With holidays, family activities, and work deadlines, December may
not come to mind when you’re thinking of a trip. But don’t overlook it
so fast—this might be the ideal time to get away from it all. To help
inspire you, we’ve picked the best places to travel in December, and
have broken down our suggestions into three categories: family trips,
romantic getaways, and solo adventures.
Where to travel in December with your family
Whether your family prefers to unthaw during the month of December or revel in its frigid glory, you’re in luck, as plenty of family-friendly destinations await in warm and cold climates alike.
Atlantis, Bahamas. How does a 141-acre water park sound? Or swimming with dolphins? Head to the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas. This island paradise also boasts a marine habitat, home to more than 50,000 animals. Your family can check in and let the staff take care of everything. The hotel has a casino, restaurant, golf, and spa at the ready. Virtually every room at the resort offers a spectacular view of the water or the luscious resort grounds.
Honolulu. If you’re on the West Coast and looking for a shorter jaunt, don’t forget about Honolulu, the capital city of the Aloha State. Honolulu is replete with miles of beach front. Stroll along famous Waikiki Beach, visit the Chinatown arts district, or hike to the top of Diamond Head State Monument for stunning panoramic views of the city. Wind down at the end of the day with a family session of beach yoga at Kaimana Beach. Of course you can’t leave without taking your family to a traditional luau!
New York City.
A trip to The Big Apple offers something for even the moodiest teenager
or crabbiest toddler. If your group wants to enjoy the best scenery in
NYC without walking around the city’s icy streets, the Empire State
Building should be your first stop. Floor No. 86 of this historic
building is an observatory, offering stunning views of the entire city
and excellent photo opportunities. Also, with white stuff on the ground,
Central Park comes alive in a whole new way. Take the kids ice skating
at the Wollman or Lasker rinks. Family fun can also be found at the
Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, one of only a few marionette
theaters in the country still offering original productions. The Central
Park Zoo also remains open and active in December.
Boston. Head a bit northeast of NYC to take your clan to this storied city. Boston has dozens of hills ripe for sledding in December, including The Bowl next to Boston Pond. Better yet, slap on some skates and hit the ice on the Boston Common Frog Pond, which makes its home in America’s oldest public park (that’d be Boston Common itself).
Where to travel in December as a solo traveler
Traveling alone this holiday season may just result in the best December vacation you’ve had in recent memory. Without any distractions or the need to compete with the itinerary demands of fellow travelers, you can really enjoy your winter adventure.
Bangkok. Thailand is an increasingly popular destination for all types of adventurers, including those seeking solo travel. The capital city of Bangkok is teeming with delicious cuisine, and easy on the pocketbook. Hail a Tuk Tuk driver (you might even consider hiring one for the entire day), and get ready to see one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in Asia. Bangkok is known for its street food, so remember to grab some authentic pad thai on your way to one of the local temples or the shopping district. And if you’re looking for some holiday gifts, you can get suits and other custom-tailored clothing made here in a jiffy.
Belize.
If you have more of a hankering for Central America this December, head
to Belize. This tiny nation is renowned for crystal-clear waters and
generous supply of beach front. Take a hike to ancient Mayan ruins or
experience some world-class SCUBA diving. If you’re feeling the need for
an adrenaline rush, take a ziplining excursion in the local rainforest
canopy.
Dublin, Ireland. The Irish capital is one of the best December holiday destinations to consider as a solo tourist. Not only does this city offer a wealth of hospitality and history, but you can easily navigate it alone. With a city this friendly you might end up making some new friends that convince you to drink one too many pints of Guinness. Stop by Lemon Crepe and Coffee Co. for some morning eats, and then head out either on foot or by cab to take in everything from local pubs to the Dublin Writer’s Museum. Speaking of writers, this proud literary haven offers walking tours that celebrate the likes of Oscar Wilde. Naturally, no trip to Dublin would be complete without treating yourself to some fish and chips; check out Leo Burdocks.
