Australia
Australia
Australia
Best places to travel in December 2020
December brings celebrations of all shapes and sizes across the world. Embrace a wintry yet magical Christmas in Russia, where Gorky Park turns into an ice rink and sleigh rides are offered throughout the month. Top off your year joining in a New Year’s celebration in another part of the world. Travel to Brazil and watch the cariocas (Rio’s locals) dressed in white as they gather on a sunny Copacabana in tribute to the goddess of the sea. Or head to Australia for a New Year’s celebration of a lifetime in Sydney. Witness fireworks exploding off the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, while enjoying the summer temperatures.
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Popular countries to visit in December
Our specialists share their ideas, personal recommendations and inspiration about the best places to visit in December
Thailand
Thailand
Thailand
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
Argentina
Argentina
Argentina
India
India
India
Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam
Chile
Chile
Chile
Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Costa Rica
As well the legendary festive celebrations in New York, Rio and Sydney, it’s well worth seeking out smaller events such as the Festival of Lights in Villa de Leyva, Colombia or the annual Franschhoek Champagne Festival in South Africa. See Japan’s scenic hot springs and snow monkeys, try a safari in Malawi or Zambia, or opt for romantic sleigh rides and ice skating in Moscow’s Gorky Park.
Tours we recommend in December
Trip suggestions that we know capture a route at its best if you’re planning to travel in December.
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Southwest Uncovered
Sample fabulous local wines in the Margaret River wine region.
Hang out with super cute Quokkas on Rottnest Island.
Relax on some of the country's finest pristine white sand beaches.
Wander through ancient Karri forests.
Enjoy dinner overlooking an Indian Ocean sunset.
Explore the historic town of Fremantle, with its convict jails, whaling ships and old taverns.
Western Cape self-drive discovery
Enjoy a shared tour of the magnificent Cape Point and Cape Peninsula.
Take a private tour of Robben Island to learn about South Africa’s apartheid history.
Go wine tasting at the various estates in and around Franschhoek and Stellenbosch.
Enjoy game drives in a private nature reserve, looking for zebra, wildebeest and antelope.
Relax and stroll on the beach in the laid-back coastal town of Paternoster.
Thailand beach & rainforest escape
Take in the sights and sounds of the capital Bangkok.
Experience the jungle at firsthand.
Learn about elephants in the Khao Sok National Park.
Relax on the beautiful beaches of Khao Lak.
Discover Salalah tour
Spend a night camping under the stars in the Empty Quarter desert.
Go snorkeling in the Indian Ocean.
Explore the beautiful coastline surrounding Salalah with your private driver.
Thailand for families: Elephants & island escape
Explore the bustling city of Bangkok.
Spend time with elephants in Khao Sok.
Canoe amongst stunning scenery.
Spend a night in a unique floating tent.
India's Golden Triangle & Tigers
Walk the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk bazaar in Old Delhi.
Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise.
Search for tigers in Ranthambhore National Park.
Take a guided tour of the 'Pink City' of Jaipur.
South Australia's Wine & Outback self-drive
Explore Kangaroo Island
Visit the lesser visited Fleurieu Peninsula
Enjoy stays in both the Clare and Barossa Valley.
Take a scenic flight over the Flinders Ranges.
Stay in the beautiful Outback.
Osa Peninsula Uncovered
Take in the lights of San Jose with a mountain side stay
Zip line and hike below the imposing Arenal Volcano
Take a scenic flight to the wild Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica's prime wildlife destination
Hike through rainforests and along rugged beaches
Classic Tasmania self-drive
Browse the Salamanca Markets in Hobart for local arts and crafts, surrounded by the historical harbour buildings.
Cruise the Gordon River and take in the local flora, fauna and convict history.
Get up close to the elusive Tasmanian Devils at Cradle Mountain National Park.
Walk to the Wineglass Bay lookout in Freycinet National Park and take your own pictures of one of Australia's most photographed beaches.
North India Uncovered
Experience the contrast between Old and New Delhi.
Enjoy the breath taking views of the Taj Mahal.
Take a guided tour of Gwalior's little-visited Fort.
Explore Khajuraho's quirky temples.
