.
Cons of Traveling for the Holidays Missing Family One of the hardest parts of being away is not sharing those little holiday moments with family. The laughter, the traditions, even the chaos—it’s something I’ll always miss, no matter where I am.
Travel Stress Ah, the joys of airline snafus and miscommunications. Traveling over the holidays isn’t always smooth sailing or flying the friendly skies (looking at you, LATAM Airlines), and the stress can sometimes overshadow the adventure.
The Holiday “Disconnect” When you’re far from home, it can feel like you’re missing out on the collective energy of the holidays—decorations, festive music, or just that warm sense of togetherness. There’s a certain FOMO that comes with not being part of it. Although, my wife will make sure we get our fair dose of Christmas music.
Why It’s For Me The holidays have always been a complicated time for me. Growing up, my parents divorced when I was 13. From then on, my dad would give me money to buy gifts for my mom, and my mom would do the same for my dad. As a kid, I found it odd—and honestly, frustrating—that I didn’t have my own money to buy them gifts.
Later, I watched my dad—an incredibly giving person—spend what little money he had on gifts for everyone. As I got older, I realized how exhausting and financially taxing it must have been for him, and I told myself I didn’t want that to be my experience.
Over time, I’ve swung to the opposite extreme. Living far from home, I’ve prioritized experiences over traditional holiday expectations. Instead of spending the season shopping and wrapping, I’ve chosen to use this time to travel, reflect, and create memories that feel more meaningful to me.
Closing Thoughts Traveling for the holidays isn’t for everyone, and it doesn’t have to be a permanent choice. But for me, it’s a way to reconnect with myself and the world, even if it means stepping away from family traditions. As much as I miss the familiar warmth of home, I’ve found joy in the unfamiliar—new places, new people, and new perspectives.
The holidays are what we make of them. Whether that means gathering with loved ones or venturing into the unknown, the most important thing is to create a season that feels right for you.
Would you consider traveling for the holidays, or is home where your heart is?