Winter Travel: Best Places to Visit in December

December often isn’t the first month that comes to mind when planning a fun vacation getaway. However, there are plenty of reasons to zip off this time of year. Maybe your family is small and you don’t have any big holiday plans or maybe you just want to sneak away from the cold & dreary weather for some sun & fun. There are also quite a few places around the world that have their best weather in December, so it’s worth visiting them to see them in all their glory.

Regardless of why you may want to travel in December, we think it’s a great idea! Here are our top best places to visit in December and why.

Mexico’s All-Inclusive Resorts

Mexico is a popular place to visit for residents of the US and it’s no surprise. It’s one of our only neighboring countries and it has a vibrant culture, delicious food, beautiful nature, and a lot of warm weather.

December is actually the beginning of the dry season in most parts of Mexico, so you’re likely to encounter very little rain, which is great news for any vacationer. While Mexico does experience some temperature shifts with the onset of winter, many parts of the country are still comfortable (or even warm). The average is still around 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius).

Why is an all-inclusive the best way to visit Mexico, in our opinion? A few reasons! It’s a low-stress way to enjoy the beach and sun. Most all-inclusive resorts in the country include not just food but alcohol if you’re the kind of person who wants to partake in a few libations while on a trip. It’s also worth noting that a number of travelers have concerns about safety when traveling to Mexico. Staying on the premises of a resort during your visit is a great way to avoid being put into unsavory situations.

Christmas Markets in Europe

If you still want to feel the wintery holiday spirit on your December vacation, then a visit to some Christmas Markets in Europe is your best bet. We wrote a whole post just about them, which you can read if you want more details.

France, Germany, Britain, and many more countries have beautiful Christmas Markets in November and December filled with booths selling tasty street food, drinks like mulled wine, Christmas ornaments, and fun gifts & trinkets.

Many markets also have winter activities like carolers, ice skating, carousel rides, and more. Visiting European Christmas markets in December is a wonderful way to add to the magic of the holidays.

Summertime in Australia

Australia is a popular bucket list destination for many people, and December is actually a great time to visit. This time of year is actually the beginning of summer in the southern hemisphere, where Australia is located. It is worth noting that the further north you go in Australia the hotter it gets, though. However, Sydney, one of the most popular places to visit in Australia, can be expected to sit at a comfortable 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius).

One of our favorite Australian recommendations is to visit Australia Zoo. This is the zoo that Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter helped to grow with his parents and it is still run by his widowed wife and two children. This zoo has so many enchanting animals and is definitely worth checking out.

Of course, there are plenty of things to do closer to Syndey. From a helicopter tour of the city starting at $159 per person to beaches where you can hang out all day there is certainly something for everyone in Australia.

Costa Rican Nature

December is also one of the best times to visit Costa Rica. They also start their dry season this time of year and the weather will sit around 81 degrees Fahrenheit (27 Celsius).

Costa Rica is a popular destination for the adventurous and lovers of nature & wildlife. There’s the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with tours showcasing stunning rainforest scenery and curious wildlife for those ready to put on some hiking boots. If you’re willing to keep those boots on, you can also visit a local volcano.

Other exciting opportunities include ziplining through tree canopies, lounging on beaches, and one of our favorite suggestions is a three-hour tour that allows you to get up close and personal with some monkeys, view wild crocodiles from a safe distance, and also provides lunch with authentic local foods.

Conclusion

There are plenty of places that are great to visit in December. Some of the best include All-Inclusive resorts in Mexico, Christmas Markets in Europe, the summer sun in Australia, and the wildlife of Costa Rica.

Remember that places known for being great to visit in December book up early. The sooner you can make plans the better! We’re happy to help you make the most of your vacation – you can contact us here.