7 crypto-friendly travel destinations during the Christmas holidays

Over the past few years, there has been a notable surge in the popularity and adoption of cryptocurrencies and digital tokens. Digital asset enthusiasts seek ways to spend their cryptocurrencies, with travel to crypto-friendly destinations emerging as a favored option. Tourist destinations globally are progressively facilitating convenient and seamless cryptocurrency transactions for various services such as dining, accommodations and experiences.

The intersection of holiday destinations and crypto-friendly environments has given rise to a new wave of crypto Christmas getaways. Traveling to destinations that embrace cryptocurrency payments and blockchain technology can add a unique and exciting dimension to the holiday experience.  

This article discusses rising cryptocurrency tourism, Bitcoin-friendly travel destinations, countries accepting crypto payments for Christmas trips, and seven interesting holiday destinations for crypto lovers.

Switzerland

Switzerland, renowned for its scenic beauty and financial systems, is a rising destination for cryptocurrency tourism. While major cities such as Zurich, Bern and Geneva offer crypto-friendly hotels and resorts, it is Zug, a small town in central Switzerland, that takes the crown of being called the Crypto Valley and is the birthplace of Ethereum. 

Ethereum was launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, who worked out of a small apartment in Zug alongside other coders. Zug has regulatory clarity, crypto-friendly banks, a lively crypto job market, and the Swiss government has pledged 39 million Swiss francs for establishing a blockchain research center in Zug. Most importantly, it has a thriving crypto community. 

Five-star hotels such as Chedi Andermatt and the Dolder Grand in Switzerland accept both Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) payment options. In early 2023, Lugano, a city in southern Switzerland, captured attention with its announcement to bolster cryptocurrency adoption and create fresh infrastructure to embrace Bitcoin, Tether (USDT) and its own LVGA token as legal tender. 

Lugano offers breathtaking scenery with Lake Lugano’s shimmering water and surrounding mountains as a backdrop. From food and drinks to yoga classes and real estate, Lugano has plenty of options to spend crypto. Popular among these are the cafes Porto Bello, Ristorante Gabbani and spa Love Estetica. Furthermore, art galleries or museums like the LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura also accept BTC for admission.

Japan

Japan has been at the forefront of technological innovation and has seamlessly integrated cryptocurrency into its financial ecosystem. Tokyo, in particular, boasts an array of Bitcoin-friendly establishments, providing an ideal backdrop for a Christmas vacation that marries tradition with cutting-edge technology.

Tokyo has been home to many cryptocurrency exchanges, including Mt. Gox (now defunct), bitFlyer, Liquid, Coincheck and Binance (before the exchange relocated to Malta). Popular bars in Japan that accept Bitcoin include Hackers Bar, Two Dogs Taproom, Dot & Blue, Irish Pub Craic, Dot Raw and Y2T Stand. Nikugatou is a popular Japanese-style BBQ restaurant that accepts crypto payments.

Japan is famous for capsule hotels, sometimes called pod hotels, which are individual pods, each like a self-contained mini-hotel room with a bed, lights and sometimes even a TV. These pod hotels are unique to Japan and worth checking out for travelers. The luxury capsule hotel Anshin Oyado Hotel in Tokyo accepts Bitcoin payments for night stays via the exchange Coincheck.

Malta 

From record-breaking Christmas tree lengths to local traditions followed by grand New Year parties, Malta is a hotspot during the holiday season. Popularly referred to as the “Blockchain Island,” Malta blends cutting-edge technology with its Mediterranean charm. CNN named Malta one of its top places to visit during Christmas in the pre-COVID-19 travel period of 2013, 2017 and 2018, while Lonely Planet rated it the best destination to unwind in 2023. 

Malta’s Sole by Tarragon restaurant, often voted as the best restaurant on the island, was the first Maltese restaurant to start accepting Bitcoin payments in 2018. Their celebrity chef and restaurant owner, Marvin Gauci, later also initiated Bitcoin payments at his other restaurants, St. George’s Bay Caviar & Bull and upstairs Buddhamann.

Cocohub in Birgu is a popular bar that accepts Bitcoin, and one may pay for coffee with crypto at Coffee Circus cafe. 

