Best Places To Visit in December : Travel Destinations 2023 

Snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows and azure lakes are just a few reasons why Glacier National Park is one of America’s most striking parks. There are more than 700 miles of hiking trails in this Montana crown jewel, plus 13 designated areas for camping. In the winter, travelers can enjoy snowshoeing and skiing, while during the summer vacationers can go swimming in Lake McDonald and whitewater rafting on Flathead River, among other popular activities. For those who’d rather admire their surroundings from their car, a scenic drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road can’t be missed.

Named for the remnants of glaciers from the ice age, Glacier National Park is located on the border of Canada and Montana. It is often called the “Crown of the Continent,” because of its dizzying array of natural beauty. A favorite spot among hikers, the park features a variety of trails for all skill levels, ranging from the easy Trail of the Cedars (home to towering and beautiful cedars) to the challenging Grinnell Glacier (which offers sweeping views). What’s more, the park boasts more than 700 lakes, numerous waterfalls and two mountain ranges, spread across more than 1 million acres that shelter a variety of wildlife.

4. Rome

When you visit Italy’s capital city, prepare to cross a few must-see landmarks including the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon off of your bucket list. Travelers can also see some of Italy’s greatest treasures, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, in Vatican City. Escape the tourist crowds by taking a twilight stroll along the cobblestone streets of Trastevere, or head to Mercato Centrale Roma to sample local delicacies like pistachio gelato. Before leaving, peruse some of Rome’s lesser-known museums, art galleries and boutiques, or head to Janiculum Hill for panoramic views of the city.

5. Maui

Whether you’re driving along the Road to Hana, enjoying a bird’s-eye view of Maui’s lush coastline from a helicopter, snorkeling with sea turtles or simply relaxing on white or black sand beaches, you’ll find that this Hawaiian island is unlike any other tropical destination. Don’t miss a chance to visit Haleakala National Park, which is home to one of the world’s largest dormant volcanic craters and boasts surreal sunrises. You should also attend a traditional luau for a dose of local culture and a taste of Hawaiian specialties like poi, poke and i’a fish.

6. Maldives

It is not cheap or easy to reach, but this isolated Indian Ocean vacation spot located southwest of India is the personification of a dreamy tropical retreat. In this remote destination, which is made up of more than 1,000 islands, thatched-roof overwater bungalows sit above the bright aquamarine sea, providing easy water access and a romantic atmosphere. On this once-in-a-lifetime vacation, fill your days with beach trips, spa treatments and snorkeling or scuba diving excursions. If cabin fever sets in, pay a visit to the capital, Malé, where you’ll find historic mosques and open-air markets.

WHERE TO GO IN AFRICA IN DECEMBER

2. Tanzania

Offering a stunning diversity of landscapes and wildlife, this East African country appears on plenty lists of the best places to visit in Africa in December. Top this off with the ease with which visitors can obtain visas for Tanzania and you’ve got the formula for a fantastic time in Africa.

a. Serengeti National Park

The ‘short rains’ season from November to December relieve the dry mid-year winter in Tanzania. Clouds build up in the mornings and break in spectacular, but generally short-lived, showers in the late afternoons that are unlikely to affect game viewing.

Migrant birds return from the northern hemisphere and resident plains game give birth. The Wildebeest Migration is still heading south to the great plains and offer plentiful targets for the Serengeti’s big cats. If you’re looking for dramatic game drives, the Serengeti is where to go on an African safari in December.

b. Tarangire National Park

Temperatures are pleasant – it doesn’t get much above 28°C (82°F) – and game viewing is good right across Tanzania. Elephant-packed Tarangire National Park, yet to receive its main rains, is another great place to go on an African safari in December.

c. Ngorongoro Crater

Created about 3 million years ago when a big volcano exploded and collapsed on itself, the Ngorongoro Crater is the largest intact volcanic caldera on Earth. It’s one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, supporting over 25 000 animals.

While it’s mostly green and lush throughout East Africa in December, the Crater is particularly gorgeous at this time of year. Wildlife photographers are in for a treat in one of the easiest places to see the Big 5.

d. Nyerere National Park (Selous) and Ruaha

Second-time-round safari visitors may want to explore a little further away from the more popular destinations in Tanzania. Early rains are turning Southern Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park and the Nyerere National Park (Selous) green, and a December safari is considered good for game viewing.

Beautifully wild, enormous in size and filled to the brim with wildlife, these areas offer crowd-free safari experiences in East Africa in December.

3. Indian Ocean Islands

Not much beats Christmas in Africa in a hammock under a gently waving palm tree. Enjoying some R&R in a tropical paradise is simply the best way to crown your African safari in December.

In some cases, you can sip coffee at your safari camp in the morning and enjoy a cocktail that same evening on a tropical beach. But choose your island carefully, as the summer rains are starting to fall across the Indian Ocean islands. It’s not day-ruining weather, but cyclone season generally starts from about January and some places are drier than others – it’s always a good idea to check with your Africa Safari Expert.

a. The Seychelles

Home to some of the world’s finest beaches, award-winning resorts and super-stylish villas, the Seychelles weather is generally warm and beach-perfect all year round, with December to April being the hottest months.

Diving and snorkelling conditions are good and if you’re looking for unbeatable exclusivity, one of the Seychelles private island resorts is where to go in Africa in December. Furthermore, thanks to easy logistics and its location, the Seychelles is a great add-on to an East African safari in December.

b. Mauritius

Always a firm favourite for active travellers and families with children, this twinkling jewel in the Indian Ocean offers powder-soft beaches, warm waters and glorious weather year-round. The best time to go to Mauritius is from May to December when it’s cool, dry and sunny. Regular flights make Mauritius a fantastic add-on to a Southern African safari in December.