Copy My Trip: A serene, off-season road trip along France's Breton coast

In Strasbourg, France, throughout the holiday season, Santa-capped teddy bears festoon a restaurant’s facade. Stuffed polar bears adorn another. In a Yuletide arms race, buildings are affixed with giant, gift-wrapped packages, glittering white deer and oversize gingerbread men. Turning the central medieval quarter into a Christmas maze, curtains of lights glow above cobblestone lanes lined with food and gift stalls. And in the central Place Kléber, lights on a nearly 100-foot-tall Christmas tree flash and glow, synchronized to carols.

France’s winding cobbled lanes and tree-lined rural roadways offer a straight shot into the heart of the country. Incredible countryside vistas merge into unique and highly wanderable villages, castles and coastlines that will etch your journey into your memories.

Perched above the Ionian Sea on a rocky promontory, the iconic San Domenico Palace welcomes guests to a world of unparalleled luxury that’s not only reminiscent of the TV show “White Lotus” — it actually served as the filming location for Season 2. This beautiful hotel in the heart of Taormina, Sicily, is a 14th-century convent reimagined, seamlessly blending historic charm with modern opulence. A testament to Sicilian elegance, the hotel’s lush gardens and stunning sea-view deluxe rooms give guests intimate spaces to unwind in a place that feels more like a sanctuary than a hotel.

If you’re a scrolling fiend (or have ever skimmed a rack of French postcards), you’ll be familiar with the photogenic landscapes of Provence. This southeastern province of France is where you’ll find fields of lavender and sunflowers, world-class rosé wineries, and the glamorous Côte d’Azur beach resorts. Close to the beach and vineyards, these luxurious Airbnbs in Provence give you the best of both worlds.

As the seasons change, there’s no better time to escape the busy city life and take a road trip. The New England region has a rich history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for scenic drives. If you’re in the northeastern United States looking for an escape, here’s an extended weekend guide sharing the best places to visit on a road trip through Central and Western Massachusetts, including small towns, historical landmarks, mountainous terrain — all with a stunning backdrop.

Aviation investors will have to wait a little bit longer to get a piece of TAP Air Portugal. The carrier’s long-awaited privatization is delayed up to a year following the recent sudden resignation of Portugal’s prime minister.

Attention, all travel enthusiasts. If you want to maximize your travel plans and book an additional flight at no extra cost, booking a Flying Blue stopover can help unlock more value from your miles. In 2022, Air France-KLM Flying Blue began allowing stopovers on its own one-way, round-trip and multi-city award ticketed flights. Then, in 2023, the airline loyalty program expanded stopovers to all partner award tickets.

New plans to simplify travel for French school parties to the UK were unveiled on Thursday after the number of trips plummeted following Brexit.

Europe’s airports are regularly ranked from best to worst to help travellers make informed choices.

December brings frigid temperatures and howling winds to the city of Boston, but fortunately, the holiday season serves as a major silver lining for winter residents. Clad in twinkling lights and a towering Christmas tree gifted from Nova Scotia, the city takes on a particularly charming ambiance that makes it well worth visiting in spite of the weather—and as an added bonus, Boston’s hottest hotels, bars and restaurants are all joining in on the festivities. As you plan your next foray into New England’s most dazzling city, don’t miss out on these holiday-themed promotions and events.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Thursday, December 7. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.

As part of the expanded partnership announced in September 2023, Air France-KLM and Etihad Airways customers now have access to more than 60 new routes beyond Abu Dhabi, Paris and Amsterdam.