Last updated: October 2026 · Travel
Looking for December getaways? Here are 10 real U.S. trips happening December 4 to 13, 2026. Think Art Basel in Miami Beach, a candlelit Christmas in Charleston, a women-only spa week, and Aspen’s big winter kickoff. Eight weeks out is a sweet spot to book. You still have choices, and you beat the holiday rush.
I started my own travel era this year with 9 days in Charleston. And in February 2027, I’m going back solo. So trust me on this one: the trip you plan now is the trip that actually happens.
Dates come from each event’s website, checked October 6 to 9, 2026. Some details can change, so always confirm before you book.
Because you still get the good stuff. The hotels you actually want, event tickets, and flights that fit your schedule.
Wait until Thanksgiving, and December fills up fast. Plan now, and you get to look forward to it for two whole months. That’s half the fun.
Try this: Pick one trip from this list tonight. Put the dates on your calendar, even if you haven’t booked yet. Then text one friend and ask, “Want to go?”
When: December 4 to 6, 2026.
Why go: It’s the biggest art fair in the Americas. The whole city turns into a week of gallery events, pop-ups, and parties.
Where to stay: The Setai, 1 Hotel South Beach, or Faena Hotel Miami Beach.
When:
Why go: You know I love Charleston. Historic homes, candlelight, oak trees, and amazing food. It’s pure magic in December. The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park usually runs nightly through New Year’s Eve too.
Where to stay: Hotel Bennett, The Dewberry, or The Spectator Hotel.
Drayton Hall events · Historic Charleston Foundation events
Planning your first trip there? Here’s my Folly Beach and Charleston itinerary. And if you’d rather explore Charleston with a small circle of women, that’s exactly why I’m creating The Midlife GlowGetter Retreat.
When: Winter Spanish Market is December 5 to 6. Las Posadas on the Plaza is December 6 at 5 pm.
Why go: Handmade Spanish Colonial art, holiday music, and cozy adobe streets. Ski Santa Fe opens November 26 if you want snow too.
Where to stay: Ten Thousand Waves, Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi, or Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado.
When: The Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade is Saturday, December 5, from 7 to 8 pm. The Napa Valley Wine Train’s holiday Santa Train runs evenings from November 27 to December 23.
Why go: Quiet wineries, twinkle lights, and small-town holiday fun, without the summer crowds.
Where to stay: Auberge du Soleil, Bardessono, or Meadowood.
Lighted Tractor Parade details
When: Saturday, December 12, 2026, 9 am to 5 pm. The Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside runs daily through January 3.
Why go: Peek inside beautiful historic homes, then shop the riverfront Christmas market. Perfect for a girls’ trip or a mother-daughter weekend.
Where to stay: Perry Lane Hotel, The Alida, or JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District.
Holiday Tour of Homes & Inns details
Want to walk into the holidays rested instead of running on fumes? These three are made for that.
When: The week starting Sunday, December 6, 2026. Weeks run Sunday to Saturday.
Why go: A women-only wellness week at one of the most famous spas in the country. It’s a true reset before the holidays.
Where to stay: You stay right at Golden Door, and it’s all-inclusive. Want extra days? Rancho Valencia or Omni La Costa are nearby.
When: December 7 to 13, 2026.
Why go: A week of yoga and movement in the snowy Berkshires. It’s included with your stay and open to all levels. Brand new to yoga? You’re welcome here.
Where to stay: Canyon Ranch Lenox.
When: Miraval’s 3-day Immersion with guest teacher Janet Rae Orth is December 3 to 6. Or book any stay for classes, spa time, and quiet desert mornings.
Why go: Sunshine, mountains, and real rest before the holiday rush.
Where to stay: Miraval Arizona, The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain, or Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort.
When: December 10 to 13, 2026, with a torchlight parade and fireworks on Aspen Mountain on Saturday, December 12, at 7 pm.
Why go: It’s Aspen’s winter kickoff party. And Aspen Mountain is celebrating its 80th winter. The Denver Gazette reported lift tickets for $80 on December 12 and 13, while they last. Not a skier? Come for the parade, the fireworks, and the hot cocoa.
Where to stay: The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, or The St. Regis Aspen.
When: Usually the second Saturday in December, from 3 to 8 pm. It was December 13 in 2025. As of October 9, 2026, the 2026 date isn’t posted yet. If the pattern holds, that would be December 12.
