The Best Places to Travel in December

In many ways December is an amazing time to go travelling further afield, with most people heading home instead, to be with their friends and families. There are also some magical festive experiences to join in with too, making a winter getaway uniquely special. Here are some of the best places to visit during December, in order to escape or embrace the holiday season.

There are many facets to Mexico that make it a popular travel destination, with the ancient cultures that once lived there a fascinating draw for travellers. One of the best places to experience its history and culture is the Yucatán Peninsula, where you can take in some of Mexican highlights and some hidden gems. Here you can climb formidable Mayan temples, discover stunning crystal-clear cenotes and sink your toes into the soft white sand of the Caribbean coast. There’s the world-renowned Chichen Itza and the historic, yet lesser-known Mayan pyramids at Ek’ Balam. Cap off your trip by partying on the beach with like-minded travellers in the vibrant beach town of Tulum.

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If you really want to treat yourself to an epic trip this year, save up for a rail journey across Thailand and Laos. Start in the beating heart of Thailand, Bangkok before taking to the rails and chugging along to Thailand’s oldest city, Phitsanulok, to explore the ruins of Sukhothai, an ancient Khmer-era city. From there, you can head to Chiang Mai, where you’ll get to dive into authentic local street food and try your hand at Thai cuisine with a cookery class, as well as meeting some of Thailand’s most charismatic locals at an ethical elephant sanctuary. From Chiang Mai you can cross the border into Laos where you’ll get the opportunity to learn about traditional life in a rural village, embark on a waterfall trek and kayak on the stunning Namsong River. It’s a slow and special adventure that you’ll never forget.

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Explore a Costa Rican cloud forest, surf the best Pacific waves and sleep near the Arenal volcano. To do this, head to western Costa Rica from the capital, San José, to Tamarindo. It’s perfect for wildlife watchers and adrenaline seekers and you’ll spot sloths, hummingbirds and frogs, and get the chance to go white-water rafting through the jungle. There’s also volcanic coffee plantations to visit, cooking lessons to join, and plenty of natural pools and waterfalls to swim in. It’s the perfect place to mix adventure and relaxation.

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This destination offers a perfect balance of cultural exploration and outdoor adventure, showcasing the breath-taking beauty and diversity of Caribbean Colombia. Wander the cobblestone streets of Cartagena’s walled city, sample authentic street food and canoe through mangroves in La Boquilla before taking a day trip to the tropical Rosario Islands. Then head north towards the base of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, where you can trek to deserted beaches in Tayrona National Park, or try river tubing on the Río Don Diego. Cap off your trip with a farewell dinner in Palomino.

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The best place to head for festive cheer, and lots of festive alcohol, is arguably Germany. It’s where the Christmas market was first created, with the longest continuously running one found in Dresden, where it’s been held every winter since 1424. Munich and Cologne also have notable festive offerings, while the Bavarian town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber celebrates Christmas all year round, with a Christmas museum and snacks shaped like snowballs. During December, the whole country feels magical and the streets smells of mulled wine and grilled meat. It’s perfect for a festive getaway.

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Iceland is an incredible country full of beautiful wilderness, stunning scenery and an otherworldly aura and it’s a magnificent place during winter. You can explore glaciers on snowmobiles during the day, then sit in a naturally heated rock pool while gazing up at the Northern Lights during the evening. There’s also whale watching, powerful waterfalls and geysers, among a whole host of natural wonders. This is a perfect destination for anyone who has a few days leave left to take before the end of the year, or if you just want to feel a little bit of unique festive cheer before Santa comes to town.

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Immerse yourself in authentic Sri Lanka in places like Colombo, or uncover this amazing destination’s history by cycling around 1,000-year-old ruins. Foodies can get to grips with hands-on cooking lessons, with ingredients bought from local village markets, while thrillseekers can also get their fix with white-water rafting and abseiling at locations like Kitulgala. There’s a quieter, lesser-known side of Yala National Park, where you might spot wild elephants and leopards, before relaxing on a tropical beach in Kosgoda.

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Egypt is one of those destinations you’ll feel compelled to visit more than once, but its highlights can be seen in one thrilling trip. Begin by exploring the Sphinx and Great Pyramids of Giza and browsing the stalls of the Khan Al-Khalili bazaar in the historic centre of Cairo, before moving on with a luxury cruise along the Nile. On your way, you can marvel at ancient temples, kayak on the river and sip cocktails on a felucca – a traditional Egyptian sailboat. Wrap up your trip in Aswan, where you can enjoy an authentic Nubian dinner.

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