EXCLUSIVE Christmas like Cameron! Travellers are ditching family to exchange homes with a STRANGER for real life The Holiday experience… and why you should too
- New data has reveals that December solo holidays are on the rise for Brits
- Christmas home exchanges have also increased by a massive 72% globally
From excited children running wild and unwanted presents to family feuds and tasteless turkeys – Christmas can be stressful.
We have all contemplated jumping on a plane to a tropical beach or romantic city to spend December 25 alone – but how of many of us have actually taken the plunge?
New data by HomeExchange has revealed that December solo holidays are on the rise, with 30% of Brits saying they would love to go away by themselves over the festive season.
While home exchanges in particular are proving popular as Yuletide travellers channel their inner Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet to jet off to a stranger’s home like in Christmas classic – The Holiday.
Solo Christmas exchanges have increased by 72% globally and 133% for members based in London, with hopeful travellers want to meet their own Jude Law and Jack Black.
Home exchanges in particular are proving popular as Yuletide travellers channel their inner Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet to jet off to a stranger’s home like in Christmas classic – The Holiday
A further 42% of Brits admitted that spending Christmas on holiday alone sounds far more appealing than spending the day with extended family.
While the idea might sound fun, actually ditching your loved ones for the big day can be a different story.
So, how many people are actually going through with the idea?
Almost one in 10 admit they have already relished in embarking on a Christmas trip by themselves.
This year, 39% of Brits have chosen to spend Christmas Day by themselves with a further 30% saying they would consider being alone over the extended Christmas period.
HomeExchange data also shows a global increase of 119% for solo holiday exchange requests compared to last year.
In London alone, requests for spending the Christmas holidays flying solo are up a staggering 253% annually.
Liz Ho, a camping blogger and YouTuber who lives in Worcestershire, will be ditching her typical Christmas day traditions for a trip to Scotland’s national parks.
Liz Ho, a camping blogger and YouTuber who lives in Worcestershire, will be ditching her typical Christmas day traditions for a trip to Scotland’s national parks
On a solo road trip, the travel enthusiast and blogger aims to visit Cairngorms, Loch Lomond, and Glencoe.
She told MailOnline: ‘I decided to solo travel this Christmas to step out of my comfort zone.
‘I usually spend the holidays with family but I wanted adventure and reflection. Camping solo will allow me to deeply connect with nature.’
It will be very different from her usual December 25, which involves spending the morning with her parents and siblings before hosting Christmas dinner at her home.
Liz revealed: ‘More people are choosing solo vacations to take a break from busy family traditions, experience new places at their own pace, and enjoy quiet reflection.
‘The holidays can be a thoughtful time for self-care. On Christmas day, I plan to hike through Glencoe and camp under the stars. I will journal, practice landscape photography, and videotape well-wishes to my subscribers.
She admitted there are parts of a regular Christmas she will miss, like ‘being with family, joking with everyone’ and her mothers ‘best cooking’.
The travel pro gushed: ‘Nothing smells more like Christmas to me than her roast and pies in the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Michelangelo Turillo, is doing a home swap this Christmas to leave behind the cobbled streets of Italy for the busy bustle of London
‘My friends and family were surprised at first about me going alone.
‘They wanted me to be safe and with everyone, but after I told them why, they’ve been very understanding. They know how much I like seeing new places and learning about myself.
‘Christmas can feel stressful too. Making sure everything is ready for guests and that no one is upset takes work.
‘The rush to get things done is tiring. This solo trip allows me to step back from all that. I can relax in nature and spend time on my own thoughts.’
She hopes the trip will be ‘peaceful and rejuvenating’ – the blogger advises anyone wanting to do the same to research thoroughly, build an itinerary but stay flexible, share your plans with trusted contacts, and embrace spontaneity! Solo travel is deeply rewarding’.
Meanwhile, Michelangelo Turillo, is doing a home swap this Christmas to leave behind the cobbled streets of Italy for the busy bustle of London.
He explained ‘He explained, ‘I’m eager to explore beyond London – places like Nottingham, Leeds, York, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, and Bath. Each city has its unique charm and stories to tell’
He revealed: ‘The UK’s mix of history and cultures intrigued me. I want to explore Roman and Celtic legacies while enjoying modern life.
‘I’m drawn to spending Christmas in London. It’s about embracing a different cultural experience and honouring my parents’ resilience, teaching me to face important moments with an open heart.’
He’ll be spending the festive period in Whitechapel, where he will stay for 18 days.
As a keen tango dancer, he hopes to ‘share the holiday spirit with someone special’ as ‘dancing the tango and exploring places introduces you to new friends’.
Michelangelo said he ‘can’t wait to soak in the festive vibes’ and ‘explore nearby historical sites and cultural offerings’.
He explained: ‘I’m eager to explore beyond London – places like Nottingham, Leeds, York, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, and Bath. Each city has its unique charm and stories to tell.
‘This is my fifth exchange, they reshape how I see travel and the idea of home with each new experience’.
Robin Wilt, 44, from Florida, will be swapping states and taking up a home exchange in North Carolina for Christmas.
She told MailOnline: ‘The Chapel Hill homeowners reached out to me and I figured, why not?! I haven’t been to the Chapel Hill area before and in general, I love to travel anywhere and everywhere.
‘I’ve also been a bit travel deprived since leaving my corporate job two years ago to focus on my business. I haven’t gotten to travel as much as I usually do, so Home Exchange has been providing those opportunities for me that are a bit easier on the pocket book.
Robin explained: ‘During my solo holiday my plans right now are to decompress, re-centre, create and explore.
‘There is something so rejuvenating to my soul to be in the mountain air and in nature hiking and contemplating life.
‘My travel strategy is to research things to do before the trip and then when I get there, I like a combo of planned excursions and winging it.’
She’s admitted that previously, she’s always stayed home and close to her family for Christmas, but as she’s getting older, she’s ‘taking advantage’ of the freedom her ‘single status and remote working provide’.
Adding: ‘And I’m single, so if cupid wants to set me up like Cameron or Kate, I’m open!
‘I think the things I’m most looking forward to is the opportunity to do something new and out of my comfort zone.
‘I believe having these opportunities allows us to grow as people. I also tend to get a lot of ideas or downloads from the Universe when I’m in the mountains.
‘I feel so inspired and clear. I also love meeting new people, and I love to dance and do yoga, so I’ll likely find some studios and socialize a bit’.
The traveller is also planning to start some new Christmas traditions for herself: ‘a movie on Christmas eve or taking myself out to eat for the first time on Christmas day. I’m open to suggestions as well!’
It comes as Home Exchange, the home swapping site used in The Holiday, launched a Solo Holiday Party Pack competition, which is open to all solo travellers planning a trip by themselves this Christmas.
The feast includes all 24 grocery items shown in the film, including red wine, fine cheeses, pasta sauce, snowmen cookies, nuts, olives, mince pies, bread, chocolates and Christmas cake, not forgetting a bottle opener and a copy of The Holiday on DVD to watch while you tuck in.
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