Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I said Mexico. The days will be much longer. A place like Berlin at the end of December won't even have 8 hours of sunlight a day with some twilight added on so if you're thinking about seeing anything outdoors, it'll all have to be done quickly but maybe that would work out with indoor activities at night. Mexico City, just as an example, gives you 3 extra hours of sunlight. It's also just cheaper. Maybe save the money not spent going to Europe and try to figure out another time to go when the days are longer and the weather is gorgeous.
OP, if you're paying with miles, how about looking at it from savings perspective? I'd check out the ticket prices for both Mexico and Europe (obviously you need to pick a destination city first) and see which ticket price is more expensive. Then you'll know which destination will give you more value for miles. As a general rule, I wouldn't use my miles for anything less than $500 roundtrip. The higher the ticket price, the more value you'll get for your miles.
My guess is, Mexico will be more expensive around Chirstmas than certain cities in Europe, simply because it's warmer there and more people want to go there - the old supply and demand rule. I've been to Mexico during Christmas time a couple of times and it was always packed with snow birds from all over the world - especially Americans and Canadians.
Or you can go to places in Europe that's relatively warmer - say, Sicily (relatively warmer being the key words here).
Keep in mind that most of Europe is pretty high latitude and daylight hours will be short.
Maybe some sort of routing of a German Christmas market experience, Alps ski town (even if you don't ski, many offer other fun recreation options) and then starting or ending up in Italy?
My thoughts exactly......German markets then more warmth in Southern Italy.
If it were me, it'd be an absolute no brainer to go to the Bahama Out Islands (Eleuthera or Exuma would be good choices)both of which are very far removed from the tourist traps of Nassau/Paradise Island and Freeport.
I agree with IonRedline08. 2 weeks is too long and a waste of time at the beach. However, what I've done and you might think of is go to those fun central Mexico cities for a week (you must include a couple days in Mexico City) and then fly over Cancun and go to the beach for the other week. Mexico City btw, is a lot like Spain. Plenty of things to do and see, no less safe in my experience and you'll have perfect weather. Museums and the whole cultural experience on tap. To top it off, with nearly 20 pesos to the dollar, you can afford top hotels and we all know that makes travel better.
I agree with IonRedline08. 2 weeks is too long and a waste of time at the beach. However, what I've done and you might think of is go to those fun central Mexico cities for a week (you must include a couple days in Mexico City) and then fly over Cancun and go to the beach for the other week. Mexico City btw, is a lot like Spain. Plenty of things to do and see, no less safe in my experience and you'll have perfect weather. Museums and the whole cultural experience on tap. To top it off, with nearly 20 pesos to the dollar, you can afford top hotels and we all know that makes travel better.
Good points. I did mention in my original post that I' m considering Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende along with 2 beach cities if indeed I end up in Mexico. I would do D.F. but I went there last year.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.