Backpacking over Christmas and New Year?

I haven't myself, but a friend who was in Thailand a couple of years ago at Christmas said it was just like another day. She preferred it that way being away from family, said she didn't miss them as much as she would've otherwise. Reply to this

Wow Mell, what a cool story!!

I would say, steer clear of touristy resorts. I had to spend Chrimbo/New Year 05/06 in Baga, Goa. We were waiting to be placed in a job, and this is where the company put us. All I can say is the amount prices increased by was disgusting, rooms were packed out, you couldn't move anywhere for all the people, it was a nightmare. And this in a country that doesn't traditionally celebrate Christmas, but because of tourism it has become a massive money making thing. Everything remained open, so you would have no problems there, but at three or four or more times the price.

This year I'll be in Thailand, and I know flights are running as normal, as I have booked for my parents and I to take an early morning flight down to Krabi. Once again, because we have decided to go to a touristy resort (after all its my Mum and Dad's holiday!) the accommodation prices increase massively, and places do get booked up very quickly. But Christmas day with my parents on Railay beach, sounds good to me!

What I would say, if you want a christmassy Christmas, do the beach thing in an area popular with travellers/westerners. Be prepared to pay a little more, and book in advance if possible, but I'm sure you'll have a great time. It doesn't matter whether Christmas is traditional to the country, where there are travellers, there will be Christmas!!

If you are wanting to 'avoid' Christmas, moving away from the tourist areas and I'm sure, as Jo Trouble says it will be just another day, so travelling will be just fine. Reply to this

Christmas music is everywhere, with local kids dressing as santa's and carol singing through to the bars and shacks playing Christmas tracks. The flashing lights and tinsel go up, and the fireworks come out in serious force on Crimbo eve. I'm not so sure about getting a Christmas dinner, I'm sure you can in the places that do Sunday lunch all year round, but that's not my idea of an eating place. We went to a lovely little seafood restaurant and treated ourselves to lobster, tiger prawns and red snapper, lovely!! (and even there we got Christams crackers!)

I do think Paharganj will be a little different, what takes you there? Reply to this

If I had to choose between Delhi or Goa, the crazy spectical that is Goa would win hands down!! I love India, but not Delhi, especially not Paharganj, but then again, it's when I'm in places like that, I know I am not, and never will be a true 'backpacker'! The weather in Delhi will be pants, and in Goa, beautiful, that would be the deciding factor for me, I am too much of a beach bum!! (Sorry for going a bit off topic here, I'll shush now!!) Reply to this

Your travel plans sound really cool Mell. I'm excited about one day seeing a lot more of Northern India, so far I have only spent time in Kolkata and Delhi in the North. I hope you have a great trip, although its a while off yet :0) Reply to this

I love Calcutta!! It is a city that really does have a bit of everything, well worth a visit.

And I love the feeling of getting excited on the countdown to a big trip 😊 Reply to this

I have often been travelling over Christmas in Australia - usually on my way to the Woodford Folk Festival in Queensland. (BTW, if you are in the area around that time, it is well worth a visit. Check out their website.)

Outside of the tourist areas, virtually nothing is open. Having said that, I have spent some great christmases on the Gold and Sunshine coasts.

John. Reply to this

Wow that story & photo rocks!! :-)

I was lucky this year spending Christmas on the beach in Perth, WA with family. It was very surreal wearing a bikini and santa hat! (I have been used to log fires, snow and lots of Christmas lights!!) I did miss home but the weather, great food and my georgeous neices definitely made up for that!!

Sydney for new years was always on our plan and we managed to wangle our way onto a boat for the fireworks. Seeing them from the harbour was fantastic, so again something completely unique and I didn´t miss friends too much.

If Christmas with your family is important to you and what you have always known, nowhere will be the same. But I do think you can still have an amazing time somewhere hot and do it your way. Afterall you will have years ahead to do the traditional thing! I have met loads of backpackers who were very homesick around Christmas.......I think planning ahead & doing what would be like a dream come true for you would help stop this from happening.

Now you´ve got me thinking about my own Christmas this year.........doh!

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We landed in NZ on Christmas day at about 6am - checked into our place w/ no problem and then spent the day at the beach!! It was great - not your typical Christmas but we didn't mind - had a little trouble finding a restaurant that was open for dinner but we eventually found one - we were in Melbourne, AUS for New Year's and had a blast - similiar to New Year's at home - which for us is USA Reply to this

Depending on what you are used to, it is HOT HOT HOT!!! We were in Perth last Christmas and it was fab, but only because we were with family. Don't expect lots of trees, lights and mulled wine!! (oh and the shops opened where we were, weird but great if you want an ice cream from Baskin Robbins!!)

New Years in Sydney was incredible and I would definitely recommend that if you get the chance.

Cairns is a party town so if that's what you are into I'm sure there will be a big knees up in your hostel!!

Enjoy whatever you decide to do.

Sarah Reply to this