Where to go in December

Posted by Jackie Hewett on Fri 21st November 2008 at 02:28 PM, Filed in December

Here are Trip Inspiration’s recommendations for places to go and things to do in December – while lots of it un-surprisingly centres on Christmas you will find some other ideas for getting away from it all.

For Nature &Wildlife:
Dive with Manta Rays in Yap - December is the best time to visit and there’s quite a bit to do and see besides diving.

For a Family Holiday:
Visit a European Christmas Market - these take place during most week-ends in December and some start in November.  Some of the best countries to go to are Germany and France. 
Lille Market

Take the little ones on a Lapland / Finland trip to see Santa, go sleigh riding and visit the elves.  There are many companies offering trips – some only (exhausting) day trips and others longer (better if you can afford it).

For Romantic Getaways / Honeymoons:
The Thai Islands such as Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Samui for a beautiful climate, gorgeous food and very friendly people.  See a Review of Mom Tri’s Boat House and Review of Chaweng Regent Hotel for inspiration on where to stay
Mom Tri’s Boathouse
The Gambia - sunshine is still guaranteed and it’s a relatively short flight from the UK
Bahamas - it will be sunny, but with cooling trade winds.  Some top class luxurious accommodation and you can swim with dolphins too.
Buenos Aires, Argentina - although this would be a city based holiday the climate is great at this time and in mid December it’s Tango Day!  This liberal city is filled with passionate people proud of their culture and the sopping (especially for leather goods) is good too.

For Sight Seeing and Culture Vultures:
December is a great time to go to Thailand.  The climate is ideal and the kings birthday is on 5th December which means quite a few free events are put on in Bangkok.  You can shop till you drop at very cheap prices for things such as silk goods, gems and designer knock-off’s
Egypt - this is a great time for visiting the archaeological sites in Egypt (Aswan and Luxor), especially if you want to get away from the Western excesses of Christmas.  The climate is ‘kind’ at this time of year – although Cairo can be a little cooler than you might be expecting.
Go and see the Whirling Dervishes on the 17th December at the Mevlana Festival in Turkey

For Adrenaline Junkies:
Mexico again – to join in the hair-raising Cliff Diving on 11th December.

For a City Break:
I went to New York for Christmas shopping a few years ago, and while I am pleased I saw New York I found it disappointing for unusual Xmas gifts – fine if you want to get branded good – trainers, jeans etc.  But those aren’t the sort of Xmas presents I usually get.  Also – it can be bitterly cold waiting for the ferry’s if you want to get over to Liberty or Ellis Island.
Christmas and just before can be a good (quiet time) to visit Las Vegas, although it gets very busy for New Year’s eve.  See Where to Stay in Vegas for hotel ideas
Buenos Aires, Argentina - as above

For Music Lovers:
Rivera Maya Jazz Festival, Mexico - a Latin inspired 3 day festival in November / December

Penang Jazz Festival” in Malaysia early December

For Foodies:
Mexico - for the unusual Night of the Radishes festival on 23rd December and admire the amazing miniature artwork carved into these vegetables.

For Something a little different:
Switzerland - go and the Santa Claus Championship on 1st December.

For ‘Celeb’ Spotting:
Sandy Lane Hotel in Bahamas – is a famous celebrity Christmas hang-out, if you can afford to join them!!.

Not Recommended in December:
Madagascar – not a great time to go here, unless you like heavy rain and hurricanes
Bermuda - can be cold and windy
Adelaide, Australia - unless you like extreme heat

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