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As the year slowly draws to a close, December is just the right time for breaking away from the norm and gifting yourself a much-needed vacation. Whether you are getting in the mood for the majesty of snow-covered landscapes or are dreaming of the gentle warm of sun-kissed beaches and cultures of unique experiences, The Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to Visit in December is here for all those who want the very best places to experience when traveling in December. It’s packed with the best information of traveling in December on hand so that you do the ultimate planning for this holiday in accordance with personal desire and budget.
Why travel in December?
It is that season of transformation: Cities all around the globe sparkle with festive glee and excitement; and nature gets ready for a dramatic show by dressing itself in its cloak of fresh snowfall or warmth of sunny sunshine. What opens up during this time, however, are the best winter travel ideas to perhaps the most enchanted frosty wonderlands, breathtaking for their landscape, magical to experience, or just dreamy, because of everything they have captured. Many holiday destinations find ideal spots to seek quiet solace away from the hubbub of beach life. Added on to all this comes the warm experience of all the delights and warmth surrounding holiday festivals as well, along with a lesser throng to face and enjoy themselves in all the quaint locations that do lie out of focus, simply making December, obviously wonderful time to roam and be adventurous.
Lapland, Finland
Go there to witness real fun by joining in with the celebrations and seeing some celebrations at the official home of Santa Claus.
Must-do activities:
Rovaniemi Town Meet Santa Claus.
See an igloo built entirely into natural iced rock. Ride on a reindeer sled under the Northern Lights.
Finish off your day playing in the snow and then end with a traditional Finnish sauna.
Travel Tip: Pack heavy winter gear as it may freeze at any point.
Switzerland
Why visit Go? Switzerland is renowned and admired for its fabulous alpine beauty, a holiday destination that epitomizes the very best of the European winter holiday.
Must-do activities:
Ski through Zermatt with breathtaking and iconic Matterhorn as the amazing scenery in your backdrop.
Christmas markets in Zurich. Just breathtaking.
Savour cheese fondue in cosily nestled mountain huts.
Travel Tip: Book accommodations in ski resorts as early as possible for the best spots.
Banff, Canada
Why visit? Hidden in the beautiful Canadian Rockies, December is a month that brings a marvelous transformation to Banff National Park, which changes its face into a fascinating winter wonderland that attracts everyone.
Must-do Activities:
Go ice skating on Lake Louise.
You get up the panoramic gondola and access to Sulphur Mountain.
Visit the town centre in Banff, which is simply perfect for the holiday lights.
Travel Tip: Visit during off-peak weekdays to avoid crowds.
Warm and inviting destinations to visit during December
To those very adventurous travelers, who perhaps want a break from the brunt of cold weather, here arrive the promises of warmth and comfort in these sun-kissed and attractive places.
Maldives
Go is fair if someone promises to deliver at best an upscale getaway, turquoise waters, and luxury.
Must-do activities:
Snorkel around the vibrant coral reefs.
It offers a traditional sunset cruise arranged on Dhoni boats.
Just relax in the ultimate private overwater villas.
Budget travels should indeed visit to go island-hopping: stay only in guesthouses on your way through some of those lovely local islands.
Hawaii, USA
Why Go? Hawaii is a great place to visit for couples and families. It’s the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Must-do activities:
Take an incredible hike through the lush and green trails that Kauai has in store.
Go, look, and be amazed at the fantastic volcanic activity by exploring Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park.
Enjoy Hawaiian food such as poke and shave ice.
Travel Tip: Consider exploring other islands besides Oahu for a more ‘off the beaten path’ experience.
United Arab Emirates-Dubai
Why to go to Dubai? This city lives as this futuristic skyline pierces clouds and desert adventures beckon in traveling. It is one winter getaway experience without equals.
Must-do activities
Dune bashing in the desert and camel riding would be the fun experiences among them.
Appreciate the Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa.
Shop at world-class malls and souks.
Tip about the Visit: December is the season for tours; book your room well in advance.
December: Suitable for Families
Planning a vacation with kids? The following destinations are geared to families with a mix of fun and festivity:
Orlando, Florida, USA
Why Go? Orlando is sure to bring smiles to faces of all ages with its theme parks decked out for the holidays.
Must-do activities
Experience the magical fun of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, an unforgettable holiday celebration at the magical Disney World.
Submerge yourself in the beauty of holiday decor that covers Universal Studios with this season.
Talk to the animals at SeaWorld.
Travel Tip: Buy tickets in advance as the shows usually sell out.