Reykjavik. Reykjavik is another location very friendly to people traveling alone. While the sunlight is limited here in December (the sun rises after 11 a.m. by the end of the month), you certainly can pack in plenty of activity during the few precious hours of daylight. Go on a bike tour and stop by one of the city’s notable cafes; the Laundromat Café is a particular favorite for visitors. Reykjavik is also a wonderful home base from which to take day trips to natural hot springs and hiking trails.
Taking some time away together as a couple is a chance to reconnect and avoid arguments with the in-laws. Whether you want to heat things up or create a chance to cuddle up in the cold, booking a trip to one of these top December destinations is the best way to treat yourselves this holiday season.
Seville, Spain. Study up on Seville’s past at local attractions such as the Alcázar palace, Museo del Baile Flamenco, and the Cathedral of Seville. After a morning of walking the city, you and your better half can hit up the Baños Árabes. This relaxing retreat offers thermal baths, aromatherapy, massages, and other indulgent treatments. It’s an excellent place to unwind. Of course you shouldn’t come to Seville if you don’t plan on eating. Tapas bars are plentiful here, as you might imagine, especially in the center of town. You also can find gourmet food and street food vendors, so no matter where your appetite leads you, Seville will deliver. If you’re interested in partaking in the tapas tradition, check out Vinería San Telmo or Bar Europa.
La Jolla, California. Nestled just north of San Diego, this quiet beach town is an excellent place to go when you want a relaxing couple’s retreat. Take a walk on the La Jolla Shores beach, and then stop in at one of the city’s many fine-dining restaurants for an elegant dinner. George’s at the Cove and La Dolce Vita Ristorante both impress with cuisine and atmosphere. At the end of the day, head south to Coronado to go ice skating on the beach at Hotel del Coronado.
Paris, France.
Paris is considered one of the most romantic cities in the world, and
it certainly delivers on its promise during the final month of the year.
Paris comes alive with its holiday spirit during December, and a visit
to the charming Christmas markets to sip on mulled wine and purchase
hand-crafted gifts is a must. While you’re in town, stop by the ice
skating rink set up just outside of Paris City Hall (or, as locals call
it, Hotel de Ville). The city actually sets up quite a few rinks, so
what better way to enjoy the chill than by taking a morning tour of
several local rinks? The Champs-Elysées is another can’t-miss location
once the holidays near. Trees along the famous stretch of pavement are
adorned in lights and garlands, and the shops are even more inviting.
Aspen, Colorado. December signals the beginning of the best season to visit this ski-lover’s dream town, because the snow is fresh and the air is crisp. Get a lift ticket to Snowmass and hit the black-diamond runs with your snow bunny, then take in some warm drinks and dinner at the lodge afterward. This city also lures visitors during December with events such as an ugly sweater party at The Little Nell Hotel, and fireworks over Aspen Mountain on New Year’s Eve.
Where to travel in December with your family
Whether your family prefers to unthaw during the month of December or revel in its frigid glory, you’re in luck, as plenty of family-friendly destinations await in warm and cold climates alike.
Atlantis, Bahamas. How does a 141-acre water park sound? Or swimming with dolphins? Head to the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas. This island paradise also boasts a marine habitat, home to more than 50,000 animals. Your family can check in and let the staff take care of everything. The hotel has a casino, restaurant, golf, and spa at the ready. Virtually every room at the resort offers a spectacular view of the water or the luscious resort grounds.
Honolulu. If you’re on the West Coast and looking for a shorter jaunt, don’t forget about Honolulu, the capital city of the Aloha State. Honolulu is replete with miles of beach front. Stroll along famous Waikiki Beach, visit the Chinatown arts district, or hike to the top of Diamond Head State Monument for stunning panoramic views of the city. Wind down at the end of the day with a family session of beach yoga at Kaimana Beach. Of course you can’t leave without taking your family to a traditional luau!
