December brings holiday cheer and time off from work and school, making it the perfect month to check off bucket list travel destinations.
December travel allows you to experience the world without dealing with insane summer tourist crowds.
But what are the best places to visit in December?
We’re here to help you find the perfect travel spot for your December vacation this year!
1. California
If you’re trying to avoid cold weather and stay in the States, central and southern California is a great travel destination.
For nature lovers, you can visit Death Valley National Park for some incredible views or take a coastal drive and see famous spots like Big Sur.
And, of course, you have Los Angeles and San Diego in southern California. Enjoy what the cities have to offer and spend your days in perfect weather on the beach.
2. New York City
If you aren’t looking for a warm destination in December, then New York City is the most exciting place to be. The Big Apple goes all-out in December with Christmas lights all over the place, making it a great spot for a holiday vacation.
There are countless activities to occupy you in the city. You can hit up all of the museums, botanical gardens, walk the Brooklyn Bridge, hit up the comedy cellar, or just wander around and see where the night takes you.
Most importantly, you’ll have the most incredible food on your trip. NYC hosts some of the best chefs in the world, so get ready to eat more than you’ve ever eaten before.
3. Italy
Italy will be cold in December, but not unbearably so. If you layer up you can enjoy everything you would enjoy in the summertime.
If you have a week or two to vacation, consider visiting a few different cities in Italy. Rome is a great spot to start with famous architecture and tourist attractions.
From there, consider visiting Florence, Venice, and Milan.
Be prepared to put on a few pounds from eating a ridiculous amount of pizza, pasta, and other Italian specialties while on your vacation.
4. Paris, France
France gets a bit chilly in December, but it still ranks as one of the best travel destinations in the Winter.
You can spend your entire France vacation in Paris, where you’ll enjoy popular tourist attractions, shopping, incredible food, museums, and much more.
5. Hawaii
Hawaii boasts beautiful weather year-round, which makes it the perfect travel destination for people looking for a tropical paradise in December.
If you’re looking to spend your days on the beach laying out, going snorkeling, or learning to surf, consider visiting Maui or Oahu.
If you want to experience the path less traveled, consider visiting the beautiful island of Kauai. You’ll find beautiful beaches, incredible hiking spots, huge waterfalls, and a breathtaking canyon without all of the tourist-trap distractions.
6. Cartegena, Columbia
December is the best time of year to visit Columbia because the weather is warm and the cities are lively. You can also find affordable flights, especially if you buy tickets well in advance.
Consider visiting Cartegena, Columbia, where you’ll experience Old Town, beautiful beaches, and incredible Columbian food. You’ll also enjoy seeing Spanish Colonial architecture among the homes and restaurants you pass by.
7. South Florida
Winter is the best time of year to visit South Florida, which is why it’s a hot spot for winter vacation homes. Native Floridians consider cold weather to be 50 degrees, and it rarely gets that low in December.
So if you want to feel like you’re experiencing summer in December, then South Florida is the place to be.
You can vacation in Miami for the famous beaches, unique culture, and exciting nightlife.
If you’re looking for more of a getaway experience, consider visiting the Florida Keys. You can spend your days on the beach, fishing, and eating seafood and key lime pie.
8. Swiss Alps
Do you want to take a winter wonderland vacation and spend your time skiing or snowboarding? Then you should consider visiting the Swiss Alps in Switzerland.
Not only is the nature and atmosphere breathtaking, but it’s one of the best winter sports spots in the world.
So if you’re looking to make your vacation both a cultural experience and an incredible ski or snowboard trip, then Switzerland is a great choice for December travel.
9. Park City, Utah
Do you like the idea of taking a ski or snowboarding trip for your December vacation, but don’t want to go all the way to Switzerland? Luckily for you, the U.S. has plenty of great ski spots, and Utah boasts the best of the bunch.
Check out Park City, Utah for world-class slopes and ski resorts. It’s a great family destination if you have active and adventurous kids.
10. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a great December travel destination because the weather is cool but not cold, the culture is unlike anywhere else in the country, and there’s a ton to do.
Aside from eating local New Orleans cuisine, you can experience spooky cemetery and ghost tours, check out the incredible WWII museum, enjoy jazz music every night, and take advantage of the lenient open container alcohol laws.
It’s the perfect travel spot for young adults celebrating birthdays, bachelor or bachelorette parties, or anyone looking to party and experience a unique culture in the States.
Experience the Best Places to Visit in December
Whether you’re looking for a tropical getaway or an adventure abroad, you should plan a vacation to one of the best places to visit in December.
Looking for more travel tips? Check out our travel blog page today!
