Vacation Destinations for the Holidays 2025
Vacation Destinations for the Holidays 2025
The holiday season runs from late November through early January, and it is one of the most popular times to travel. Families coordinate schedules, flights fill up, and the best vacation rentals book out months in advance. If you are planning a holiday trip in 2025, here are the destinations worth considering and what to know about each.
Belize
December and January are the best months to visit Belize. The rainy season ends in November, the skies clear, and the reef is at its most accessible. Christmas and New Year's in Belize have a particular character: the Garifuna Wanaragua (John Canoe) dances happen in the southern coastal towns between Christmas and New Year's Day, and the cayes have a low-key festive atmosphere that is quite different from a resort holiday. Book early. December is high season and the best properties on Ambergris Caye and the Placencia Peninsula go fast.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Cabo in December is reliably warm and dry. The Sea of Cortez is calm, the humpback whales arrive in the bay from late November, and the town has a full calendar of events through the holiday period. It is one of the most popular holiday destinations for travelers from the western United States, which means it is also one of the most competitive to book.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale in December is comfortable and sunny, with daytime temperatures typically in the low 20s Celsius. It is a popular destination for families who want warm weather without a long flight. The resort and rental market is well developed, and the city has a good range of restaurants and outdoor activities. The Barrett-Jackson car auction in January draws a large crowd if that is of interest.
Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
The Smoky Mountains in December have a different character from the summer season. The leaves are down, the views through the forest are longer, and the towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge go all in on Christmas decorations. It is a popular family destination and the cabin rental market is strong. Book well in advance for the Christmas and New Year's weeks.
A note on booking timing
Holiday weeks are the most competitive booking period of the year across almost every leisure destination. If you are planning to travel over Christmas or New Year's 2025, the time to book is now. The best properties in every market listed here will be gone by September at the latest, and many are already committed.
Latest Posts
Top Spring Break Destinations in the U.S.
From 30A to Lake Tahoe, these are the best U.S. spring break destinations for 2025. Book early. The best vacation rentals go fast.
Mexico Reels in 3 of the World's Best Beaches
Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Sayulita consistently rank among the world's best beaches. Here's what makes each one worth the trip and how to book a rental nearby.
Top Labor Day Adventures at Casago Destinations
Make the most of Labor Day weekend at a Casago destination. From the Belize reef to Scottsdale and Cabo, here are the best ways to spend the long weekend.
Top 8 Hottest Markets for Investment Properties in the U.S.
From Scottsdale to the Smoky Mountains, these eight U.S. markets offer the best combination of demand, acquisition cost, and short-term rental opportunity in 2025.
An Interview with Pilar Iturralde, Director of Casago University
Pilar Iturralde leads Casago University, the training programme behind every Casago franchise. She shares what separates the operators who build strong businesses.
How the Casago Franchise Model Works
Casago operates through locally owned franchises. Learn how the Owner-Centric model works and what it means for property owners and guests in Belize.
Bleisure: Turning Business Travel Into Weekend Getaways
Extend your next business trip into a Belize getaway. Casago Belize makes it easy to add a few days of reef, jungle, and relaxation to any work trip.
