Before the countdown to the New Year turns to a frenzy and unending festive shopping visits takes over your imagination, plan a quick holiday to enjoy the season’s glory at one of the top December destinations around the world.
Austria
Vienna in Austria is beckoning festive observers for an experience of a lifetime. The city is decked up in festive finery and the markets are bursting with Christmas goodies, presenting a dreamy sequence to the ongoing holiday season. From toys and gifts to gingerbread and roasted chestnuts, the markets are packed with all things Christmassy to infuse visitors with the pleasant vibes of the season.
Brazil
With Brazil sharing a synonymy with spectacular parties and fun times, the festive season is indeed the perfect time to visit this happening destination. White sandy beaches conceptualise the spirit of ‘White Christmas’, presenting a sun and surf affair with decorative lights and buntings on palm trees adding to the mood of the season. The New Year’s Eve promises to be a big hit with the popular Reveillon celebrations setting the tone for holiday revellers.
Cambodia
If you aren’t very keen on getting the chills this winter, opt for Cambodia where temperatures do not dip below 26 degrees and where skies are blue and beckoning to explore the popular Angkor Wat. You will also have your share and more of pristine coastline, verdant jungles, quaint straw hut villages, ancient cities and the warm and hospitable people.
Colombia
There is no dearth of pleasant weather and pristine beaches in our part of the world, at this time of the year, but if December holiday is on the agenda, visit Colombia – Cartagena, to be specific, for a fascinating interlude with history. The Old Town of Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A stroll around its streets will present a sharp contrast between the old and the new, as Spanish Colonial architecture stand starkly against new eateries and renovated structures. And with December ushering the festive season, get an eyeful of Christmas décor and New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Malta
Visit Malta to savour some of the best nativity scenes, as people open their doors to showcase their grottos to the public. There is also the Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem, a life-size nativity scene, which is spread over 20,0000 sqm of abandoned fields. It is an annual, open-air tourist attraction, featuring actors from the villages who take visitors back in time. Watch out also for carol singers and Christmas pantomime.
South Africa
December marks the official start of the summer season in South Africa. While that is not a major attraction for travellers here, who have to endure a long stretch of the summer season, what is indeed appealing are its popular mountain ranges and national parks. You could opt for a safari experience, laze at one of the spectacular beaches or treat your senses to some scenic delights from Table Mountain.
Thailand
One of the most popular destinations among frequent travellers in this part of the world, Thailand has a mix of all the right ingredients for every kind of tourist. Whether one is seeking water sports and nightlife or nature treks and shopping, Thailand’s attractive destinations have the best offerings for short and even long holidays. December’s ideal weather conditions make this a perfect destination to soak in beach life.
The Galapagos Islands
Although there is no one particular travel season to visit the Galapagos Islands, December is, perhaps, the right time to visit, a sit marks the shift from the cool and dry season to the warm and wet season. This shift presents the best of both seasons, with a greater opportunity to view wildlife. For nature lovers, this is an ideal destination – and what better time than now to get a dekko of this spectacular biodiversity? You also get to see the Giant Tortoise eggs hatching and the sea lion mating season.