Holidays That POP: 5 Places to Visit This Season

Some people like to entertain around the holidays. Others like to check out for a couple of weeks, leave their lives behind and see the world. If you’re not much for carving a turkey and filling your house with family and friends, Adam Groffman has some great ideas for you.

Groffman from Travels of Adam thought long and hard about the places he’d like to be this holiday season — five diverse cities that will completely transform your lives this time of year. So take a look at the locations he’s cooked up and see if any of these will foot the bill this holiday season.

Berlin
"With the city celebrating 25 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall in November, Berlin has been alive with activity. Include a few visits to the city's Christmas markets. (I like the Lucia Weihnachtsmarkt in der Kulturbrauerei because it's on the grounds of a former brewery) in­ between long nights (and days) at some of the world's best clubs (Berghain comes to mind). And don't worry about the cold weather, Berliners can be extra-­friendly. And if that doesn't work, there's always liquor. [Editor's suggestion: An Absolut It Girl from a bottle of Absolut Warhol Limited Edition.] Or if you’re in the mood for something more local, try gluhwein (or for those that like their drinks flaming, get a Feuerzangenbowle ­mulled wine with sugar and rum set on fire)."

Prague
"One of Europe's most scenic cities, Prague is a great European destination for romantic getaways with its red­roofed buildings, cobblestoned streets and classic European buildings. Operas and concerts play all winter and with the city's amazing gay nightlife, a growing culinary scene (try the friendly Prague Food Tour through the Old City) and enough culture to last a lifetime, Prague is so much more than just a pretty backdrop."

London
"You might think you've seen London, but trust me — if you haven't spent a weekend in East London, you haven't seen anything. Shoreditch may have already been deemed 'cool' for the last several years, but the neighborhood is far from over. Pop-­up restaurants, barber shops and men’s fashion shops (both vintage and new, local designers) line the streets in between street art and public art galleries. Visit on the weekend to get in some last-minute holiday shopping at the Brick Lane markets, especially the Sunday UpMarket with clothing, crafts and food."

Boston
"Boston probably isn't your typical idea for a winter holiday destination, but the city's charming South End and the cobblestoned streets in the Back Bay make you feel as if you're in a winter wonderland. Visit the Charlesmark Hotel for some of their classic cocktails [Editor's suggestion: An Absolut Chelsea Vodka Gimlet] in a cozy environment or duck into one of the many boutiques and restaurants along Charles Street in Beacon Hill)."

Chiang Mai
"For something a bit different, skip the northern hemisphere this holiday and head south — to Thailand's second city: Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. Splurge on a luxury hotel (the 137 Pillars House is the best place for celebrity­-spotting, or else try the Anantara for a more chic & trendy style), take a Thai cooking class or just do some shopping (and eating) at the nightly markets."

Adam Groffman is a globetrotter and self­-styled hipster. He covers city trips in Europe and around the world, writing about expat life, festivals, nightlife and LGBT tourism on his personal travel blog, Travels of Adam.

Enjoy responsibly. Absolut® vodka. Product of Sweden. 40% alc./vol. distilled from grain. ©2014 Imported by Absolut Spirits Co., New York, NY.