Honolulu
Boston. Head a bit northeast of NYC to take your clan to this storied city. Boston has dozens of hills ripe for sledding in December, including The Bowl next to Boston Pond. Better yet, slap on some skates and hit the ice on the Boston Common Frog Pond, which makes its home in America’s oldest public park (that’d be Boston Common itself).
Where to travel in December as a solo traveler
Traveling alone this holiday season may just result in the best December vacation you’ve had in recent memory. Without any distractions or the need to compete with the itinerary demands of fellow travelers, you can really enjoy your winter adventure.
Bangkok. Thailand is an increasingly popular destination for all types of adventurers, including those seeking solo travel. The capital city of Bangkok is teeming with delicious cuisine, and easy on the pocketbook. Hail a Tuk Tuk driver (you might even consider hiring one for the entire day), and get ready to see one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in Asia. Bangkok is known for its street food, so remember to grab some authentic pad thai on your way to one of the local temples or the shopping district. And if you’re looking for some holiday gifts, you can get suits and other custom-tailored clothing made here in a jiffy.
Iceland
Dublin, Ireland. The Irish capital is one of the best December holiday destinations to consider as a solo tourist. Not only does this city offer a wealth of hospitality and history, but you can easily navigate it alone. With a city this friendly you might end up making some new friends that convince you to drink one too many pints of Guinness. Stop by Lemon Crepe and Coffee Co. for some morning eats, and then head out either on foot or by cab to take in everything from local pubs to the Dublin Writer’s Museum. Speaking of writers, this proud literary haven offers walking tours that celebrate the likes of Oscar Wilde. Naturally, no trip to Dublin would be complete without treating yourself to some fish and chips; check out Leo Burdocks.
Reykjavik. Reykjavik is another location very friendly to people traveling alone. While the sunlight is limited here in December (the sun rises after 11 a.m. by the end of the month), you certainly can pack in plenty of activity during the few precious hours of daylight. Go on a bike tour and stop by one of the city’s notable cafes; the Laundromat Café is a particular favorite for visitors. Reykjavik is also a wonderful home base from which to take day trips to natural hot springs and hiking trails.
Viewfinder Tip: If the night sky is clear, keep your eyes out for the Aurora Borealis in Reykjavik.
Where to travel in December as a coupleTaking some time away together as a couple is a chance to reconnect and avoid arguments with the in-laws. Whether you want to heat things up or create a chance to cuddle up in the cold, booking a trip to one of these top December destinations is the best way to treat yourselves this holiday season.
Seville, Spain. Study up on Seville’s past at local attractions such as the Alcázar palace, Museo del Baile Flamenco, and the Cathedral of Seville. After a morning of walking the city, you and your better half can hit up the Baños Árabes. This relaxing retreat offers thermal baths, aromatherapy, massages, and other indulgent treatments. It’s an excellent place to unwind. Of course you shouldn’t come to Seville if you don’t plan on eating. Tapas bars are plentiful here, as you might imagine, especially in the center of town. You also can find gourmet food and street food vendors, so no matter where your appetite leads you, Seville will deliver. If you’re interested in partaking in the tapas tradition, check out Vinería San Telmo or Bar Europa.
La Jolla, California. Nestled just north of San Diego, this quiet beach town is an excellent place to go when you want a relaxing couple’s retreat. Take a walk on the La Jolla Shores beach, and then stop in at one of the city’s many fine-dining restaurants for an elegant dinner. George’s at the Cove and La Dolce Vita Ristorante both impress with cuisine and atmosphere. At the end of the day, head south to Coronado to go ice skating on the beach at Hotel del Coronado.
Paris
Aspen, Colorado. December signals the beginning of the best season to visit this ski-lover’s dream town, because the snow is fresh and the air is crisp. Get a lift ticket to Snowmass and hit the black-diamond runs with your snow bunny, then take in some warm drinks and dinner at the lodge afterward. This city also lures visitors during December with events such as an ugly sweater party at The Little Nell Hotel, and fireworks over Aspen Mountain on New Year’s Eve.
If you could go anywhere, where would you travel in December?