Since my home base is in the northern United States, I always rather regret the passing of summer. But the cool weather has its compensations. If I can time an autumnal visit to the Chicago or New York office, I like to add on a few days in Wisconsin or New England, respectively, to enjoy the extravagant displays of fall foliage. I also use Thanksgiving as an excuse for an escape. After we host family for the holiday, I like to recover with a quick spa-themed getaway in Southern California or at a Caribbean resort. The weeks leading up to Christmas present a host of festive possibilities. If I remember to book far enough in advance — now is best — a weekend in New York is a delight, with its elaborate window displays and various holiday-themed performances. London also pulls out all the stops.

And I can think of few more festive experiences than browsing European Christmas markets. I’ve explored them on my own — a December Budapest–Vienna–Prague itinerary was great fun — and via luxury riverboat. AmaWaterways and Uniworld River Cruises both have tempting itineraries, for example. But one of my favorite holidays was when we rented a house in the mountains for a week and assembled the whole family there. Maybe this year, I’ll look into a villa somewhere warm…