Get your bedouin
on with a side trip
from Marrakech to
the Sahara Desert.NOVEMBERMARRAKECH,
MOROCCO
Hordes of tourists hit this
city during their summer
vacays, when the sun is at
its hottest. Forget that;
the best time to visit is fall,
when it’s cool at night but
sunny and pleasant during
the day. Visit the souks to
buy a djellaba (a traditional
robe), then retreat to
Vanessa Branson’s El Fenn
hotel (doubles from $256;
el-fenn.com). Hear the call
of the muezzin, take tea
in the courtyard, and learn
how to make an epic tajine.
Your honeymoon finale: a
few days in the Sahara for a
camel ride across the dunes.
OR GO TO ...
CANCÚN AND THE
RIVIERA MAYA for amazing
off-season deals and Hanal
Pixán, the Mayan version
of Day of the Dead.
GOA, INDIA, to experience
Diwali, a five-day Hindu
festival, and hit the beach.DECEMBERLAPLAND, FINLAND
For a room with the best view ever, spend your winter nights
in a chic glass igloo 155 miles above the arctic circle. At
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, you can scope out the northern
lights via your see-through roof, do a reindeer- or husky-
driven sleigh ride through the snowy woods, or simply ski,
ice fish, or sauna your (very short) days away. Santa Claus never
had it this good. Doubles from $507; kakslauttanen.fi.
OR GO TO ...
NASSAU, BAHAMAS, for Junkanoo, a street parade of costumed
dancers on Boxing Day, and sweet rates through December 15.
WALT DISNEY WORLD, FLORIDA, before the holidays to take
a culinary tour through Epcot’s international pavilions and see
the park’s legendary seasonal lights without the crazy
crowds or premium pricing.Along with glass igloos,
Kakslauttanen also
offers snow igloos and
cozy log cabins.FROM TOP: TOM CRAIG/TRUNK ARCHIVE; COURTESY OF KAKSLAUTTANEN RESORT
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