See the evening pooja (prayers) in Varanasi.
Battlefields and Midlands
Soak up the art and culture of Durban and sample local Afro-Indian delicacies.
Relax at a countryside retreat in the Midlands, taking leisurely strolls along the river.
Find out about the history of the Battlefields, touring the sites with a knowledgeable guide.
Go hiking, horse riding or mountain biking in the Drakensberg Mountains.
Cambodia's cities & the southern coast
Four full days to explore the iconic temples of Angkor and some time to enjoy the town of Siem Reap.
Head out to the Tonle Sap lake and explore the floating village of Kompong Khleang.
Explore Cambodia's turbulent history and haggle at the Russian market in Phnom Penh.
Take a boat trip from Kep to the idyllic Rabbit Island where you can relax on the beautiful beach.
Rio, Paraty, and Ilha Grande The Marvelous City and Beach
Enjoy the vibrancy and buzz of Rio de Janeiro.
Step back in time amongst the whitewashed buildings and coloured shutters of colonial Paraty.
Enjoy relaxing days on Ilha Grande's many beaches.
Vietnam's Mekong Delta
Spend a few days navigating the mesmerising city of Saigon.
Explore the kingdom of coconuts, Ben Tre.
Enjoy two nights at a charming riverside lodge in Vinh Long province.
Discover the hidden charm and culture of one of the few remaining Khmer communities in Vietnam.
Journey along the Mekong and Bassac River on board a traditionally styled sampan.
End the trip in Cambodia's capital city, Phnom Penh.
By the Beach
Explore Sydney's stylish city beaches.
Watch the surfers at Byron Bay.
Visit the tropical city of Brisbane.
Relax on the beautiful Sunshine Coast.
Take a tour to the amazing Fraser Island.
Simply Colombia: Bogota, Coffee Region, & Cartagena
Salt cathedral of Zipaquira.
Historical centre of Bogota.
Fortified city of Cartagena.
The lush countryside in the coffee region.
Oman self-drive tour
Wander Muscat's charming old city.
Discover Nizwa's mountains and forts.
Wake up to sunrise over the Wahiba Sands.
Shop for spices in the city souks.
Watch turtles nest at Ras Al Junaiyz.
Family Adventure in Costa Rica
Explore the canal networks of Tortuguero National Park.
Zip line through the cloudforest and relax in a natural hot spring.
See a huge array of wildlife from tiny frogs to sloths and tropical birds.
Trek in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano.
Relax on the beach, or take a surf lesson instead.
Belize in a Week: Jungle and Beach
Explore the jungles and caves of the Cayo District.
Hike jungle and forest trails on guided walks.
Tour the Maya ruins of Caracol.
Snorkel and swim in the turquoise waters of Ambergris Caye.
Dive Belize's celebrated Blue Hole.
Mpumalanga self-drive & Kruger safari
Drive along the Panorama Route for incredible views over the Drakensberg Escarpment.
Stay in a luxurious lodge in the private Sabi Sand Wildtuin reserve.
See the Big Five on morning, afternoon and evening game drives in the Kruger.
Head out on bush walks with a knowledgeable guide to learn more about the area's wildlife.
Western Australia's Coral Coast
Explore the National Parks to view canyons and dramatic rock formations.
Marvel at the spectacular marine life including manta rays, whale sharks and turtles.
Explore the historic town of Fremantle, with its convict jails, whaling ships and old taverns.
Take a sunset walk along a deserted beach.
Western Himalaya Explored
Enjoy a ride on a 'Toy Train' to the colonial hill station of Shimla.
Visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Enjoy the spectacular 'Closing the Border Ceremony' at Waga border.
Explore Tibetan culture at Dharamsala.
Witness an evening aarti ceremony in Rishikesh.
Costa Rica self-drive family adventure
Explore Tortuguero National Park, an ecological treasure trove consisting of a maze of canals and rivers teaming with all sorts of wildlife.
Drive through some of Costa Rica’s most spectacular landscapes.
Explore Arenal Volcano, an activity hub that's home to hanging bridges, rainforest walks and lake kayaking.
Spend a couple of days in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui for great white-water rafting.
