Top Destinations and Tips for Holiday Travel

Image: PHOTO: Holiday travel (photo via Pixabay/Alexas_Fotos)
Image: PHOTO: Holiday travel (photo via Pixabay/Alexas_Fotos)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 11:10 AM ET, Wed October 25, 2017

The winter holiday travel season is approaching fast and hotels and restaurants in the United States and Canada are preparing for the rush of visitors looking to spread the holiday spirit.

To help travelers find the perfect destinations, AAA's professional inspectors have selected 12 of their favorite festive Diamond Rated properties to visit this holiday season.

For travelers hitting the road with their families, AAA suggests properties like The Fairmont Chateau Whistler in Whistler, British Columbia; The Inn on First in Napa, California; The St. Regis Aspen Resort in Aspen, Colorado; and The Cloister in Sea Island, Georgia.

Other travelers want to see the extravagant light displays and decorations that create a magical environment. Recommended properties that feature hundreds of thousands of lights, ornaments and garlands include Inn by the Bandstand in Exeter, New Hampshire; Lotte New York Palace in New York, New York; Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada; and The Breakers, Palm Beach in Palm Beach, Florida.

While the bright lights of Christmas are perfect for some, many travelers will hit the road this holiday season for a food adventure. For the perfect mix of holiday-themed menus and settings, check out the Glenlaurel Scottish Inn and Cottages in Rockbridge, Ohio; Westlake Grill in Red Deer, Alberta; Circa 1886 in Charleston, South Carolina and The Inn on Negley in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

In addition to offering ideal destinations, AAA has provided travelers with a list of tips to optimize any holiday season adventure. First, people hitting the road are advised to plan ahead and book early for the best deals and availability on hotels, airfare, car rentals and more.

Travelers should also be working with a travel agent, remaining flexible in terms of scheduling, staying safe by ensuring your vehicle is road-trip ready and packing plenty of patience, as congestion is expected during the busy holiday season.


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