Where to travel in December

With the holidays right around the corner, December is a great month for traveling.

As you cozy up by the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate, there's a world of exciting destinations waiting outside your door.

In fact, your December vacation doesn't have to be filled with snow and cold (although there are plenty of those places if that's what you're looking for). Crossing the equator, you can find warmer cities and beaches to escape the harsh winter of the northern hemisphere.

And let's face it, we could all use a little "me time" before heading home to visit our families for the holidays.

Keep in mind that traveling in December can be a mixed bag. Even though it's technically low season in most places, you'll still be going during one of the busiest times of the year. Students have time off and many people try to get home for Christmas and New Years.

But that doesn't mean you can't find a place to spend your December. You just have to know where to look.

So between the crazy Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday deals for travelers (and last-minute trips to the mall), consider giving yourself the ultimate gift: the gift of travel!

South Africa will enjoy the beginning of summer

With vibrant cities, sandy beaches and natural parks, South Africa is a diverse place to spend the month of December. Summer is approaching here and the weather is ideal to hit the beaches and explore what the beautiful cities have to offer.

But since it is such a big country, I recommend that you narrow your list down to a few places that you want to visit. This way you can make the most of your trip to South Africa.

If mingling with lions and elephants is high on your list, spend a few days in Kruger National Park. Although the weather is wetter than other times of the year, it is an ideal time to spot baby animals that have been born in early spring.

The Cape is also a great option in December. The weather in Cape Town and around the Garden Route is warm and dry, with sunny skies most days. You can spend your time wine tasting in Stellenbosch, surfing at Muizenberg Beach or hiking on Table Mountain.

Due to the warm summer weather, many people also flock to the coast to spend time on the beach. With miles of sandy coastline, KwaZulu-Natal is a locals' favorite area. Although it can get quite hot during the day, you will have the refreshing ocean waves to cool you off.

Prague, Czech Republic, shopping at the Christmas markets

There's no better place to get into the Christmas spirit than soaking up the festive atmosphere of a Prague Christmas market. With Gothic buildings covered in lights and the appetizing smell of gingerbread and mulled wine wafting through the air, you'll feel like you're in the middle of a fairy tale.

Starting in the last week of November, these are some of the best Christmas markets in Europe. Although Prague is home to several markets, the most famous takes place on the Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí).

Here you can find a gift for almost everyone. Shop for handmade soaps, wooden toys, glass ornaments, and even jams and spices. Or simply come and admire the magical Christmas atmosphere of the lively market.

If you are in Prague in December, you won't want to miss the tree lighting ceremony in the Old Town Square. The square is filled with thousands of people eagerly waiting for the 2.5 meter tree to be lit, marking the first day of Advent.

But since Prague is a walkable city, you can easily reach the city's other Christmas markets on foot. A few minutes from the Old Town Square is Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí), another market where you can shop for gifts and eat Czech delicacies.

Every evening at 5:00 p.m. on Wenceslas Square, you can enjoy a festive light show around the Christmas tree. With traditional Czech music and millions of twinkling lights, it's guaranteed to fill you with Christmas cheer.

Faroe Islands, Denmark, to admire the northern lights

Venturing to the Arctic Circle in December may not be at the top of everyone's bucket list. After all, freezing snow is everywhere and you only see six hours of daylight.

However, visiting the Faroe Islands in Denmark in December has one big advantage: it is one of the best times to see the Northern Lights.

The best months to witness this natural phenomenon in Denmark are between November and February. If the sky is clear and the weather is less than frost, you'll have a good chance of seeing the dancing, green Aurora Borealis.

If conditions are right, bright pink and golden yellow hues can also be seen. I can say without a doubt that the Northern Lights will be one of the highlights of your trip.

The islands' remote landscape is made up of dramatic cliffs, steep fjords and basalt volcanoes. You will also find colorful houses scattered throughout the sparsely populated villages. The Faroe Islands are the epitome of tranquility, making them a wonderful December getaway.

And since winter is low season in Denmark, you can get great deals on flights and hotels. And the best of all is that you can enjoy your vacation in peace, without the crowds of tourists surrounding you.

El Chalten, Argentina, to visit the glaciers

Due to its southern latitude, El Chaltén is an ideal destination for a trip in December. Not only is the climate warm and suitable for outdoor adventure, but you will also have ample hours of sunlight.

