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Check Out Our Best December Travel Deals:

Best Things to Do in December

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Best Flight Deals in December

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Best Places to Visit in December: Where to Travel This Winter

December may be the last month of the calendar, but it's certainly not last when it comes to great travel deals. December is the perfect time of year for a winter family vacation to Colorado or Switzerland, or a sunny escape to the Caribbean or beautiful Thailand. Here, you'll find cheap flights, hotels, vacations, and cruises that allow for travel during the month of December.

The Top 5 December Destinations

Whether you're looking for a break from the cold weather with a trip to the beach or leaning into it to hit the ski slopes, our top 5 picks for December destinations have something for you. Relax with a drink in hand on the beaches of Thailand, or browse for gifts at the Christmas markets of Berlin. Hike near Santa Barbara or head up to Burlington, Vermont for a chance to bust out your snowboard or skis.

Burlington, Vermont

Embrace the cold and snowy weather with a trip to Burlington. Perfect for ski bums, Burlington is close to major ski destinations like Stowe but with more of the laid-back, small town feel. You can spend the day racing down the slopes (ideal for parents, as many of the resorts offer ski school for young children) and relax at the end of the day in one of the many bars with local craft brews on tap.

Santa Barbara, California

Santa Barbara is a perfect escape any time of the year, but when the winter blues are getting you down it’s hard to resist the dreamy, sun-kissed beaches of this seaside gem. One of the nicest things about Southern California in the winter is the clear skies that offer incredible views. Start your morning with a beachside breakfast, then grab a picnic lunch from a local farmer’s market and head out on a hike in one of the nearby nature parks.

Phuket, Thailand

For warm weather a bit further afield, head for the verdant greens and luxurious blues of Phuket. Lay on the beach getting some much-needed sun, or head into the surf for sea kayaking, kite-surfing, or snorkeling. For a different kind of unwinding, head into some of Phuket’s well-know party districts, like Patong Beach. If you have a good stretch of time in Thailand, book in a visit to some of Phuket's surrounding attractions, like the Phi Phi Islands.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin may have notoriously harsh winters, but the Christmas cheer and cozy indoor spots make it a great place to spend time in December. Bundle up and venture out to one of the many neighborhood Christmas markets for a steaming mug of mulled wine and a plate of Kaiserschmarrn, a type of German shredded pancake smothered in compote and sugar. After a brisk walk by the old graffitied border walls of the East Side Gallery, shed your coat (and the rest of your layers) and pop into one of the many saunas to warm up like a local.

Montevideo, Uruguay

Take advantage of the reversed seasons in South America to get a little slice of summer in the middle of December. Walk through the pastel streets of the old town, eat a choripán at the indoor market, and sip mate on the local beach. The Uruguayan capital is also a great place to start a trip down the coast, which is dotted with sleepy little beach towns perfect for spending a couple days lounging on the beach with that novel you’ve been meaning to finish.

Vacation Destinations for City Breaks in December

On your marks, get set, city trip! That's what it means in December. Are you looking for Winter Wonderland and can't find it at home? We have cities on offer for you that create a deluxe Christmas atmosphere and if you do n't feel like snow flurries, mulled wine, and gingerbread, then of course we also have something in store for you. You won't get cold or bored with our top city break destinations in December.

City Trip to Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro in Brazil is known for many things. For Copacabana and the Ipanema Beach, the 124 feet high statue of Christ on the Corcovado mountain and of course for the Sugar Loaf and lots of rhythm and samba. Vacation in Rio de Janeiro is too dangerous for you? Of course, like any other big city, Rio has its corners that are not entirely harmless, but you can still experience the city trip of your life here in December! Especially since 82°F should be a welcome change from the nasty weather in Germany.

Travel Tips for Rio de Janeiro

Visit the Botanical Gardens in Rio. Lakes, enchanted fountains, palm groves and colorful cacti. You can watch the sunset with a picnic on Arpoador Rock, between Copacabana and Ipanema Beach. Last but not least, you can try local delicacies at the hippie market in General Osório Square.

City Trip to Budapest

A city break to Budapest in December has everything you could wish for. Beautiful architecture that looks like a fairy tale dream, especially in the snow-covered city and when lit up in the evening , the Danube River meandering through the city and an ancient bridge from the 19th century connecting flat Pest with hilly Buda.

Travel Tips for Budapest

After a trip on Europe's largest ice rink, warm up in one of the beautiful thermal baths and afterwards you can visit one of the cozy tea salons. There are delicious cakes and tarts here that will fill your stomach. In the evening we go for a walk through the nocturnal Budapest.

City Trip to Sintra

Vacation in Portugal in December? Do you really have to do that? We say: yes, you have to! On the beautiful Atlantic coast of Portugal you will find dreamy Sintra, once described by the poet Lord Byron as the "most beautiful city in the world" and crowned a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sintra is only 18 miles away from Lisbon and offers all kinds of architectural treasures as well as great surfing spots in winter.

Travel Tips for Sintra

In the Sintra-Cascais National Park you will find the fascinating Da Pena Palace. A real jewel among the unique buildings in Sintra and an absolute must. There is also something for hunger, namely queijadas . This sweet, made from flour, eggs and cheese, brings with it 700 years of tradition and loads of great taste.

City Trip to Prague

Beer, Bohemian dumplings, and the Charles Bridge: The Czech capital Prague has a lot to offer, which makes it very popular for a city trip. The Advent season is particularly suitable for this, when you can stroll through the Christmas markets in Prague, which are distributed throughout the city.

Travel Tips for Prague

The most well-known Christmas market can be found on the Old Town Square . Embedded by the town hall and the Tyn Church, you can listen to various Christmas concerts and enjoy the view of the huge Christmas tree.

Beach Vacation: Where Can You Swim in December?

Looking to escape the cold and soak up the rays somewhere warm? Check out our top recommendations for a beach vacation in December.

Maldives

🌡 86°F air temperature

🌊 80°F water temperature

☀️ 7 hours a day

🌦 7 rainy days

Dominican Republic

🌡 82°F air temperature

🌊 80°F water temperature

☀️ 8 hours a day

🌦 11 rainy days

Barbados

🌡 84°F air temperature

🌊 82°F water temperature

☀️ 8 hours a day

🌦 12 rainy days

Vietnam

🌡 87°F air temperature

🌊 82°F water temperature

☀️ 6 hours a day

🌦 7 rainy days

Travel Calendar

Looking for other months to travel? Or to get away during Christmas break?