The beginning of December brings not only the National Day celebration, but also the fever of Christmas shopping and preparations. However, more and more Romanians are choosing to replace traditional gifts with holidays, turning the gifts under the tree into experiences, either close to home or in exotic destinations.
“Searches started early, since the summer period, and with Black Friday the interest exploded. Romanians no longer wait for the “last train”, but plan their holidays in advance, aware that memorable experiences are not left for the last hundred meters. Our compatriots are not only looking for a vacation, but a story that will remain in their memory. Among this winter’s favorites we remind you of the kingdom of snow – Lapland, the Christmas markets in Austria, Hungary, Poland, Spain or Italy, where the magic of Christmas is felt in every snowflake, and meeting local traditions and Santa Claus becomes a family ritual. On the other hand, the new year will find many of the Romanian tourists in exotic destinations, at the beach in the Maldives, Zanzibar, Bali, Kenya, Cuba, Mexico, Thailand, the latter changing the carols to the sound of the waves and turning the festive meal into a dinner on the beach, under the stars”Ana Maria Gherasim, representative of a tourism company, told “Adevărul”.
Santa comes everywhere
Palm trees are gaining ground this year. Romanians want to escape from the classic pattern and turn the holidays into an exotic experience, with cocktails on the beach and spectacular sunsets. However, Lapland remains a dream for families with children, while meeting Santa Claus is second to none and the magic of the snow is hard to replace. The choice is no longer just about the temperature, but about the emotion: tropical tranquility or the white story of the North, here the battle is fought when it comes to the perfect holiday.
“The Maldives and Thailand are, as every year, in the top of preferences for spectacular resorts, white sand beaches and azure water. However, more and more people are choosing Malaysia, attracted by the energy of Kuala Lumpur, the incredible variety of exotic fruits and the unique safaris in Borneo. Africa remains a constant choice: Kenya and Tanzania offer the ideal combination of adventure and relaxation, safaris to see the Big 5 followed by quiet days on the beaches of Diani and Zanzibar. Even though the Atlantic has been turbulent lately, Cuba and the Dominican Republic remain the favorites of those in love with the Caribbean. And by December, the hurricane season is over, leaving room for the perfect weather for a tropical vacation“, said Ramona Pop, an employee of a tour operator, for “Adevărul”.
While some are looking for the sun or Santa Claus at his home, there are other tourists who “they want a quiet holiday during the winter holidays, away from the daily hustle and bustle, preferring mountain destinations or rustic cabins where they can enjoy snowy landscapes and traditional activities”. “Many are looking for all-inclusive offers that include festive meals, bonfires, carols and the opportunity to spend time with the family. Favorite destinations include resorts in Romania such as Poiana Brașov, Sinaia or Maramureș, but also external locations such as Austria, Switzerland, Germany or the Christmas markets in Vienna and PragueDenisa Septilici, CEO of a travel agency, told “Adevărul”.
Up to 2,500 euros for a full stay in an exotic destination
Tourism specialists believe that the appetite for organized holidays has increased in 2025 compared to the same period last year, although the domestic economic context would not have indicated this: the desire to “get away” is stronger.We estimate 20-25% growth over last year, driven by Black Friday sales and the concept of personalized holidays. Maldives, Bali, Cuba, Thailand, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Kenya and Costa Rica are the stars of this season. Romanians are no longer looking for just a destination, but an experience that will define the end of the year, whether it is the tranquility of a tropical island or the magic of an evening under the northern lights”, declares Ana Maria Gerasim.
When it comes to budgets, they naturally vary depending on the destination, number of days spent in the location, related services, flights and hotel categories. For exotic destinations, we are talking €2000 – €2500 for a full stay, with flights and accommodation at premium standards, transfers and experiences included. For European or mountain destinations, the average budget is €1,000 – €1,500 for a few nights with festive meals included, in 4-star hotels, where the festive atmosphere is guaranteed. Thus, a New Year’s Eve stay at the beach in the Maldives, 9 days from December 29, 2025 starts from 2815 euros/person.
- Poiana Brașov, Christmas, double room, 2 adults, festive Christmas lunch, 4 stars, 3 nights with breakfast 6100 Ron,
- Bucovina, Gura Humorului, full board, 3-night package, 3298.5 Ron/person
- New Year’s Eve Cheile Dâmbovicioarei, rented villa 8 rooms with autonomous management 12,000 Ron 3 days stay
- New York New Year’s Eve, December 30 departure, accommodation included, flight, 6 days 1856 euros/person
- Christmas and New Year in Ubudu and South Bali, Indonesia 2410 euro/ person departure December 23, flight and accommodation included, 10 days
- Mauritius beach stay, 9 days, 2390 euros/pers
- Cuba New Year’s Eve group tour, 12 days with stops in Havana, Vinales Valley, Guama, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Santa Clara, Varadero 3890 euros per person
- Cuba, 11 days, Dec 31 departure, 2207 euros / person in Havana and Varadero.
- Christmas concert Vienna, Austria 536 euros/person 5 days, flight and accommodation included, departure December 23, 2 tickets Festive Advent, Christmas and New Year Concerts
- Jamaica, all inclusive, 2 people, 8 nights 750 euros
- Zanzibar charter stay, 9 days, departure on December 29, accommodation and flight included 2750 euros/pers.