Strasbourg, France
Why Go? Often referred to as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg is the ultimate family-friendly European jewel.
Must-do activities
Go and discover Christkindelsmärik, the oldest Christmas market in Europe.
Go aboard a boat ride along the Ill River to see a magical holiday light view.
Sample gingerbread and mulled wine at local stalls.
Travel Tip: Pack some warm clothes for the cool evenings spent at the outdoor markets.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Why Go? Iceland’s folkloric and natural uniqueness make it a great place to visit for families.
Do activities
Go on a hunt for the Northern Lights.
Visits a Christmas Village in Hafnarfjörður.
Enjoy a deep soak in the warm, blue waters of the spectacular Blue Lagoon.
Travel Tip: Be flexible with itineraries as winter weather conditions are unpredictable.
Some of the cheap travel destinations around December are as follows:
Travel is not necessarily an expensive activity. Some of the world’s best places with amazing experiences are offered in relatively affordable prices:
Vietnam
Why Go? Inexpensive lodgings and eating out mean Vietnam is a particularly value destination for the budget-conscious.
Essential and Indispensable Activities
Cruise the limestone karsts of Halong Bay.
Old Quarter of Hanoi and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
Enjoy street food, try pho and banh mi.
Since the Da Nang cities are coastal towns, they are not congested and cheaper. Actually, it is also a good place to base your travel plans.
Budapest, Hungary
Why Go? Budapest offers all this in one dazzling, attractive package: history and culture, with affordability.
Must-do things
Go visit the Széchenyi Thermal Baths and soak in.
Go to cross Chain Bridge for panoramic view of the city.
Visit the Christmas markets selling handmade ornaments and Hungarian delicacies.
This transport is cheap, so it is encouraged and cost-effective-you must get rid of those unwarranted taxis.
National Parks, USA
Why Go? December is one of the worst months to visit many national parks in the United States, meaning seclusion and fewer crowds and reduced prices.
Essential and Unmissable Activities:
See the size of this grand canyon when covered so gloriously with a fresh blanket of pristine snow.
Hike in Zion National Park, avoiding the crowds of summer.
Take a wildlife tour in Everglades National Park.
Be cautious of the weather condition of the place and the closures of roads during your tour.
Here are some unique destinations to explore during the month of December:
For those who love exploring and finding new and remarkable experiences, these unique travel destinations promise unforgettable and incredible adventure experiences:
Patagonia, South America
Why Go? December is summer in Patagonia, with pleasant weather and fantastic scenery.
Things to Do
Explore one of the world’s best adventures trekking through W Circuit within the awe-inspiring beauty of Torres del Paine National Park.
Sail past glaciers in Los Glaciares National Park.
Learn to discover the local wildlife with their guanacos and Andean condors.
Travel tip: This should be best packed as layers of clothes since sometimes the temperature really drops when the time of day is changing.
Marrakech, Morocco
Why travel to this fantastic town? Gorgeous warm weather and vibrant, alive culture make Marrakech a single amazing destination to visit at December.
Must-do activities:
Bargain over treasures in the lively Medina.
Stay in a riad to get an idea of what it’s like to be in Morocco.
The Majorelle Garden is a must-visit destination for an excellent break.
Travel Tip: Do not drink tap water. Use bottled water to keep healthy.
Sapporo Japan
Why visit this beautiful destination? Famous for its breathtaking snowfalls in winters, Sapporo provides the irresistible combination of thrilling outdoor adventures together with rich cultural experiences.
Must-Do Activities:
Enjoy skiing at Niseko, graded among the top ski resorts in Japan.
Enjoy miso ramen in local restaurants.
Hold a range of winter festivals that are snow and ice themed.
Travel Tip: Rent your winter gear locally to save space in your luggage.
Travel Tips for December
Use these critical and essential tips to enhance your December holiday.
Book in advance: For travel by air, accommodation in hotels often is pre-booked as early as the season opens, for they get booked fast for those popular destinations.
Crowd Planning: Places that have tourists are usually crowded; therefore, visit places either very early in the morning or late at night. Pack Smart: Pack smart according to the weather forecast to avoid checking unnecessary bags. Make provisions for change in weathers: December is wet and weather temperamental; therefore, try to be pliable as much as possible. Summary From snowy escapes to tropical retreats, December is a great time for traveling. The destination could be a winter wonderland or a trip with the family, but December has it all: It can be an economical or budget vacation. Then where will those exciting December adventure trails take you? Well, get planning now so this festive season really is unforgettable and magical!