Relax in the thermal river of Rio Perdido.
Enjoy time on the beach, or take a surf lesson instead.
Bangkok & beaches
Explore Bangkok on a unique city safari.
Visit Amphawa for an insight into traditional rural life.
Sample delicacies at floating and railway markets.
Hop between three sleepy Thai islands.
South India's temples and backwaters
Soak up the view of the Shore Temple at sunset.
Enjoy France in India in the former colonial enclave of Pondicherry.
Stay in a village of 19th century merchants' homes.
Witness the ceremonies in Sri Meenakshi temple with hundreds of pilgrims and the smell of incense.
Classic Guatemala tour
The exquisite colonial city of Antigua.
The stunning Lake Atitlan with its backdrop of volcanoes.
The Mayan ruins of Tikal hidden deep in the jungle.
Laos Past & Present
Cruise along the Mekong on the Vat Phou boat.
Visit the World Heritage Site of Wat Phou at Champasak.
Sail around the beautiful 4,000 Islands and perhaps spot the Irrawaddy dolphin.
Soak up the culture of Laos' spiritual heart in Luang Prabang.
Heart of Thailand tour
Experience Wat Pho and the Grand Palace before the crowds.
Visit the traditional markets of Amphawa and stay in the Mae Klong delta.
Visit the Bridge on the River Kwai and explore the beautiful scenery of Kanchanaburi.
Take a Kermit tuk tuk around the ancient temples of old Siam.
Relax on the island of Koh Samet.
Brazil's carnival celebrations: Rio de Janeiro Iguacu Falls
Enjoy the Carnival parades at Rio's famous Sambadrome.
Hear the mighty roar and feel the spray of the immense Iguacu Falls.
Ride the cable car to Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Take in the stunning views from the Christ the Redeemer statue.
Kerala & the Maldives
Fort Cochin's colonial atmosphere and architecture.
Tea tasting in the high hills of Munnar.
Boat safari in Periyar National Park.
Stay overnight on a traditional rice barge.
Snorkel, scuba and swim in the Maldives.
Places to travel in January
As Christmas slopes into the distance and with cold weather still to come, traveling to find some sun is an appealing prospect for January. We recommend beach time in the west of Thailand in Krabi, Phuket and Koh Lanta. In Africa, the January rains break the Kalahari heat and the quenched plains spring to life. Journey to Botswana to watch the migration of wildebeest and zebra as they follow the scent of the fresh grazing. And January marks the start of another wildlife showpiece. It’s the whale watching season in Baja California on Mexico’s Pacific Coast and on a cruise you can sit alongside as hundreds of whales and dolphins leap, arch and twirl in and out of the ocean.
Places to travel in February
February might be bleak in the top half of the world, but it’s summertime down south and New Zealand and southern Australia are basking in the life outdoors. Walking trails are open and you can stretch out on the beaches while they're at their best. In Hong Kong, 15-day-long festivities kick off in February, when ancient Chinese traditions combine with true multicultural modernity. Relive New Year’s there before spring boarding to dry and sunny Cambodia to extend your journey in Southeast Asia.
Places to travel in March
Japan’s springtime blossom starts to pop open in March, and milder temperatures coupled with the showings of early plum blossom make it a good-value time to travel here ahead of the peak blossom season. In Bhutan, the subsiding cold is encouraging high-altitude rhododendrons to wake, while a number of colorful festivals take place. And a full spectrum of colored powders plume in the air in Indian towns and villages as locals celebrate Holi festival. Our specialists can give you advice on how best to experience the ‘festival of colours’ as part of your trip to India.
Places to travel in April
Travel to South America in April as nature offers wonderful bird watching in the Galapagos, including likely sightings of the fascinating mating ritual of the blue-footed booby. The Iguaçu Falls, bordering Brazil and Argentina, are also at their most dramatic after the summer rainfalls. In Morocco, the April climate is cool enough for you to explore Marrakesh’s souqs or hike the High Atlas Mountains in clearer air. And, if Easter falls in April, a trip in the Philippines is a window into the Spanish legacy of a ‘fiesta’ culture, and the weather is fantastic for the beaches.
