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Choosing your next destination isn’t easy. So what you do to select it? Do you spin a big globe, closing your eyes and slam your finger down? Well, you will probably end up in the middle of the Atlantic. That’s not what you are looking for, right? Well, there’s a better way than that – reading this write-up. Let’s provide you with a no-fuss list of top 5 places to travel in December 2019!
Winters are here and we’re looking at December. It is a month of festive spirit and celebration across the world. There is no better time of the year to dust off that passport and start exploring! While the northern half of the world is pulling on its warmest knits and sitting in front of crackling fires, those to the South are embracing longer days, short sleeves, and warm weather. Whether you’re looking for a beach escape in the tropics or in the mood for mulled wine and Christmas markets in Europe – these are some places to travel in December that you should add to your itinerary for the winters’2019.
Nothing can be more fascinating than celebrating Christmas in Europe. Sorry to let you know travellers, but until you have experienced festive season at an enchanting German Weihnachtsmarkt you really haven’t experienced it. It’s true! Amongst the snow-dusted market stalls selling fir trees adorned with ornaments, handcrafted trinkets, and the cinnamon scent of glühwein, the romance of the festival season really comes alive. The topic of which Christmas market is the best and biggest is still hotly contested, but Munich, Nuremberg, Frankfurt, and Cologne, consistently rank in top lists. Once you have ticked these off, why not follow the festive spirit through the Christmas markets of Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic and Hungary too?
When you think of visiting India, the colours and chaos of India come to your mind. Yes, India is always buzzing. From snowfall in the north to amazing beaches of Goa, December is one month that offers a lot to the visitors. However, if you’re looking for a place of relaxation after a busy year, you cannot miss visiting “God’s Own Country” – Kerala.
Lush Kerala, in the tropical south of India, enjoys a vastly different tempo of life to the rest of the country. Just put your foot upon the deck of the houseboat as it glides along the Kerala backwaters and simply rejuvenate at a wellness retreat in the jungles near. Wash away a hectic year in the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea and indulge in some of the country’s freshest food. If you’re looking for somewhere to ring in the New Year, head to Fort Kochi to take in the colour of the Cochin Festival, a vibrant week of celebration at the end of December. India is known for its cultural diversities. Hence, there are quite a few options that you can go for in this incredible country. The climate here can get pretty hot in summers. This is the reason why the winter season, especially the month of December is the best time to visit the country. Don’t miss the Gulmarg, J&K, snow festival that makes this one of the best places to visit in December.
December is a month for parties, and no one knows how to throw a party better than the Brazilians. They know how to celebrate the festive season, and Rio de Janeiro is no exception. ‘White Christmas’ here is quite different from what those from the Northern hemisphere know about. From white sandy beaches to giant palm trees shimmering with fairy lights and tinsel to surfers clad in Santa costumes catching waves, you will find everything here. You will also see the markets packed full of cheap trinkets and gifts. If you are looking for an exciting way to ring in the New Year, stick around for the Reveillon celebrations on December 31. Here Copacabana brings over 2 million revellers to party the night away on the white sands with live music, street food, fireworks, and champagne aplenty. So, if you want to party, you know where to go, right?
Spectacular, richly biodiverse, and isolated; the Galapagos Islands are where Charles Darwin first theorised natural selection. Thousands of creatures of the sea and sky call this living laboratory home. If you are looking to visit this place, December is an interesting month in the region, as the weather transitions from the cool, dry season (June to December) into the warm and wet season (January to June). What does that mean for you? The best of both seasons, including the amazing wildlife viewing opportunities each brings. Temperatures average 27c (80F), the water is diving-perfect at 24c (75F). You are just in time to see the Giant Tortoise eggs hatching and sea lion mating season begin.
For nature enthusiasts, curious travellers, and wildlife lovers alike there’s no better way to celebrate the end of 2019 than in the Galapagos, relaxing on the boat deck as Frigate birds arch through the sky overhead.
Have you ever been to the land down under in December? There’s perhaps nothing more iconic than an Australian summer. From buzzing turquoise beaches to bronzed surfers in flip flops, and ‘throwing another Shrimp on the Barbie’ on a hot Christmas Day, it has a lot to offer. Australia truly comes alive in the warmer months. You will witness some world-class cricket, vibrant music festivals, tennis, and outdoor cultural events everywhere you look.
The far north of Australia becomes quite humid and monsoon-like now. Hence, the south-east and south-west of the country are the best places to travel in December. Think days spent frolicking at Bondi, sampling the best of Melbourne’s gourmet scene, wandering Tasmania’s lush forests, or cruising the stunning Great Ocean Road. If you are still around at New Years, the fireworks display over Sydney Harbour is something you should not miss! It is also a prime school holiday period, so make sure to book untimely to maximize your choices and beat the crowds.