Where to travel in December

Best Places to Visit in December

Christmas arrives with full, boisterous energy, decked out and shining like a bell. You can escape it entirely and head to Mexico’s sun-drenched beaches, or embrace the season’s magic in Iceland’s winter wonderland. But wherever you choose to spend these precious winter weeks, we’re here to guide you to something extraordinary. December opens up a world of possibilities – from summer Down Under to Egypt’s archaeological mysteries, and from the Maldives’ crystal-clear waters to Austria’s enchanting Christmas markets.

We’ve hand-picked these destinations to get your mind racing about where to travel this December. As ever, our luxury travel experts are on hand to provide detailed guidance and expert suggestions, ensuring your winter escape becomes an unforgettable adventure.

Our Favourite Destinations to travel to in December

Australia

Summer arrives with a vengeance Down Under, bringing endless golden days and warm ocean breezes. December means beach barbecues in Sydney, wine harvests in the Barossa Valley, and Christmas on the sand. It’s when Australia shows off its laid-back culture – flip-flops required, worries not.

Iceland

Winter brings Iceland’s Christmas gift: the aurora borealis dancing across dark skies. December transforms Iceland into a wonderland of ice caves, hot springs, and ethereal beauty. Chase the northern lights between glacier lagoons and geysers – nature’s most spectacular light show is just one reason to visit in December. Ask us for the others.

Mexico

The scorching heat retreats, revealing Egypt at its most magnificent. December’s mild temperatures make exploring tombs and sailing the Nile a dream. From the Great Pyramids to Luxor’s temples, ancient wonders emerge from the desert haze in comfortable splendor – archaeology has never felt so civilized.

The Maldives

December is when the Maldives really shows off. The northeast monsoon sweeps away the clouds, leaving nothing but endless blue skies and impossibly calm seas. Picture powder-soft beaches, turquoise lagoons, and coral reefs bursting with tropical fish. It’s barefoot luxury at its most effortless – the kind of place where doing absolutely nothing feels like everything.

Luxury Holidays Carousel

OUR FAVOURITE LUXURY HOLIDAYS FOR FAMILIES

Your family holiday should be as unique as you are. Use this selection of our most popular trips to spark some ideas and get in touch to plan something that’s truly yours.

MALDIVES RETREAT

Relax in crystal-clear waters and luxury overwater villas.

DESERT MOROCCO

Experience camel rides, souks, and golden sands of Morocco.

ITALIAN ESCAPE

Enjoy Tuscany’s vineyards and Rome’s cultural heritage.

KOMODO ISLAND INDONESIA

Sail through breathtaking islands and discover exotic wildlife.

KENYA SAFARI

Witness lions, elephants, and giraffes in their natural habitat.

PARIS GETAWAY

Stroll through the romantic streets of Paris and enjoy world-class dining.

ALASKA EXPEDITION

Witness glaciers, wildlife, and untouched natural beauty.

JAPAN DISCOVERY

Blend tradition and modernity with unique family adventures.

Uruguay

Uruguay in December feels like discovering something special before everyone else does. Summer’s just beginning along the Atlantic coast, bringing long, lazy days to sophisticated beach towns like Punta del Este. Add world-class wineries and that uniquely Uruguayan laid-back charm, and you’ve got South America’s most understated gem – still refreshingly undiscovered.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka offers the perfect December escape, mystifying and inspiring in equal measure. This emerald island marries luxurious beach relaxation with thrilling safari adventures during the island’s dry season. Spend your days at Wild Coast Tented Lodge spotting leopards in Yala National Park, then unwind on pristine beaches under perfect weather conditions.

Laos

Featuring in our Where to go in 2025 selection, Laos promises spiritual ease and saffron skies. Travel here in December and you’ll be rubbing shoulders with monks, visiting shrines, and slipping serenely along wide, meandering rivers.

Austria

Where sachertorte is rich and bitter and white Alps scratch the sky, Austria surprises despite its genteel appearance. December transforms this wonderful country into something truly magical – from Vienna’s enchanting Christmas markets to snow-dusted mountain villages, it’s the most wonderful time of year in the most wonderful place.

The Rest of the Year

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May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Thailand

With the monsoon’s dissipation, the days give way to clear skies and bright sun. We recommend the south and the western Andaman coast, with Phuket, Phang Nga Bay, Krabi, Phi Phi and more. Up north, the culture of Chiang Mai still has its draw.

South Africa

A true festive escape. Dry, bright, warm days on the Cape and in the winelands. Camps and Bantry bay, Cape Town test kitchens, wine tastings and even some Sabi Sands safari.

Looking for a last-minute escape?

There’s still some availability – if you know where to look. Just hit the enquiry button, and one of our travel team will be in touch. Psst… they know where to look.