No trip to El Chaltén would be complete without a visit to Glacier National Park. Argentina's most famous park is, you guessed it, home to hundreds of huge, rugged glaciers. To be exact, there are 350!

An excursion to the peaks of Mount Fitz Roy will reward you with unparalleled views of the Patagonian landscape. But if you're looking for something more exciting, I recommend making your way across the Perito Moreno Glacier. This stunning blue glacier is worth the hike, and is fed by Lago Argentino, the largest ice lake in Argentina.

Even if you walk on ice, you can expect a mild temperature of about 68 degrees.

Keep in mind that December is a very popular month to explore Argentina, so be sure to book your flights, hotels and excursions in advance.

Andaman Islands, India, sunbathing

Why suffer through a snowstorm in December when you could be lounging on the beach with a piña colada in hand? With a trip to India's Andaman Islands, you can escape the winter blues and spend the days with your feet in the sand.

Although the archipelago is made up of more than 500 islands, only thirty of them can be visited. Havelock Island is by far the most popular among travelers. Known for its clean beaches, abundant marine life and lush jungles, it is an ideal place to relax. Since most of the island is covered in dense forest, I recommend hiking to Elephant Beach to experience the best of both worlds.

If Havelock is too crowded for your taste, head to the quieter Neil Island. It is true that there are fewer activities and excursions here, but it is perfect for getting in touch with nature. You can snorkel in the lagoons, cycle through the small villages or simply relax under a swaying palm tree.

When you come back with a perfect tan, all your friends will wonder how you spent your December holidays.

Fiji, for snorkeling or diving

In December, you can always treat yourself to a luxury holiday in Fiji. You don't have to be on your honeymoon or retired to enjoy the pristine landscape of the islands.

Between the sharks and the abundance of soft corals, Fiji is known as one of the diving capitals of the world. There are plenty of good dive spots to choose from, but some islands are better than others.

Considered the best island for diving, Taveuni is a must-see during your trip to Fiji. The Rainbow Reef is exactly as you imagine: with colorful soft corals and vibrant schools of tropical fish. Divers also have the opportunity to visit the Great White Wall, an underwater cliff covered in white corals.

Viti Levu is another favorite diving spot. This is because you will be able to get up close to bull sharks and tiger sharks. At Shark Reef Dive you can embark on a shark-feeding excursion and see Fiji's most famous inhabitants with your own eyes.

December is a good time to dive because the water is clearer. However, it is advisable to bring a wetsuit because the water can be quite cold during the winter.

Bangkok, to celebrate New Year's Eve

Ring in the New Year under the explosion of fireworks and Bangkok .

The main party takes place at CentralWorld shopping mall, Bangkok's version of Times Square. With live entertainment, night markets, and literally hundreds of thousands of visitors, CentralWorld is the place to spend the New Year.

Well known on the backpacking circuit, Khao San Road also has its own New Year celebration. An avalanche of tourists spills out of the bars onto the street just in time for the twelve o'clock countdown. If you're looking for a wild party all night long, Khao San Road will not disappoint.

For something quieter, you can also embark on a dinner and dance cruise along the Chao Praya River. Ring in the new year as you sail against the backdrop of the sparkling city. Plus, you'll have prime seats to watch the fireworks once the clock strikes twelve.

Although you can find a low-key rooftop bar or restaurant for midnight, being part of Bangkok is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Negev Desert, Israel, for hiking and outdoor adventures

The Negev Desert occupies the southern half of Israel. It is sparsely populated due to the harsh weather conditions during the long, hot summer.

However, in December, the weather in the Negev is perfect. There is almost no rain, temperatures are around 20° C (70° F) and the skies are crystal clear. The combination of the weather conditions with the spectacular terrain makes it a paradise for lovers of outdoor activities.

There are hundreds of kilometers of marked hiking and mountain biking trails for all levels. Rough dirt roads for all types of off-road vehicles, and other activities such as rappelling and sandboarding.

They can also be mixed with plenty of more relaxed activities such as stargazing, visiting archaeological sites and tasting local wines.

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▷ Conclusion: Go out, travel and live your life to the fullest.

This year, treat yourself to a break from the ordinary and seek an adventure abroad. You'll come back refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to bore all your friends with travel stories.

Any time of year is a good time to travel. Discover the best places to travel by month:

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

If you want to read other articles similar to Where to travel in December. You can visit the category December.