Thinking of Setting Off Backpacking Before Christmas?

Christmas! It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and it’s just around the corner! Get ready for merry days and festive markets popping up in a city near you. Choosing where to spend Christmas can be tricky though, especially if you’re planning a backpacking adventure.

Backpacking is one of the most popular ways of travel (and has been surging in popularity for many years). Many Brits choose to pack their bags and see what Down Under is all about right around the time the UK gets cold!

So here comes the big question: should you set off before or after Christmas? Each option has pros and cons. Let’s break it down to help you decide when to pack your bags!

Backpacking Before Christmas: The Pros

Cheaper Flights in November and Early December
One of the biggest advantages of setting off before Christmas is the lower travel costs. Airlines tend to raise prices as the holiday season draws closer, especially after Christmas when the New Year is approaching.

Booking your flight for November or early December will likely score you better deals. The money saved on travel can be spent on experiences once you’re abroad! This is an example of the prices you can expect when flying to Australia from London:

Beat The Crowds
Early December tends to be a relatively quieter time in many popular backpacking destinations. Many travellers either wait to travel until after Christmas or return home to spend the holidays with family.

Many tourist spots are more relaxed and less crowded, giving you space to explore without the typical rush. Fewer tourists mean you can enjoy places like beaches, landmarks, and national parks.

You will also get to soak up the pre-holiday buzz and enjoy the run-up to Christmas. Hit up the Christmas markets, even in tropical destinations like Bali, while embracing the local culture and customs.

Christmas on the Beach
BBQ on the beach for Christmas Day? If you’re down under on December 25th, you must do it! There is something quite special about embracing the Aussie festive cheer with a Santa hat on and swimwear in 30+ degrees.

And the Christmas spirit doesn’t have to end there… Keep enjoying the holiday vibes abroad right through to New Year’s and beyond!

Settle In & Make Friends
Arriving at your destination before the peak holiday season allows you to settle in, adjust to your surroundings, and get over any jet lag. You’ll be well-prepared to enjoy Christmas and New Year celebrations in your new location without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Meeting new people while backpacking is always part of the adventure and memories. Whether you are travelling solo or with a group, you are bound to meet people along the way doing the same thing as you. And with the Christmas spirit running high, these will be friends for life!

Backpacking Before Christmas: The Cons

Missing Christmas Traditions at Home
While travelling before Christmas offers several perks, it also means missing out on the festive traditions back home. Setting off early could feel bittersweet if you love spending the holidays with family, eating Christmas dinner, and opening gifts.

Homesickness can kick in, especially when your social media feed is filled with family and friends celebrating together. There is no shame in delaying your departure date a few weeks so you can spend your Christmas season at home.

Increased Travel Stress
The lead-up to Christmas can be a hectic time for travel as people around the world rush to get home or to their holiday destinations. Airports can be crowded, flights are delayed, and the general stress of travelling during a busy season may detract from the excitement of starting your trip.

The pre-Christmas rush could be a significant drawback if you’re not a fan of travelling in packed spaces. Of course, this can be delayed by leaving a few weeks before Christmas.

Pre-Trip Expenses
December is always expensive with gifts, parties, and family gatherings. Balancing these expenses with the costs of starting a backpacking trip—flights, travel insurance, and travel gear—can strain your finances. Managing the budget can become tricky for those who want to enjoy Christmas at home and start their adventure before the New Year.

Backpacking After Christmas: The Pros

Christmas at Home
One of the biggest perks of starting your trip after Christmas is enjoying the full festive experience with family and friends. Whether indulging in a big Christmas dinner, exchanging gifts on Christmas morning, or participating in holiday traditions, you won’t have to miss out on any of it.

For those who treasure these moments, staying home for Christmas can offer the best of both worlds—celebrating the holidays first and then heading off on an adventure.

Boxing Day Sales
Waiting until after Christmas to start your trip means you can take advantage of the Boxing Day sales. Everything from travel gear to clothing and electronics often sees significant discounts in late December and early January. This can help you save on backpacking essentials like a new backpack, travel gadgets, or hiking boots, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your trip without breaking the bank.

New Year’s Celebrations Abroad
If you plan to start your trip after Christmas, you could time it so you’re at your new destination just in time for New Year’s Eve celebrations. Many cities worldwide go all out for New Year’s with fireworks, parties, and cultural events.

Whether watching the Sydney fireworks or enjoying a beach party in Southeast Asia, starting your adventure with a New Year celebration abroad can be a thrilling experience that kicks off your journey with a bang!

Fresh Start to the New Year
There’s something symbolic about starting a new adventure as the calendar flips to a new year. Take the start of a new year to reset, focus on goals, and seek fresh experiences.

Backpacking after Christmas fits perfectly into this mindset. You can leave behind the stress and busyness of the holiday season and enter the new year ready to explore, learn, and grow in a completely different environment.

Backpacking After Christmas: The Cons

Higher Travel Costs
While post-Christmas sales are great for gear and essentials, travel becomes more expensive after Christmas. As the holiday season ends, many people use this time to take a break and travel, leading to a spike in demand for flights and accommodation. This increase in demand can mean higher prices on flights and hostels, making it a more expensive time to start your backpacking journey than earlier in December.

Busier Destinations
Travelling after Christmas means competing with other holiday travellers and tourists heading to popular destinations ready for NYE celebrations.

Many backpacking hotspots, especially in warm climates, will be buzzing, making certain places overcrowded. Popular spots may have long lines, packed beaches, or fully booked accommodations, which could limit your options for a peaceful start to your backpacking adventure.

Longer To Wait!
Waiting until after Christmas can feel like a drag if you’ve been eagerly planning your trip. You might feel restless or impatient to start your adventure when the holidays are over. It’s also easy to get caught up in post-holiday fatigue—after all the excitement and socialising, the motivation to pack your bags and set off could wane.

Which Option Is Best for You?

Choosing between backpacking before or after Christmas depends on what’s most important to you as a traveller. If you’re budget-conscious and prefer a quieter, more relaxed travel experience, starting before Christmas may be the better choice. It allows you to avoid the post-holiday crowds and can help you save money on flights and accommodation. Plus, you’ll experience the holiday season in a new country, giving you a unique cultural perspective.

On the other hand, if spending Christmas with family and friends at home is a top priority, leaving after the holidays might be more fulfilling. Although it may be pricier and busier, the excitement of New Year’s celebrations abroad and the fresh start to the year can make it worthwhile. The post-Christmas timing could be ideal for those who don’t mind the crowds and are keen on thoroughly enjoying the holidays with family before departure.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences, travel style, and how much importance you place on Christmas at home versus on the road.

Have You Decided Yet?

Whether you start your backpacking adventure before or after Christmas, both options offer distinct advantages and challenges. Leaving before Christmas could be perfect for early birds looking to save money and beat the crowds. However, travelling after Christmas provides a fresh, exciting start for those who love spending the festive season with loved ones and want to begin their journey in the new year.

Regardless of your decision, ensure you are protected with travel insurance before you fly! Contact us today to discuss longstay and backpacker travel insurance options.

Either way, an incredible adventure awaits, so all that’s left is to decide when you’ll pack your bags and head out into the world!