London 

London has been rated as the world’s most crypto-ready city for business in 2023 by Recap, recording the highest number of people working in the industry compared to anywhere else. London during Christmas is known for its magical charm — from Christmas markets and shopping to ice-skating rinks and Christmas events — making it an attractive holiday destination for crypto lovers.

From body art and tattoos (Fifth Dimension Tattoo & Piercing) to getting a haircut (Totem Hair) and wearing designer clothes (Philipp Plein of Mayfair), there are many options to spend BTC, ETH, XRP (XRP) and other crypto when strolling the streets of London. 

Travel agencies such as Berkeley Travel offer full-service at luxury hotels in London with Bitcoin. Many travel portals, such as Travala and NOWPayments offer a range of hotels and resort options for London while providing on-ramp solutions for paying with cryptocurrencies.

Czech Republic

For crypto holiday travelers looking to explore Eastern Europe, the Czech Republic’s capital city, Prague, known for its historic core with colorful baroque buildings, makes for an interesting choice. Travelers to Prague can opt to fly with Alternative Airlines and pay using Bitcoin, stablecoins or multiple crypto options. 

The world’s first Bitcoin-exclusive cafe, Paralelni Polis in Prague, is frequented by crypto lovers. The cafe’s website aims to bring crypto and decentralized finance adoption and mentions that they offer “a fast internet connection, reliable anonymity, and decentralized currency acceptance” to “preserve freedom which we have been losing as a society.”

Prague’s Old Town has Bar No. 7, a laid-back venue frequented by expats and locals alike. One can enjoy cocktails, bar food and beer, which can all be paid for with crypto. Additionally, one may use the Bitcoin ATM right outside the bar. Prague has one of the highest numbers of Bitcoin ATMs where people can withdraw cash from digital currency accounts. 

Argentina 

Buenos Aires is a popular tourist destination and a cryptocurrency-friendly city in South America. It welcomes visitors with its vibrant cosmopolitan ambiance, boasting a diverse cultural heritage, expansive parks, museums, and historic architecture. Alongside its unique traditions and bustling nightlife, it also provides easy access to shopping using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Buenos Aires has a high adoption rate for digital assets. In April 2022, Buenos Aires declared that it would permit the payment of taxes using digital currencies. Later in November 2023, Argentina’s newly elected president, Javier Milei, signaled crypto-friendly reforms in Argentina’s economic strategy. 

CrypStation, a coffee shop with two branches in Buenos Aires, accepts crypto payments and also has a “co-working” space as well as a gym. For technology-enthusiastic travelers, Foster Nutrition is the first smart restaurant located in Buenos Aires that accepts Bitcoin payments via various modes, from debit and credit cards to crypto exchanges. Smart restaurants represent an emerging dining trend integrating cutting-edge technologies to elevate the overall customer dining experience.

Singapore 

Singapore, a bustling metropolis and a global financial hub, has actively embraced blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, making it an ideal destination for crypto enthusiasts. Singapore has an active crypto community with regular meet-ups and multiple events where one can meet fellow enthusiasts and make new friends on their vacation.

Travel cards for cryptocurrencies can be used to access Singapore’s public transport system of buses and trains. Joo Bar and Maison Ikkoku are among the many restaurants in Singapore where one may enjoy a good meal while spending their crypto by simply scanning a QR code. 

The Parlour Singapore is a pioneer nonfungible token (NFT) lounge that hosts a wide array of innovative and themed parties, food gatherings and mixers related to NFTs, such as BAYC, Goblintown, Azuki and others from time to time. One may check out the NFT theme-related events during their trip to Singapore. 

As the world embraces the era of cryptocurrency, holiday destinations for crypto lovers have emerged as a fascinating niche in the travel industry. Whether wandering through the snowy landscapes of Switzerland or experiencing the vibrant energy of Tokyo, these Bitcoin-friendly travel destinations promise a Christmas vacation like no other. From crypto-friendly resorts to hotels that seamlessly integrate digital asset payments, these destinations offer a chance to unwrap a memorable and technologically advanced holiday season.

Written by Shailey Singh