CHARTER A YACHT FOR YOUR VACATION IN THE SUN

CHARTER A YACHT FOR FESTIVE SEASON IN THE SUN WITH ABYS YACHTING

Winter vacations and the festive season are fast approaching! So why not charter a yacht to a dream destination in the sun, for a change from skiing and the mountains? An unusual opportunity to celebrate Christmas in a different way and create unforgettable memories.

Abys Yachting has selected 7 ideal destinations to spend Christmas and New Year in the sun, aboard a yacht. Beautiful blue skies, warm and mild temperatures to forget the grey winter... Here's a fine selection to inspire you.

1- MEXICO: A HEAVENLY DESTINATION OF EXCELLENCE

Mexico is a must-see destination for the festive season, especially Christmas. It's a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the country's most traditional festivities. Celebrate Christmas not just for one day! But for 9 days, from December 16 to 24. This is known as "Las posadas" ("the inns" in Spanish), in memory of Mary and Joseph's pilgrimage to the birthplace of Jesus. On the evening of the 24th, children don't wait for Santa Claus, but for the arrival of baby Jesus.

You can also take the opportunity to stroll and discover the sublime beaches that line the Pacific Ocean. It's a great way to recharge your batteries and, of course, forget the winter chill. For those wishing to discover an atypical place, one that stands out from the fashionable tourist spots, Baja California will be an excellent choice. You'll find a wide variety of flora and fauna, as well as breathtaking scenery.

2- LISBON, PORTUGAL: ONE OF THE BEST DESTINATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS

Lisbon has been named one of the best Christmas destinations by "The Guardian" in 2022. A country that is very popular with English speakers. The climate is mild and there are numerous celebrations throughout the capital. The giant Christmas decorations and illuminations hanging all over the city will leave a lasting impression. Every shopkeeper will be celebrating.

Lisbon is also known for its nightlife, with numerous Christmas markets. On the evening of December 31st, you can enjoy 3 days of free concerts and a giant fireworks display. What's more, as this is an off-peak time of year, you'll be able to spend your festive season in complete tranquillity, away from the hordes of tourists. Prices will also be more affordable, so you can make the most of your stay.

3- THAILAND: FESTIVE SEASON WITH A TOUCH OF THE EXOTIC

Thailand is another destination for a warm Christmas and New Year. The atmosphere will differ according to the place you visit. In Bangkok, for example, you'll find festivities inspired by the Old Continent, but with a few exotic touches (lantern releases, etc.). If you're a fan of live music, you'll love the famous "full moon party" on the island of Ko Pha Ngan.

You can also take the opportunity to stroll and relax on one of the many paradisiacal beaches, to get away from it all. A stay in Phuket, the country's largest island, will amaze you with its sandy beaches and tropical forests. Perhaps you'd also like to immerse yourself in the local culture, meeting the local communities who perpetuate and protect their way of life and ancestral traditions.

4- MALTA: GENTLE MEDITERRANEAN WINTER VACATIONS

If you'd like to spend the festive season in Malta, we suggest you visit the city of Valletta. The inhabitants of Malta and Gozo love to take to the streets for the festivities at this time of year, when temperatures remain pleasant. Place Saint-Georges is the place to be for a famous free concert, all in a festive, good-natured atmosphere.

With temperatures averaging around 15°C, you'll have plenty of fun visiting the magnificent archipelago, with its fabulous monuments and megalithic sites, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass by the Parliament building and admire the famous giant fir tree, over 7 metres high and made of 2,000 hand-blown glass balls by local craftsmen.

5- LOUISIANA: A JAZZ CHRISTMAS

For fans of jazz music, New Orleans is the place to be! In Louisiana, on the evening of December 31st, fireworks are set off across the Mississippi at Jackson Square. Jazz is, in fact, the music of reference when visiting this part of the world. That's why you'll find so many clubs, like Preservation Hall. In City Park, a fairytale setting awaits you, with the Festival Celebration in the Oaks, surrounded by hundred-year-old oaks illuminated on both sides.

Passing through Natchitoches, you can celebrate the Festival of Lights, where a fireworks display will sublimate the Cane River lake. With its Mississippi River crossing and sugarcane plantations, Louisiana is a setting reminiscent of the warm atmosphere of the "Tom Sawyer" cartoon. You'll love this city of narrow cobblestone streets, overlooking historic colonial mansions, and its many legendary jazz venues, which can also be found at St. Louis Cathedral.

6- AUSTRALIA: END-OF-YEAR CELEBRATIONS IN THE MIDDLE OF SUMMER

Summer has just begun in Australia! With an average temperature of 29°C, you'll feel completely at home. In addition, the 10 hours that separate you from Metropolitan France will allow you to ring in the New Year before everyone else. To celebrate New Year's Eve, the best place to go is Sydney's Harbour Bridge, where multiple fireworks displays will take place just over the bay, two blocks from the famous Opera House.

If you're looking for a vacation in the warmth, you'll find plenty of heavenly beaches, which you can discover by renting a van for a road trip along the coast. There are many routes to discover the south and east of the country: the Great Ocean Road and its breathtaking sea views, Jervis Bay and its many sandy beaches... In terms of activities, you can play cricket, Australia's iconic sport.

7- GUADELOUPE AND MARTINIQUE: A VACATION OF TRADITIONAL SONGS

This holiday season, the French West Indies are alive with Chanté Nwèl: traditional West Indian Christmas carols. This is a great opportunity to learn other Christmas carols, adapted to suit the local culture. "Mon beau sapin" becomes "beau filao", a tree of Australian origin that now grows in the West Indies. In Guadeloupe and Martinique, the streets are festive from morning to night.

December is an ideal time to discover the many incredible beaches. In town, you "ll have the opportunity to sample some traditional dishes, such as the famous pig stew, or boudin au créole! In Martinique, it's chadec glacé, a delicious candied citrus fruit. There are also a number of hiking trails to discover the hinterland, with its volcanoes, waterfalls and seas.