December – the month when stores, streets and people are all decked for the holiday season, reminding us we have lots to do; from gift shopping to travel planning to finding the right outfit for a party!
If you’re a savvy traveler, you already know that the early weeks of December provide the perfect opportunity to take a trip. With nearly everyone absorbed in getting ready for the holidays instead of traveling, airlines and hotels are offering great deals.
There also might be others who just want a change of scenery or a chance to celebrate the festivities in a new faraway place.
Either way, holiday vacations are popular for a reason. Not only are you more likely to have time off, but your friends and loved ones are, too.
Prefer a warm weather getaway? or chiller winter? Don’t you worry! We have got you options from across continents so you can be as close or as far from the equator as you wish!
- North America
New York, New York
Is there any way to not be amazed by New York? Especially during the holiday season?!
The “city that never sleeps” is a delight in December, even if the weather makes it necessary to bundle up a bit.
The Broadway and off-Broadway shows are exceptional entertainment.
The dazzling Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, New York City’s centerpiece each year with nearly 50,000 lights, will once again overlook the famed ice skating rink and golden Prometheus statue.
Window shopping takes on new meaning along Fifth Avenue. All this while also being home to the historical St. Patrick’s Cathedral and famous skyscrapers like the Empire state building.
Start at Central Park and stroll down Fifth Avenue for the perfect New York Movie feeling!
Also, New York offers some of the world’s best “Instagram worthy spots” that your feed will thank you forever for!
- South America
Cartagena, Columbia
If you’re looking for a winter beach destination, this should be your choice!
A UNESCO world heritage site, Old Town Cartagena, surrounded by ancient stone walls, was a Spanish Port during the 16th-century.
Visitors strolling through its streets will see original Spanish Colonial architecture among new restaurants, restored homes, and boutique inns. From street food to upscale restaurants, Cartagena offers the best in local seafood, meat, and fresh fruits.
In December, the city becomes a festival of lights, with nativity scenes, decorations, and holiday celebrations culminating with New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Colombia supplies nearly 90 percent of the world’s emeralds, so a quality gem from a reliable source would make a memorable keepsake.
The holiday season is pretty crowded everywhere and picking Cartagena would be a fantastic bargain compared to better known places, but it might not stay that way forever. As Colombia gets more popular prices are bound to keep going up.
- Africa
Cape town, South Africa
Cape Town has its summer beginning in December, so temperatures should feel nice and warm to anyone coming from a winter climate.
Cape Town’s history is long and storied. It is a city with unrivalled culture and diversity, boasting a heady mix of old and new and nothing speaks to this more than the iconic Big Seven attractions.
The Big Seven, made up of Cape Point, City Walk, Groot Constantia, Kirstenbosch, Robben Island Museum, Table Mountain Cableway and V&A Waterfront, form the core of the Mother City, and your trip will not be complete without a visit to each iconic location.
With an endless list of events and concerts happening during the month of December Cape town should definitely be a vacay treat. You can check all event deets on their official tourism website – http://www.capetown.travel/calendar/month/?tribe-bar-date=2018-12
This is a fairly cheap city compared to Europe or North America, and bargains are not hard to find on the ground once you get there.
- Europe
Edinburgh, Scotland
A charming, historic city to visit any time of year, Edinburgh is especially festive during December.
Edinburgh Castle is a must for first-time visitors which dates back to the 12th century.
For those seeking holiday celebrations, the Royal Botanic Garden is decorated with lights, music, and illuminated trees. European-style Christmas markets pop up at Princes Street Gardens and George Street, offering traditional craftworks, gifts, food and warming drinks that are most welcome during chilly December.
A stay at the elegant and historic Balmoral Hotel will enhance any visit to Edinburgh, and while you’re there, you’ll notice that Scottish actor Sean Connery was a guest, as was J. K. Rowling who finished the last Harry Potter book in one of its suites.
- Asia
Phuket, Thailand
This popular island in the Andaman Sea boasts mountains, rainforests, white sand beaches, nightlife, and a range of hotels from casual to ultra-luxury. Snorkeling and scuba diving among the colorful fish and coral reefs are a favorite. Boats take visitors to smaller nearby islands and among the limestone cliffs, caves, and karsts — steep limestone structures rising from the clear aqua sea.
For many visitors, Phuket’s beaches are the main attraction, and with more than 30 around the island along with ideal December weather, everyone can find the perfect spot for sunning and swimming.
We really hope you enjoyed this section and pick one of these beautiful destinations to spend your December 2018!
By Jasmine Sharif @stylehappysmiles
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