Best places in December
Destinations ranked by overall draw and how well December fits each.
Best picks for December
Hawaii
A handful of islands where the landscapes and the ocean genuinely earn the flight.
Mexico
Mexico City is world-class. Add the coast, ruins, and food culture.
Thailand
The complete package for warm-climate travel.
The Alps
The ski and alpine benchmark — every other mountain range is measured against this.
Australia
Vast, varied, relaxed. Reef, Sydney, and proper wilderness in one.
New Zealand
Fjords, volcanoes, glaciers, beaches — in one country.
Switzerland
The most concentrated mountain scenery in Europe — and you'll pay for it.
United Arab Emirates
Dubai and Abu Dhabi: superlatives, desert, and a stopover worth a few days of its own.
Argentina
Buenos Aires has the best steakhouses and nightlife in South America.
Austria
The Alps done properly — skiing, hiking, and Vienna for the culture.
Brazil
A continent of a country. Pick two or three things and commit.
Colombia
Medellin is one of the most exciting cities in the world right now.
Trending in December
Underrated spots having a moment this December.
Thailand
The complete package for warm-climate travel.
Colombia
Medellin is one of the most exciting cities in the world right now.
Hong Kong
One of the great dense cities — skyline, dim sum, and hiking trails minutes from the towers.
Maldives
One island, one resort, almost nothing to do. That is the point.
Skip in December
Off-season for these places — rainy, too hot, or limited access.
Frequently asked
Where's best to go on holiday in December?
Hawaii leads our December list — A handful of islands where the landscapes and the ocean genuinely earn the flight. For a holiday you also want Mexico or Thailand; the full ranking above is sorted by how well December fits each place.
Where's the best place to travel in December?
Hawaii. A handful of islands where the landscapes and the ocean genuinely earn the flight. December is peak season there.
Where should I avoid in December?
Places like Greece, Bali, Indonesia, China are off-season — rainy, too hot, or limited access. Worth checking the calendar on the destination page before you book.
What's a good budget destination in December?
Mexico, Thailand, Argentina all sit in the budget-to-mid range and work well in December.
Browse another way
Personal match
Let the quiz pick for December
Three destinations matched to your travel style. Five minutes.
Take the quiz