Places to travel in May
If you’re planning a May break, the sun is always out over Bali’s soft-sand beaches at a time of year before the crowds hit their peak. Planning in advance pays off, as some of our favorite hotels are quick to book up. For a trip in the mountain air, hike along the wildflower trails of the High Atlas in Morocco. The temperature is comfortable for enjoying the scenery and it's an ideal time for camping out in Bedouin-style tents. It's also a good time to visit Europe before the weather gets too hot.
Places to travel in June
June marks the start of the dry season in southern Africa and the chance to see newly born game as you safari in Botswana. Newborn gorillas are given their names in a traditional festival in Rwanda each June and we can design you a trip there gorilla trekking, which pairs nicely with added time on safari in Kenya's Masai Mara. June is also an ideal time for visiting Costa Rica in the quieter green (or rainy) season when you’ll still find plenty of dry weather, quieter national parks and better views of the famous Arenal Volcano.
Places to travel in July
Ladakh in India is an ideal destination for July, with warm weather and little rain to accompany the Himalayan scenery. Spend time in Leh immersing yourself in the Tibetan Buddhist culture and exploring the monasteries, lakes and high-altitude deserts. We also recommend the Manu Rainforest in Peru in the month of July. Few parks can match its incredible wildlife, which includes giant otters, caymans and flocks of macaws.
Places to travel in August
In August, Africa plays backdrop to one of the great wildlife spectacles: the annual migration of over two million wildebeest from the Serengeti plains to the grasslands of the Masai Mara. In Colombia, the start of August heralds the annual flower festival in Medellin. It attracts visitors worldwide with more flowers than you’d imagine possible, fireworks and live music. Or travel to Kandy in Sri Lanka at the time of the Parahera Festival held at the Temple of the Tooth, where Buddha's tooth is said to rest. Get swept up in dancing and parades by torchlight.
Places to travel in September
September kicks off the changing of the seasons in many regions, bringing with it shifting climates and bright landscapes. Before the wet season sets in, take a trip to Borneo and observe the orangutan at the Sepilok sanctuary in Kota Kinabalu. In Peru, September is the best time to take a hike to Incan city in the clouds Machu Picchu while there's still very little rain. And there’s no better place to witness the seasons change than in China, as the locals celebrate the harvest season across the country with the Mid-Autumnal Festival.
Places to travel in October
October is a great time to immerse yourself completely in another culture. Head to India and join millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains for Diwali, the five-day ‘Festival of Lights’. Experience the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival with the locals in Myanmar, where revered Buddha images are paraded around Inle Lake in an elaborate barge for over 20 days. Or discover the historical sites in Jordan, where the lifting of the summer heat allows you to explore in comfort the Roman ruins at Jerash, and biblical sites such as Mt Nebo and the desert of Wadi Rum.
Places to travel in November
Though the temperatures may begin to drop, November still offers plenty of opportunity for active adventure. Work off your Thanksgiving dinner with a trek on the Himalaya Mountains in Nepal, and witness the sunrises over the tops of the peaks. Enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving in the warmer temperatures of the Red Sea in Egypt, where the water is a clear blue and the coral reefs teem with marine life. Or experience Vietnam by bicycle, along the countryside around the historic merchants' town of Hoi An or through the rice terraces and remote villages of Sapa.
Places to travel in December
December brings celebrations of all shapes and sizes across the world. Embrace a wintry yet magical Christmas in Russia, where Gorky Park turns into an ice rink and sleigh rides are offered throughout the month. Top off your year joining in a New Year’s celebration in another part of the world. Travel to Brazil and watch the cariocas (Rio’s locals) dressed in white as they gather on a sunny Copacabana in tribute to the goddess of the sea. Or head to Australia for a New Year’s celebration of a lifetime in Sydney. Witness fireworks exploding off the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, while enjoying the summer temperatures.
- Places to travel in January›
- Places to travel in February›
- Places to travel in March›
- Places to travel in April›
- Places to travel in May›
- Places to travel in June›
- Places to travel in July›
- Places to travel in August›
- Places to travel in September›
- Places to travel in October›
- Places to travel in November›
- Places to travel in December›