Why go: About 6,000 glowing luminarias light up the arts village at dusk, and it’s free. Add a red rock hike and a spa day.
Where to stay: Enchantment Resort (home of the Mii amo spa) or L’Auberge de Sedona.
Start with how you want to feel when you get home. Then pick the trip that matches.
Going solo? The wellness retreats are great for this, since classes and meals make it easy to meet people. I’ve never taken a solo trip before, and I’m planning my first one now. I think it’s going to be one of the most freeing things I’ve ever done.
Going with friends or family? Savannah and Charleston are perfect for a girls’ trip or a mother-daughter weekend.
For December 4 to 13, 2026, try Art Basel in Miami Beach, a candlelit Christmas in Charleston, Santa Fe’s Winter Spanish Market, holiday wine country in Napa, or the Holiday Tour of Homes & Inns in Savannah. For rest, try Golden Door, Canyon Ranch Lenox, or Miraval Arizona. For snow and sparkle, try Aspen’s Wintersköl or Sedona’s Festival of Lights.
About 8 weeks out is a sweet spot. You still have good choices for hotels and event tickets, and you beat the holiday rush. Always check the cancellation policy before you pay.
Charleston’s Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park, the Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade in Napa Valley, the Savannah Christmas Market at Plant Riverside, and Sedona’s Festival of Lights, with about 6,000 luminarias, are all lovely options.
Golden Door in Escondido, California, has a women’s week starting December 6, 2026. Canyon Ranch Lenox in Massachusetts has a yoga week December 7 to 13. Miraval Arizona in Tucson has a 3-day Immersion December 3 to 6.
Yes. Wellness retreats are especially easy solo, because classes and group meals help you meet people. Walkable cities like Charleston, Savannah, and Santa Fe are great solo picks too.
Pick the trip.
Put it on the calendar.
Go.
You don’t have to wait for someday. Someday is a date you choose.
Save this for later on Pinterest.
Want 10 new getaways every week? Every Friday, The Friday Glow Report newsletter shares 10 real U.S. trips to plan 8 weeks out, plus every link. Sign up free here. Rather listen? Hear this week’s picks on the Friday Glow Report podcast episode.
Ready to plan more than a trip? Take the free Midlife GlowGetter Quiz to see where to start your own glow-up.
With love and confidence,
Jax
Featured photo of a Charleston, South Carolina home dressed for the holidays, by Rosemary Media on Unsplash.
Age 49, Down 200 lbs + mostly naturally.
90 more pounds to loose.
My meal plan for today:
Breakfast
Homemade Protein Bar
25 g protein
12 g fiber
Lunch
Ground beef taco with veggies
Dinner
Breakfast for dinner
Eggs, chicken sausage, asparagus, roasted sweet potatoes
Snack
Cleveland Kraut
Garlic sauerkraut
2 Espresso black and 90 oz of water
+
40 oz Glow water:
Loam fiber powder
Electrolytes
Pearl powder
40 oz water
Come follow and join the party for real life midlife motivation and inspiration in wellness, weight loss, mindset and lifestyle.
Soon to come a midlife women`s glow-up online community and glow-up retreats in Charleston SC.
Podcast - The Midlife Glowgetter
Website: www.jaxstys.com
Free Newsletter & Guides in link in bio.
Soon to come glowgetter retreats in SC & CO.
Oh and remember it is never too late to create a life and lifestyle you love.
Live a life you’d want to live twice.
Love, Jax
#womenover40
#midlifereinvention
#weightlossjourney
#transformyourlife
#midlifewomen
The very first Friday Glow Report is here! ✨
Swipe for what`s trending this week for women over 40: new shows, real health news, money dates you don`t want to miss, sales, fall food specials, and getaways for early December.
My favorite? Aspen lift tickets for $3.75 on December 14. I`m still smiling about that one.
Every item is checked against a real source, and the full list with every link is in today`s newsletter.
Rather listen? Today`s episode of The Midlife GlowGetter Podcast walks you through it.
Health items are for education, not medical advice. Money items are general education, not financial advice.
Save this post, then tap the link in my bio to get The Friday Glow Report free in your inbox every Friday at 6 AM. Send it to a friend who needs a Friday treat.
