A Personal Reflection and Practical Guide
By Gilly Bachelor
Christmas away from home isn’t something most of us imagine doing. For years, the festive season has meant familiar routines, traditional meals with family, and knowing exactly how the day will unfold. But sometimes life changes, circumstances shift, or we simply crave something different.
Last Christmas, I spent the holiday on a Danube river cruise with my husband Brian — and it was our first time away from home for the festive season. It was a decision born from loss; I lost my mum back in March, and this year I needed to do something different. You can read my full review of the Danube here.
You’re Not Alone in Wanting Something Different
What surprised me most wasn’t the beautiful Christmas markets or the twinkling lights of Budapest—it was meeting so many others who were away for the first time, many of whom had wrestled with their decision and felt a touch of guilt.
Their reasons were varied but deeply personal: children living abroad who couldn’t make it home, recent divorces or separations, bereavement, and solo travellers seeking freedom over tradition. There was an understanding among us all — we’d chosen to do something different, and that shared decision created an unexpected sense of community.
One couple told us they’d made the decision quite late, driven by the realisation that their usual Christmas gathering wouldn’t be the same this year. Another solo traveller confided that staying home felt lonelier than the idea of being surrounded by strangers who understood. Each story was unique, yet there was a common thread: sometimes the bravest thing you can do is choose a new path.
The Honest Truth About Christmas Away
Did it feel “Christmassy”? That’s complicated. It felt festive, absolutely — carol services in stunning European churches, Christmas markets in multiple cities, seasonal concerts, and some of the most beautiful illuminations I’ve ever seen. But without the big family table, familiar rituals, and presents under the tree, it wasn’t Christmas as I’d always known it.
And that was okay. Actually, it was more than okay — it was exactly what I needed.
Being surrounded by people who’d also chosen to do something different made it feel shared rather than lonely. We attended Christmas Day Mass in Linz and lit candles for family back home, which was genuinely magical. We had gala dinners with new friends we’d made onboard. We video-called loved ones daily. It became a different kind of Christmas — one I’ll always remember.
The Practical Reality: Book Early
Here’s where I need to be completely honest, because if you’re considering Christmas away, timing matters enormously.
Many of the guests we met had made their decision late – less than two months before travel. By then, they faced higher prices and limited availability. The best cabins were gone, flights were more expensive, and in some cases, their preferred destinations or cruise lines were fully booked.
Brian and I booked relatively late ourselves, and while we still had a wonderful experience, we ended up with one of the smaller cabins with limited storage. It was comfortable, but I’d have preferred more space — and that was entirely down to booking late and having very limited choice.
If you’re seriously considering spending Christmas away from home, my biggest piece of advice is this: plan early.
Ideally, start looking in spring or early summer for the following Christmas. You’ll have:
- Better cabin selection and room categories
- More competitive pricing
- Greater choice of departure dates and itineraries
- Lower flight costs if you’re travelling to embarkation ports
- Time to arrange any necessary travel documents or visas
The difference between booking in February and booking in November can be thousands of pounds and the difference between your dream cabin and settling for what’s left.
Also, if you’re leaving loved ones behind, the earlier you share your plans, the more time they have to adjust—and to adjust their own plans. The first person I told was my sister, as we always spend Christmas together. I knew she’d be supportive, but I also knew she’d be upset—honestly, that was the hardest part.
Is Christmas Away Right for You?
A Christmas river cruise — or any festive getaway — works beautifully if you love atmosphere, lights, music, and markets, and if you’re happy to swap tradition for experience. It’s festive without the stress, social without pressure, and incredibly memorable.
But it’s important to be honest: it isn’t a “home-style” Christmas. There aren’t familiar family traditions, and for some that might feel like too much of a trade-off.
For me, it felt refreshing. For others onboard, it felt like exactly the escape they needed. But everyone agreed on one thing: it required letting go of expectations and embracing something new.
Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely. But next year, we’ll be at home.
That’s the beauty of trying something different — you learn what you need. This Christmas gave me space to grieve differently, to experience something new with Brian, and to meet remarkable people navigating their own changes. It didn’t replace Christmas at home; it simply became a different kind of Christmas.
If you’re considering it — whether through loss, changing family dynamics, or simply curiosity — I’d encourage you to be brave. Just remember to plan early, be realistic about what it will and won’t be, and give yourself permission to create new memories.
Sometimes the most meaningful traditions are the ones we never planned to start.
If you’re considering a festive river cruise or Christmas getaway and would like expert advice on timing, destinations, and booking, get in touch with us on 01902 288104, send us a message, or book an appointment . We specialise in international travel and can help you plan the perfect Christmas away — at the right time, and the right price.