NEW ORLEANS
Instead of Las Vegas, go to New Orleans: Looking for the glitz, glam and gambling, but don't want to deal with the expensive hotel suites or big crowds of Las Vegas? Try New Orleans this upcoming season for similar excitement, great food and holiday fun. You may see some rain, but mild temperatures and fewer crowds make the holiday season a great time to go.
www.neworleansonline.com
BARCELONA, SPAIN
Instead of Paris, go to Barcelona: December in Barcelona sees temperatures in the mid-50s, and with the summer crowds gone, you can enjoy city walks, famous architectural sites and outdoor restaurants without freezing temperatures. Don't miss the Santa Llucia Christmas Fair and life-size nativity scene for the holidays.
www.barcelona.com
SLOVENIA
Instead of Switzerland, go to Slovenia: Slovenia is known for its mountains, ski resorts, glacial lakes and Gothic churches. Slovenia has 10 major ski resorts sure to be less crowded than other popular European skiing destinations around the holidays. Head to Maribor or Bled for skiing, culture, natural sights and castles.
www.slovenia.info
RINCON, PUERTO RICO
Instead of San Juan, go to Rincon, Puerto Rico: Rincon sits along the coast that spans from Aguadilla to Cabo Rojo, and is well known for big waves and surfing. In Rincon, you'll find smaller hotels and laid-back bars and restaurants along the beach, all without the crowds of San Juan. Off the coast you'll find Mona Island, which boasts a variety of wildlife that rivals the Galapagos.
www.rincon.org
TAOS, NEW MEXICO
Instead of Aspen, go to Taos: For fewer crowds and lower prices, look toward Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico. Less than two hours from Santa Fe, you'll find the brand new village and base area in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, close to the New Mexico-Colorado border.
beyondtaos.com
COSTA MAYA, MEXICO
Instead of Cancun, go to Costa Maya: This area is less developed, but thanks to a newer cruise port, it's getting better tourist services and infrastructure. Costa Maya has a coral reef, pristine beaches and a rich history, with access to some of the lesser-known Maya sites like Chacchoben, Kohunlich, and Dzibanche.
www.visitmexico.com
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Instead of New York City, go to Philadelphia: Philly, offers the same urban-holiday feel with smaller crowds and lower prices. The City of Brotherly Love rings in the holiday with a "winterized" riverfront park overlooking the Delaware River and a skating rink next to City Hall. There's also the Christmas Village at Love Park, Chestnut Hill Stag and Doe Nights, Macy's Christmas Light Show in the Grand Court, and countless holiday markets around town.
www.visitphilly.com
PALM SPRING, CALIFORNIA
Instead of Los Angeles, go to Palm Springs: Look at Palm Springs for a less-crowded California holiday retreat with a huge vacation rental market to help save on accommodations. You'll be able to avoid the city crowds and have perfect temperatures in the desert to enjoy golfing, pool lounging, spa going and hiking.
www.visitpalmsprings.com
CAPE SAN BLAS, FLORIDA
Instead of South Florida, go to Cape San Blas: Beat the high prices by opting for Florida’s “Forgotten Coast,” the area around Cape San Blas near the Panhandle. Temperatures might not be as warm as they are in the south, but you'll still enjoy plenty of sunshine and water activities.
www.capesanblas.com
BORACAY ISLAND, PHILIPPINES
Instead of Bora Bora, go to Boracay Island: If you're looking for an exotic and far-off getaway, avoid popular tropical islands like Bora Bora, Bali and Phuket unless you want to deal with crowds and inflated holiday prices. Instead explore the Philippines, in particular Boracay. December temperatures stay around 80 degrees.
Boracay Island, Philippines