No plans for the Christmas holidays? No desire to do anything too crazy? No energy to plan anything? That’s totally ok. Here are 5 spontaneous trips you can take to do something, change scenery and get everyone out of the house for a fun adventure. City or nature, 3 to 10 days, you choose. Pack a bag, get in the car or the train and explore. Sometimes, you don’t need to plan too much.
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Paris
Why
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Because Paris is always a good idea! Over Christmas it is beautifully decorated, all the shop windows are sparkly, and you’ll get into the festive mood in a heartbeat. There are endless activities for children and teenagers, and parents will have the luxury of fabulous food for every meal. What else?
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What to do
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- Go and see a show with the kids (the kids’ version of Swan Lake)
- Visit the “Jardin d’acclimatation” with the full-on Christmas spirit
- Enjoy delicious buttery pastries and excellent bistro food
- Visit museums, galleries and the Cité des sciences
- To surprise de kids, pay a visit to Disneyland
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Black Forest
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In need of a more natural retreat, away from people and the Christmas madness? Reconnect with nature and its beauty in the Black Forest. It is often associated with the Brothers Grimm fairy tale. You can enjoy hiking, spas, hearty food and fresh air—the perfect reset for the whole family.
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What to do
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- Baden-Baden spa
- Walk around villages and old towns
- Hike by the Triberg waterfalls
- Enjoy sweet treats in the many typical bakeries
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Maastricht
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Get into a Medieval atmosphere in Maastricht. This city of the Netherlands is at the cross between Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany and can be a perfect stopover for a road trip in the region. The cultural scene is vibrant and there is plenty to do for the whole family.
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What to do
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- Visit the bookstore in a former church
- Pay a visit to one of the many museums (Natural History, Bonnefanten)
- Enjoy the historic city and wander around the city hall and market square
- Head out to Valkenburg and discover Sprookjesbos
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National Park Wattenmer
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The what? this is the continuation of the Wadden sea but on the German side. This will be perfect for those who are in need of the refreshing sea air, no one around and all the space in the world.
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What to do
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- Visit the biosphere reserves and the National Park Centre
- Learn about the local fauna, flora and sustainability
- Enjoy some German hearty delicacies
- See some animals in the wild
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Zurich and around
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Fancy fancy chocolates, art, history, galleries, and museums, all in a super clean city? Zurich is the perfect place. The Old town and the city itself are worth a few days. And once you are ready, take yourself to Lake Zurich, Lucern and the countryside. The best of both worlds. (Bonus: it can be accessed by train)
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What to do
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- Art, museums and culture
- Delicious chocolates at Laderach
- Hiking around Lake Lucern
- Churches, cathedrals and clock towers
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Have a beautiful festive period. I hope you will get to explore, rest and see something new.
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Bon voyage
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Marta x
