The best places to travel in December

If you are tired of the cold and short days without enough sunlight, Mexico is one of the best places to travel to in December. The winter period in the Northern Hemisphere is exactly the time when people escape to the Southern Hemisphere – for example, to Mexico in Latin America. With beautiful beaches and a wealth of culture, you can forget about your reality at home for a while and also immerse yourself in ancient places such as Yucatan that simply cannot be found elsewhere.

A little different from sunny beaches and winter holidays is Austria in December, where true snow fans will be happy. The mountain regions are particularly popular, as the winter months cover them even more with white magic, and thousands of visitors enjoy the country on skis or snowboards, including the famous après-ski parties. Cities such as Vienna also welcome you with warm drinks and Christmas markets that glow beautifully at night.

The city of Dubai has developed into a vibrant metropolis in the Middle East over the past few decades, and nowadays you really do not have to worry about dying of thirst. Dubai has managed to create beautiful architecture around large pools of water, and if you visit in December, you will experience the best time to be there. With temperatures around 28 °C, it is a good compromise between being too hot and too cold. And if it gets too warm, you can simply jump straight into the pool!

Turkey is a popular tourist destination all year round and is especially one of the best destinations to visit in December. Temperatures are still pleasant at around 22 °C, and if you want, you can still swim in the sea. At the same time, the high season is over, meaning you can find much better deals on flights and hotels. For people looking to spend a more affordable holiday in a beautiful country with plenty of sunshine, Turkey could be a great choice!

At least once in your life, you have to visit Thailand and experience the friendly locals and fantastic food – at truly low prices. Even though December is the high season for tourists, you can still find really affordable hotels. For example, we managed to stay in a 5-star hotel suite in Bangkok for €30 per night per person. In Europe, you often pay that much for a shared hostel room. The high season is really the best time to travel to Thailand, as otherwise you have a higher risk of experiencing continuous rain during the rainy season between May and October.

Another dream destination for a winter holiday is Switzerland, where you can experience some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in Europe. In December, everything looks like something out of a fairy tale: imagine standing on a hill and looking down into the valley, with lights shining from the houses. The rooftops are covered in snow. Switzerland is a very romantic experience or a great adventure with friends in the mountains. It is certainly one of the best places to travel to in December and deserves a place on this list.

The high season in South Africa is the best time to see the country – from December onwards, many travelers come here because there is hardly any rain during these days and nature begins to show its beauty. With beaches, exciting cities, and fascinating wildlife, the country has many attractions to offer. If you prefer to avoid crowds of tourists and are willing to make some compromises regarding the weather, then South Africa is also beautiful in March, even if a few rainy days do not bother you.

You could hardly get much further away from the sadness of winter at home – in Australia, you have relatively warm temperatures throughout the year and amazing opportunities to explore a completely new destination. Many people take a few months off to travel along the coastal areas. But if you only want to spend a few weeks in December escaping the winter, you will find beaches to relax on while enjoying the Australian lifestyle and wildlife. The flights are somewhat more expensive and time-consuming. So if you are going to fly, you should stay for at least 3 weeks!

The joy and friendliness of the Brazilian people could be exactly what many people need during the winter months. December in Brazil is considered one of the top months to visit, as the whole country comes alive in sunshine and vibrant energy. Relax at Copacabana, visit the Christ the Redeemer statue, and spend New Year's Eve on the beach with the locals, where thousands of people dress in white and dance to great music and fireworks – sounds fun, right?