Which foreign country is best to visit in December?
The best foreign country to visit in December depends on whether you seek sun or snow. Top choices include Thailand and the Maldives for warm beach escapes, the Canary Islands (Spain) for mild European winter sun, and Germany or Austria for festive Christmas markets. Sri Lanka is also ideal for dry-season, warm weather.
Choices vary depending on your interests, but countries like Switzerland and Finland for winter lovers, and the UAE (Dubai) and Thailand for warmth seekers, are among the best countries to visit in December.
The best place for a December trip depends on your goal: for winter sun, consider the Canary Islands, Caribbean (Antigua), or Southeast Asia (Sri Lanka); for festive Christmas markets & city vibes, head to Vienna, Prague, or New York City; and for a snowy adventure, Swedish Lapland (Northern Lights) or the French Alps (skiing) are perfect.
The best place to holiday in December depends on your plans. For festive vibes, head to European cities like Vienna or Prague for magical Christmas markets. If you want to escape the cold, the Canary Islands, Dubai, or the Maldives are perfect for sunshine.
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.
For guaranteed sun in December, look to the tropics like Caribbean islands (Barbados, Jamaica), Mexico (Cancun), or Southeast Asia (Thailand), but for closer European options with reliable warmth, the Canary Islands (Tenerife, Lanzarote), Egypt (Sharm el-Sheikh), and Dubai offer hot days and sunshine, though with varying humidity and rainfall.
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.
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.
Cambodia is charming not only because it is cheap, but also because of its history and kind people. Angkor Wat is a beautiful place, and the local culture is lively. You may have a once-in-a-lifetime experience without spending a lot of money. Visa on Arrival and eVisa available for Indian travelers.
Profiles of the Worst Countries in the World for Tourists to Visit
Afghanistan. Since the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan upon the withdrawal of US forces in August 2021, the country has become even more dangerous—particularly for US citizens.
Iceland is consistently ranked as the safest country in the world, holding the top spot on the Global Peace Index (GPI) for many years, including 2024 and 2025, due to its low crime, lack of military, political stability, and strong community focus. Other top contenders often include Ireland, Austria, New Zealand, and Denmark, depending on the specific report's criteria, with Singapore also ranking highly for personal safety.
For cheap December holidays, consider European destinations like Tenerife, Portugal, Morocco, Turkey, or the Canary Islands for winter sun, or Prague, Krakow, Budapest, or Berlin for budget-friendly city breaks with festive markets; long-haul options offering great value include Thailand, Vietnam, or Bali, especially if booking early or finding deals, while Egypt (all-inclusive) and Goa are also affordable sunny escapes.
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. ...
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.
December is an excellent time to explore some of the world's most affordable destinations. Countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Nepal offer cool, pleasant weather perfect for sightseeing, trekking, (Read More)