#WomenOver40 #MidlifeWomen #MidlifeGlowUp #FridayFinds #MidlifeGlowGetter
Women over 40, I did the scrolling for you. ☕
This week: The Diplomat is back, the Social Security raise drops October 14, Medicare Open Enrollment opens October 15, and Aspen lift tickets are $3.75 on December 14. Yes, really.
I checked every single item against a real source. If it`s on my list, it`s real.
The full list, with every link, lands in your inbox every Friday in the morning in my new Friday newsletter, The Midlife GlowGetter: The Friday Glow Report.
Rather listen? It`s also on The Midlife GlowGetter Podcast every Friday morning.
Tap the link in my bio to get The Friday Glow Report free, every Friday at 6 AM. Then tell me below: which one are you most excited about?
#WomenOver40 #MidlifeWomen #MidlifeGlowUp #FridayFinds #MidlifeGlowGetter
Women over 40, I did the scrolling for you. ☕
This week: The Diplomat is back, the Social Security raise drops October 14, Medicare Open Enrollment opens October 15, and Aspen lift tickets are $3.75 on December 14. Yes, really.
I checked every single item against a real source. If it`s on my list, it`s real.
The full list, with every link, lands in your inbox tomorrow morning in my new Friday newsletter, The Friday Glow Report.
Rather listen? It`s also on The Midlife GlowGetter Podcast every Friday morning.
Tap the link in my bio to get The Friday Glow Report free, every Friday at 6 AM. Then tell me below: which one are you most excited about?
#WomenOver40 #MidlifeWomen #MidlifeGlowUp #FridayFinds #MidlifeGlowGetter
Age 49, Down 200 lbs + mostly naturally.
90 more pounds to loose.
My meal plan for today:
Breakfast
Protein Match Latte
- Almond Milk
- 1 scoop match
- 2 pumps sugar free vanilla syrup
Lunch
Protein Bar - homemade
Dinner
Ground beef and veggie taco meat
Roasted sweet potatoes
Cottage cheese
Hot honey
Snack
Almonds, cashews and pumpkin seeds
2 Espresso black and 90 oz of water
+
40 oz Glow water:
Loam fiber powder
Electrolytes
Pearl powder
40 oz water
Come follow and join the party for real life midlife motivation and inspiration in wellness, weight loss, mindset and lifestyle.
Soon to come a midlife women`s glow-up online community and glow-up retreats in Charleston SC.
Podcast - The Midlife Glowgetter
Website: www.jaxstys.com
Free Newsletter & Guides in link in bio.
Soon to come glowgetter retreats in SC & CO.
Oh and remember it is never too late to create a life and lifestyle you love.
Live a life you’d want to live twice.
Love, Jax
#womenover40
#midlifereinvention
#weightlossjourney
#transformyourlife
#midlifewomen
These 5 fall soups are high in protein, rich in fiber, and packed with nutrients—perfect for women over 40 focusing on weight loss, gut health, and glowing energy. ✨
From slow cooker black bean to high-protein cheddar broccoli, each recipe is simple, satisfying, and meal-prep friendly. 🥣💪
Your fall glow-up starts in the kitchen. 🌸
👉 Save this post for your Sunday meal prep and let me know in the comments: which soup will you try first?
#MidlifeGlowUp
#WomenOver40
#HealthyFallSoups
#GlowGetterLife
#MidlifeReinvention
Healthy Recipes Over 40
Protein Packed Meals
Fiber Rich Foods
Meal Prep For Women
Fall Wellness
Age 49, Down 200 lbs + mostly naturally.
90 more pounds to loose.
Walking everyday since May 2022. Consistency is key and believe me there are days that I don’t feel like it. But walking gives me energy, joy, creativity, stamina, glow.
Sunday Morning Routine!
Wake 4:30am
Hydrate
Wash Face
Brush Teeth
Check Emails
Dress
Meal Prep
Stretch
Walk outside 45 min.
Take on the day!
Then 8am ready for the day 👟♥️😘
Come follow and join the party for real life midlife motivation and inspiration in wellness, weight loss, mindset and lifestyle.
Soon to come a midlife women`s glow-up online community and glow-up retreats in Charleston SC.
Podcast - The Midlife Glowgetter
Website: www.jaxstys.com
Free Newsletter & Guides in link in bio.
Soon to come glowgetter retreats in SC & CO.
