Budget Travel - Christmas Destination

I am looking to backpack over christmas from the 16th to the 30th. Can anyone recommend any good travel locations for budget travel over christmas coming from Los Angeles CA.

I know this is an open ended question and my first post here but I would really appreciate everyone's feedback. Thanks so much

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If you're looking at possible places in the USA, check out Big Bend National Park and the Big Bend Ranch State Park in Texas. You can fly from LAX to MAF (Midland/Odessa, Texas) or to El Paso (ELP) and rent a car to drive to the park. You might be able to get good fares on Southwest to either Midland or El Paso. Big Bend National Park is one of the least visited National Parks, but is gorgeous if you're into desert hiking.

http://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/big_bend_ranch/

where have you been in the US? I think that there are some pretty good places in your own backyard. Will you have a car if you travel in the US?

Budget backpacking Europe Style or in the US? Backpacking Cali could be interesting, as I'm from Cali but you might want to provide some insight into what your looking for other than "budget backpacking"

If your looking into Europe then I would highly suggest Eastern Europe. Places like Poland, Serbia, Hungry are really easy to get around (not as easy as West but still easy). Plus it would fit into any budget, $10-15 GREAT Hostels, cheap bus/trains and cheep booze. Krakow, Poland for example... a beer at the most touristy/nice bar in the main square cost only about $2-3 tops

If your looking into Europe then I would highly suggest Eastern Europe. Places like Poland, Serbia, Hungry are really easy to get around

I would second Eastern Europe, but a word of caution - during my two days in Hungary I was met with apathy and people unwilling to help. In contrast my time in Czech Republic (granted, a little closer to West European prices) and Slovakia was wonderful.

Slovakia has mountains in the east, and smaller ones in the western part. Both have great marked hiking trails, some of which I walked (no backpack, day hikes only).

Another word of caution, prices for flights to Europe aren't cheap, though in the winter season prices come way down.

EmailKid

Tallinn, Estonia is credited with the custom of Christmas trees. Might be a fun destination. I found the people wonderfully fun and accepting. A ferry ride between there and Helsinki, Finland is one 4 hour party.

Romelle

If your looking into Europe then I would highly suggest Eastern Europe. Places like Poland, Serbia, Hungry are really easy to get around (not as easy as West but still easy). Plus it would fit into any budget, $10-15 GREAT Hostels, cheap bus/trains and cheep booze. Krakow, Poland for example... a beer at the most touristy/nice bar in the main square cost only about $2-3 tops

OP is going on this trip over the Christmas holidays. My guess is that the weather in Eastern Europe is not going to be amenable to backpacking unless one likes to camp in the snow. If it were me, I'd go for a warmer destination.