The Best December Travel Destinations (And Why You Should Consider Winter Trips)

From ice skating beneath the iconic Rockefeller Center tree in New York City to soaking up summer sunshine on Australia’s beaches, December offers a wide range of travel opportunities. With quieter attractions, festive celebrations, and appealing deals, it’s the perfect month to plan a getaway—whether you dream of snowy landscapes or warm, sunny shores.

Benefits of Winter Travel

1. Traveling in winter can help you avoid crowds.

One of the biggest perks of traveling in winter is escaping the bustling crowds that swarm trendy destinations during the summer. December is the ideal time to experience famous landmarks without the overwhelming lines and packed streets, making for a far more immersive experience.

Imagine strolling through the Louvre in Paris or visiting iconic attractions in Rome without the typical shoulder-to-shoulder crowds; it can be a completely different, almost serene experience.

Some of the best places to travel to in December are the ones you’d usually avoid during peak tourist seasons. Southeast Asia, for instance, remains an attractive choice but is far less crowded in winter than in the high-summer months.

Likewise, many U.S. National Parks, such as Yosemite and Bryce Canyon, are great to visit in winter. They are less crowded and transform into quiet winter landscapes, providing peaceful settings for hikes, photography, and snow-laden scenery. 

While Christmas and New Year's travel can be hectic with festive markets, celebrations, and shopping, outside of this period can be a good time to explore normally busy locations. This off-peak season can offer a fresh perspective on even the most iconic spots, allowing travelers to connect with these destinations in a way that’s harder to achieve during summer. 

2. The best places to travel to in December have seasonal experiences.

December offers a range of unforgettable seasonal experiences that make traveling in winter truly magical. Holiday markets, festive light displays, and ice skating create an atmosphere unique to this time of year. Europe is especially enchanting, with cities like Vienna, Prague, and Berlin hosting some of the most renowned Christmas markets.

These markets, brimming with handcrafted gifts, mulled wine, and traditional treats, draw visitors from all over. Each market has its own charm, transforming city squares into warm, festive hubs against the winter chill.

Across the Atlantic, New York City is an excellent holiday destination with an iconic winter experience: ice skating under the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. This tradition combines holiday cheer with the thrill of gliding across the ice in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, all while surrounded by dazzling lights and towering skyscrapers.

Meanwhile, one of the best places to visit while backpacking in the UK is London, which takes holiday lights to another level. In December, streets like Oxford Street and Covent Garden are decorated with glowing displays that are hard to resist. These unique seasonal touches make December one of the best times to travel in winter, turning beloved destinations into festive wonderlands. 

3. The weather can be ideal.

December’s destinations range from snowy retreats to tropical escapes, allowing travelers to choose between cold, cozy settings and warm, sunny paradises. If snow-capped landscapes and wintry activities are calling, places like Switzerland and Japan offer skiing, hot springs, and picturesque mountain villages. There’s nothing quite like watching the snowfall over a quiet town or enjoying après-ski by a roaring fire.

For those seeking sunshine, December is an ideal time to visit Egypt as it’s more comfortable in winter with cooler temperatures that make visiting ancient sites like the pyramids far more enjoyable than in the scorching summer heat. Similarly, Southeast Asia and the Caribbean provide a comfortable, mild climate with low rainfall, perfect for exploring without the summer crowds. 

If you’re set on backpacking around Thailand, the cool season between November and February typically means milder temperatures and less rainfall after the previous wet season. Alternatively, Australia starts its summer season in December, when beach weather and outdoor activities are in full swing.

4. Prices are often lower when traveling in winter.

Summer is often a peak travel time, but December provides an off-peak alternative that can be easier on the wallet. Early December, in particular, offers more budget-friendly options, as airlines, hotels, and tours tend to lower their prices to attract visitors before the major holiday rush.

Europe is an excellent example of this price advantage. Cities like Madrid and Budapest tend to have lower accommodation rates in early December than in summer, making it a fantastic time for backpackers to explore famous sites without breaking the bank.

Similarly, winter falls outside the peak tourist season in Southeast Asia, so popular backpacking spots in Vietnam or Indonesia can be more affordable, with fewer crowds and lower accommodation costs.

In South America, Peru and Colombia are also excellent places for budget-conscious travelers and backpackers to travel in the winter. December brings milder weather, lower rainfall, and more competitive prices for tours and lodging, allowing for a cost-effective adventure. However, prices can spike over Christmas and New Year, so for the best deals, aim to book before or after these dates.

If you’re thinking about traveling in winter this year, the season opens the door to unique, crowd-free adventures that summer can’t match. From festive markets to warm beaches, December offers a world of contrasts perfect for any traveler.

_____

This story is brought to you in partnership with Brightsun Travel.