Oh and remember it is never too late to create a life and lifestyle you love.
Live a life you’d want to live twice.
Love, Jax
#womenover40
#midlifereinvention
#weightlossjourney
#transformyourlife
#midlifewomen
My early 5am Saturday morning routine including stretching, weight machines, sauna and more stretching. Not shown a quick breakfast and walking. Consistency is key and believe me I am trying.
Wake 4:30am
Hydrate
Wash Face
Brush Teeth
Check Emails
Dress
Stretch
Gym 5am
Weight Machines
Sauna
Stretch
Breakfast-Cold Brew Black & Egg Bites
Home
News
Walk Outside
Then 8am ready for the day 👟♥️😘
Come follow and join the party for real life midlife motivation and inspiration in wellness, weight loss, mindset and lifestyle.
Soon to come a midlife women`s glow-up online community and glow-up retreats in Charleston SC.
Podcast - The Midlife Glowgetter
Website: www.jaxstys.com
Free Newsletter & Guides in link in bio.
Soon to come glowgetter retreats in SC & CO.
Oh and remember it is never too late to create a life and lifestyle you love.
Live a life you’d want to live twice.
Love, Jax
#womenover40
#midlifereinvention
#weightlossjourney
#transformyourlife
#midlifewomen
Question for the day. #lifequestions #midlifewoman #womenover40 #midlifereinvention #midlifeawakening
Bring in the good energy, sunshine, fresh air into your home and your life and your family. #midlifeawakening #womenover40 #midlifewomen #lifelessons #charmed
Cleveland Ohio Fall 2026 Bucket List Activities!
Fall is such a magical time in the land of Cleveland and surrounding areas.
Many of these places I`m going to try to visit before winter moves in.
Follow for more bucket list places in Cleveland Ohio and surrounding communities.
Love,
Jax
XOXO
#cleveland #cle #ohio #clevelandevents #fallvibes
Age 49, Down 200 lbs naturally.
90 more pounds to loose.
Dad 90 years old eats whatever he wants which is usually unhealthy foods.
Saturday grocery shopping at a local farmers market.
Come join me on a little adventure in grocery shopping here in Cleveland Ohio.
#farmersmarket
#wellnessjourney
#cleveland
#womenover40
#agingparents
Age 49, Down 200 lbs naturally.
90 more pounds to loose.
My early 6am Saturday morning routine including stretching, strength training, quick breakfast and walking.
Wake 5am
Hydrate
Wash Face
Brush Teeth
Check Emails
Dress
Stretch
Vibration Plate
Gym 6am
Weight Machines
Sauna
Breakfast-Cold Brew Black & Egg Bites
Home
News
Walk Outside
Then 8am ready for the day 👟♥️😘
Come follow and join the party for real life midlife motivation and inspiration in wellness, weight loss, mindset and lifestyle.
Soon to come a midlife women`s glow-up online community and glow-up retreats in Charleston SC.
Podcast - The Midlife Glowgetter
Website: www.jaxstys.com
Free Newsletter & Guides in link in bio.
Soon to come glowgetter retreats in SC & CO.
Oh and remember it is never too late to create a life and lifestyle you love.
Live a life you’d want to live twice.
Love, Jax
#womenover40
#midlifereinvention
#weightlossjourney
#transformyourlife
#midlifewomen
I have lost 200 lbs naturally.
I have obtained a new corporate position make $35k more per year in project management and this is what I`m implementing at my in person job for wellness, longevity and weight loss.
✅ stand-up desk
✅ elliptical under the desk
I am going to search for a stand-up desk on facebook marketplace to save money. I am going to get a life pro elliptical from Amazon.
Hope this helps anyone looking to improve their health while having a sedentary job.
I have another 90 lbs to lose and hopefully this will help some to get me there.
Follow me for real life midlife, women over 40 motivation and inspiration in wellness, weight loss, mindset and lifestyle.
Podcast - The Midlife Glowgetter
Website: www.jaxstys.com
Free Newsletter & Guides in link in bio.
Soon to come glowgetter retreats in SC & CO.
Oh and remember it is never too late to create a life and lifestyle you love.
Live a life you’d want to live twice.
Love, Jax
#womenover40
#midlifereinvention
#wellnessjourney
#healthylifestyle
#midlifewomen
Please answer the poll, I need your help.
