December offers diverse, beautiful travel experiences, ranging from snowy, festive wonderlands in Europe and Japan to warm, sunny escapes in the Caribbean, South Africa, and Southeast Asia. Top spots include Christmas markets in Vienna or Prague, skiing in Niseko or the Swiss Alps, and beaches in Thailand or Cape Town.
10 Best Places To Visit In December in 2024 - 4K Travel Guide
Where is good for a short break in December?
For a December short break, consider festive European cities like Berlin, Vienna, or Prague for Christmas markets and winter charm, or head south to the Canary Islands (Lanzarote, Tenerife) for winter sun, while destinations like Phuket (Thailand), Goa (India), or Cebu (Philippines) offer warm beaches and culture in Southeast Asia and beyond. For US options, try New York for festive city vibes or Maui, Hawaii, for warm escapes.
Another important factor when deciding which country is best for 3 days trip is visa accessibility. Countries that provide visa-on-arrival or e-visa services are a boon for short-term travellers. For Indian passport holders, destinations like Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Maldives offer hassle-free entry.
The Canary Islands in December are unbeatable for short haul winter sun. Warm weather, reliable sunshine and easy flight connections make them a top choice for families, couples and anyone seeking a break from cold UK weather. Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura each offer something a little different.
Made up of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden; as well as the Faroe Islands and Greenland, a winter holiday in the Nordics epitomises the magic of the season.
Cyprus has over 320(!!) days of sunshine each year (rub it in why don't you), which makes it a 10/10 pick for a warm winter break. Tenerife is up there too, with year-round sun and plenty of restaurants open on Christmas Day, while Malta has a more traditional vibe with temperatures at the perfect in-between.
For December sun, consider the Caribbean (Barbados, Mexico's Cancun), Southeast Asia (Thailand, Bali, Vietnam), the Indian Ocean (Maldives, Mauritius), or the Middle East (Dubai, Oman) for tropical heat, while closer options include the Canary Islands (Tenerife, Lanzarote) and Egypt for warmer European-adjacent trips. For culture with warmth, look to Cape Town, Morocco, or Southern India.
December is an amazingly affordable time to swap the snowy (OK, drizzly) skies of Blighty for sunnier spots. Book a flight to Morocco and you can spend your days relaxing in a riad, meandering through the medina and basking in the botanical gardens. Need a little powder before the excesses of Christmas kick in?
If you're planning a trip to Greece in December, expect mild but changeable winter weather. Average daytime temperatures range from 50-61°F (10-16°C) in most mainland cities, while the islands tend to be slightly warmer but windier. Rain is common, especially in the north and on the western coast.
In December, Portugal experiences mild winter weather with average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F). The weather can vary depending on the region, with coastal areas and southern regions being generally warmer than the northern parts of the country.
For cheap December travel, focus on Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia), Central America (Mexico, Colombia, Guatemala), South Asia (India, Sri Lanka), and parts of Europe (Bulgaria, Romania, Portugal, Hungary), offering great value with good weather in many spots, while Morocco and Egypt are affordable African options. Look for deals in early December to avoid peak holiday pricing and consider budget-friendly activities like trekking in Nepal or beach hopping in Southeast Asia for maximum savings.
European getaways. Many European cities, ideal for weekend getaways Europe, are just a short journey away, making them perfect for quick and memorable city breaks. ...
For cheap Christmas trips, consider budget-friendly European cities like Prague, Budapest, or Krakow for festive markets, warm-weather spots in Turkey, Egypt (Red Sea), or Portugal, or explore incredible value in Southeast Asia with destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, or Malaysia, while popular budget choices include Mexico (Cancun/Riviera Maya) and Spain (Tenerife/Canary Islands) for sun.
Because winter breaks are a bit more spread out, you have many more affordable options when it comes to Christmastime travel. Based on the 2024 Expedia's Holiday Travel Outlook, the least expensive days will be either on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day itself or the Monday through Wednesday of the week prior (Dec.
