December is one of the best times of year for travel. Whether you love the winter or you hate it, you have the opportunity to travel to either make the most of it, or try to avoid it. And of course, you might find that it’s a great chance to try and enjoy your Christmas and holiday period as much as possible.
If you are keen on doing that this year, there is nothing quite as important in the plan as where you will go. So here are some of the top December destinations you might want to consider this year.
Maldives
Whether or not you have been to the Maldives before, they make a wonderful option for traveling at this time of year. It is a truly tropical haven, and that is enough for most people to want to visit for a warm escape. If you are keen on getting away from the cold for the month, then there are many worse places to visit. It’s also a great option if you want something of a romantic getaway.
Dubai
Speaking of getting away from the cold, you will find that this is easier to achieve in Dubai compared to pretty much anywhere in the world. This UAE city is a well-loved tourist spot, known for its luxurious approach to everything. And it is also incredibly warm all year round, being as it is based on a desert. So it’s well worth looking into if you are keen on being warm this December.
Miami
You may be able to see a trend developing here. Another great literal hotspot for December is Miami. It’s not quite the southern hemisphere, of course, but it is still a little warmer than many places, though without being blisteringly hot. So if you want a nice place in the middle in terms of heat, this is certainly something you might want to consider.
Portugal
Perhaps you don’t want heat, however. If you are keen on somewhere that you can simply while away the house in beautiful nature, consider Portugal, especially the Azores area. Here you can expect more than a little rain and wind, so if you want to feel you are out in nature, it’s a great choice. Generally it’s a beautiful spot to try out.
Thailand
Speaking of rain, Thailand is another fabulous December destination that you might want to think about. It has some of the friendliest people in the world, and is often considered the tourist-friendly end of Asian travel, so if you want to try out that part of the world gently, this is the place to go. Plus, December is low-season, so you will be able to get around with ease.
Finland
Perhaps you are keen on some real winter wonderland sights, however. If so, you might want to think about going to Finland. This is a great option if you have kids, as you can literally visit Lapland up north to see Santa. Or, on your own, you might just go to Helsinki and eat amazing seafood. Either way, it’s remarkable.
Germany
Another place known for its Christmas highlights is Germany, where you will be able to find some of the world’s oldest-running and still best Christmas markets. This is an absolutely amazing way to spend your time, and you will be so glad you went. Especially if you go to a major city like Berlin, or a visit to the valleys instead.
Switzerland
Again for some real snow and wintery delights, you could do much worse than checking out Switzerland, which is a truly amazing and magical place at any time of year, let alone in the winter. December is a particular good time to see it and to travel around by train.
Whistler
You may or may not have heard of this Canadian city, but it’s an amazing place, which boasts so much that you simply won’t be disappointed. If you’re looking for somewhere to ski, for instance, where better than the biggest ski resort in North America? Check out Whistler for a truly amazing winter getaway this year or next.
Sri Lanka
You might not have considered Sri Lanka as a December hotspot, but in truth it is a beautiful time of year to see this already amazing country. The colors, the vibrancy, and the festival air, all add together to make this a truly wonderful experience.
Antarctica
Although it might sound like a pipe dream, the truth is that it is more achievable than ever for normal holidaymakers to visit Antarctica – and where better to go during December than this? The easiest and most affordable way is to take a cruise, and there are several of these available that you might want to try out.
Japan
Japan, and specifically Hokkaido, is one of the greatest destinations on Earth for stunning natural scenery, and that is especially so in the winter months. So if you want somewhere a little different, try Japan this year and see where it takes you.