If you could create your dream life in midlife what would you focus on the most?
Age 49, Down 200 lbs naturally, paid down $45k in debt, new career in project management, life coach certified. This is by far my best, highest and most productive season of my life.
Midlife-My best season yet...
Come follow and join the party for real life motivation and inspiration in wellness, weight loss, mindset and lifestyle.
Soon to come a midlife women`s glow-up online community and glow-up retreats in Charleston SC.
Podcast - The Midlife Glowgetter
Website: www.jaxstys.com
Free Newsletter & Guides in link in bio.
Soon to come glowgetter retreats in SC & CO.
Oh and remember it is never too late to create a life and lifestyle you love.
Live a life you’d want to live twice.
Love, Jax
#womenover40
#midlifereinvention
#weightlossjourney
#healthylifestyle
#midlifewomen
Age 49, Down 200 lbs naturally, paid down $45k in debt, new career in project management, life coach certified. This is by far my best, highest and most productive season of my life.
Midlife-My best season yet...
Come follow and join the party for real life motivation and inspiration in wellness, weight loss, mindset and lifestyle.
Soon to come a midlife women`s glow-up online community and glow-up retreats in Charleston SC.
Podcast - The Midlife Glowgetter
Website: www.jaxstys.com
Free Newsletter & Guides in link in bio.
Soon to come glowgetter retreats in SC & CO.
Oh and remember it is never too late to create a life and lifestyle you love.
Live a life you’d want to live twice.
Love, Jax
#womenover40
#midlifereinvention
#glowupafter40
#transformyourlife
#midlifewomen
Starting to plan a trip solo to Charleston SC in January or February.
Flying this time.
Now is my time and I`m going to make each moment count.
Follow me for real life motivation and inspiration in wellness, weight loss, mindset and lifestyle.
I hope you have an amazing day today and I look forward to meeting you in my future community, retreats or here online in the comments.
Podcast - The Midlife Glowgetter
Website: www.jaxstys.com
Free Newsletter & Guides in link in bio.
Soon to come glowgetter retreats in SC & CO.
Oh and remember it is never too late to create a life and lifestyle you love.
Live a life you’d want to live twice.
Love, Jax
#womenover40
#midlifereinvention
#glowupafter40
#transformyourlife
#midlifewomen
Midlife awakening and midlife reinvention I a real thing.
I did not have a midlife crisis…I had a midlife glow-up.
I have lost nearly 200 lbs mostly naturally.
I have paid off over $45K in debt as a single mom, single income household with a son away in college.
I have obtained a new corporate position make $35k more per year.
I have become a certified life coach by The Life Coach School.
All of these milestones the last 4 years have completely upgraded my confidence and mindset and growth as a woman over 40.
I feel like I have really come to my own and created my dream life. I am still working and creating my dream life everyday.
I have another 90 more pounds to loose. I want to work on certifications for my career and here online. Nutrition and Wellness Certifications I am working on with NASM. I want to become a Master Certified Life Coach.
I want to continue to help women over 40 all over the world to create the life of their dreams with support and a strong community. I want to create a monthly paid online community and app and in-person midlife glow-up retreats. I want to reach more women on my free podcast and free weekly newsletter.
I want to help you, my friend.
Follow me for real life motivation and inspiration in wellness, weight loss, mindset and lifestyle.
I hope you have an amazing day today and I look forward to meeting you in my future community, retreats or here online in the comments.
Podcast - The Midlife Glowgetter
Website: www.jaxstys.com
Free Newsletter & Guides in link in bio.
Soon to come glowgetter retreats in SC & CO.
Oh and remember it is never too late to create a life and lifestyle you love.
Live a life you’d want to live twice.
Love, Jax
#womenover40
#midlifereinvention
#glowupafter40
#transformyourlife
#midlifewomen
I lost 198 lbs in the last 4 years naturally as a single mom, working full time in corporate finance.
I was on weight loss medication for 3 months, got off it because of cost and side effects.
I have anther 90 lbs to go to reach my goal weight.
Back at the gym after 3 months off.
Hope this helps someone move their body today.
Follow for midlife wellness, lifestyle, & mindset inspiration and motivation.
Love, Jax
#midlifewellness #weightlossjourney #womenover40 #healthylifestyle #midlifereinvention
