If your teeth grind in the winter and the shorter days are stressing you out, you should pack your things and head out to the warmer pastures. Believe it or not, December can be quite an thrilling time to travel and you can have a vacation full of marine activities. Always remember that, at the other end of the world, summer is just beginning. If you are interested in where to go on an adventure, here are the 10 best destinations for enjoying the December sun.
Adventures in the Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands are the perfect destination for a December trip, when daily temperatures in the region do not exceed 26°C and infrequently drop below 16°C. The islands are famous for their endemic biosphere and you get the chance to see some of the most interesting and fascinating species of fauna from as close a distance as possible.
Dancing in Rio de Janeiro
Of course, if you want to go someplace hot in December, it does not must be a tropical island. Rio de Janeiro boasts a temperature of 28°C, so you can walk barefoot on Ipanema beach. In a city famous for its epic parties, you will enjoy the Christmas and New Year’s Eve Holidays of a lifetime.
Rest your eyes in Thailand
The average December temperature in Phuket Province (which is located in the south of Thailand) is around 31°C. Plus, you will have the ability to enjoy the amazing beaches and clear blue waters without fear of monsoons. Spend a day sunbathing at Hat Mai Khao Beach and go party at Surin Beach after the sun has set. Karon and Kata are known as decent and reliable hotels when you are thinking about where to stay.
Great week in Melbourne
As Europe and the United States are battered by incessant rains and snowstorms during the winter, you can hop on a plane and head to sunny Melbourne where temperatures reach around 24°C. The colourful cityscape is full of vibrant attractions and thrilling activities. Since you cannot really enjoy summer in French vineyards, do not miss the wine lands of the Yarra Valley.
Short trip to Tasmania
If you are in the mood for an impromptu adventure, you can too embarked on a last minute cruise and take a boat from Melbourne to Tasmania. The cruise lasts four days and you get to enjoy an amazing carnival vacation that you’ll cherish for the rest of your days. Tasmania is known for its incredible natural beauty, so this destination should be on your bucket list.
Serenity in Cyprus
Cyprus is one of those islands that does not appear to be as popular as some of the other hot spots, considering it is crazy the beauty it offers. This charming country has some amazing cliffs, lovely beaches and amazing national parks that you can enjoy walking in summer, enjoying mild temperatures of around 20°C.
Go urban in South Africa
Everyone wants to visit Cape Town. It’s a real metropolis in the extreme south of the world and an amazing backdrop for an urban vacation in December with temperatures expected to be around 24°C. Plus, it is a city with a rich Christmas culture, with festive lights and nightly song concerts adding to the yo-ho-ho atmosphere despite the high temperatures.
Get lost in Auckland
Like Cape Town, Auckland is a developed city on the edge of the world – and New Zealand’s largest metropolis. Its vibrating cityscapes crammed with urban vibrancy will remind you of Australian cities, such as Sydney and Melbourne, and will make you entirely forget you are in the country where The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed.
Discover Oman
Oman is not the first place on people’s minds when they start thinking of December vacation destinations, but you’ll find it so much to offer, maybe even more than the world’s most fascinating exotic region. You’ll admire the sand dunes, mountain ranges and welcoming Middle Eastern feel of the place. It does not precisely spell Christmas, but it can be a nice change of pace. If you want to do deep diving, do not miss visiting Jebel Sifah Resort.
Explore Sri Lanka
If you have heard that the famous island off the coast of India is usually affected by the monsoons between October and January, you will be happy to know that the south of the island is generally clear of dramatic rains. With temperatures of 30°C, December is the ideal month to visit Sri Lanka and feel like a real explorer as you discover its mystical beauty.
Christmas can be a stunning time of year, but many people cannot stand the freezing low temperatures and short cloudy days. So, why not have all the incredible Christmas activities and decorations coupled with the gorgeous weather? Be conscious of the indisputable fact that several tropical areas around the globe are in hurricane season, and try to avoid these hot spots no matter how alluring they may seem.