When thinking about the best places to visit in December, you may be tempted to view the month through the lend of Christmas. However, December brings unique destinations that are so much more than dazzling light displays or Christmas markets.
Here’s your chance to enjoy a weekend sojourn in Oman, or head down (and we mean all the way down) for an Antarctic tour. You can also book a flight to enjoy the souks of Morocco or guided scuba diving trips.
No matter what you choose, here are some of the best places to travel this winter for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. If overseas is not your cup of tea, Anubhav Vacation can help you choose from the best places to visit in December in India to make your winter getaway special.
Oman, Arabia’s Hidden Gem
Oman is the best place to visit in December and while it might not be on a lot of people’s bucket list, it should be. This far-off country in the Middle East is the stuff of dreams and one can find oasis canyons, exotic souqs, deserts, vast dunes, and more.
Planning a trip to Oman is quite easy if you have a professional company like Anubhav Vacations to help you plan your itinerary. Here are some of the must-visit places in Oman that you need to go to.
Go Now: The Bimmah Sinkhole
Leaving the super clean Muscat, you can simply drive an hour down the beautiful eastern Omani coast to stop at the Bimmah Sinkhole. The turquoise waters are crystal clear, making it perfect for a swim.
The Ancient Omani Port of Sur
Choosing Oman holiday packages will allow you to easily visit this place. It takes about 45 minutes through dusty roads and wilderness to reach the ancient port town of Sur.
Wadi Bani Khalid
‘Wadi’ means valley. While valleys here are sandy canyons, they are exceptional in Oman. They offer fresh mineral springs, lush green oases, and creeks lined with palm trees and villages.
Spend the Night in Wahiba Sands Desert
Wahiba Sands Desert is a lovely place to sleep under the stars in the desert in the comfort of your luxury tent. You can then head to the city of Nizwa in the morning which is a must-see.
The Powerful Nizwa Fort
Nizwa used to be the ancient capital of Oman ringed by mountains on all sides. So they built this amazing fort to protect it.
Plan Now: Return to Muscat Along the Mountain Road
Not a lot of people decide to return to Muscat by road. If this is you, then you need to plan to take one of the main new highways that will whisk you to Muscat in no time. This is a scenic route that you shouldn’t forgo. You can enjoy the steep valleys and oasis towns along the Mountain Road.
Or Let’s Consider…
If you have already visited Oman, or are looking for something similar, why not try Egypt? This city offers adventure, culture, scenic beauty, pretty souks, and loads of Egyptian history.
Discover the Best of Egypt with the Locals
There’s nothing quite like a luxe trip to the deserts of Egypt to broaden your horizons. From its rich capital Cairo, to the soon-to-open Egyptian Museum, this city is becoming a must-see for art and history aficionados everywhere.
Exploring Egypt can take time. So, you will need at least nine days to complete your tour. Some people choose reliable Egypt tour packages that can help them plan their trip. Keep in mind that the desert can get quite toasty during the day and freezing cold at night. Hence, you’ll want to plan your trip depending on the type of weather you like.
Go Now: Cairo
Cairo is the capital of Egypt and is a total sensory overload. Here one can see lanes of traffic, tuk-tuks, donkeys, spice markets, and people crossing the street all at once. Here, you can explore the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a series of burial chambers, and the Great Library, an ancient library that was once a cultural center and home to many scholars.
Pyramids of Giza
The Giza Pyramids tend to look like they are endless miles down a dusty path, however they are quite central. You can see the Great Pyramid, enjoy the panoramic viewpoint, opt for a camel ride, or even take a Photo with the Sphynx.
Khan Khalili Bazaar
This bazaar is a maze of shops lined with antiques, souvenirs, coffee shops, restaurants, food vendors, and mosques.
Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum also known as the Museum of Cairo is a must-see. You will see the largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities in the world along with treasures from King Tutankhamun.
Lake Nasser and Abu Simbel
The two temples of Ramses II at Abu Simbel are the most popular Nubian Monuments. It celebrates the reign of Ancient Egypt’s mightiest pharaoh and is carved out of solid rock in the 13th century. You can also visit Lake Nasser by boat to explore this stunning place.
Plan Now: Luxor
Not a lot of travelers know about Luxor. This city is not only quieter than Cairo but also home to many temples and tombs of the Pharaohs and their queens. You can expect sun-soaked desert towns and the tranquil shores of the Mediterranean.
Or Let’s Consider…
If you have visited Egypt or looking for someplace cooler, Morocco has plenty to love. From souks to year-round surf spots, Marrakesh offers winding alleys to markets full of colors, smells, and extremely approachable locals.
From Arctic Baths to Glacier Hikes
Sleighs, reindeer, and an endless blanket of powdery snow. That is what Scandinavia is all about. In Finland’s far north, you will find all things cozy and comforting. Most people choose to opt for Scandinavia winter tour packages for 10 days which will give them enough time to explore this beautiful place.
Expect exceptional landscapes, thrilling adventures, and immersive ways to experience winder Scandi-style. Be sure to dress the part though, with woollen socks included.
Go Now: Rovaniemi – Santa Claus’ Hometown
A trip to the Arctic Circle is not complete without visiting Rovaniemi. Take a magical journey to the Arctic Circle in Lapland to meet Santa Claus any day of the year. You can even explore Rovaniemi’s fascinating history and legends.
Arctic Dog Sled Ride
You can head to Breivikeidet, which is an hour from Tromso, and enjoy dog sledding tours. You can either drive your own sled or have someone help you ride through the winter wonderland of Northern Norway.
Kiruna
Kiruna offers a host of hiking opportunities and even showcases the famous Ice Hotel. Here, you can catch the Northern Lights from the comfort of your dome, cabin, or cottage.
The Ice Hotel
The first Ice Hotel was made when French artist Jannot Derid built himself an igloo to host an art show in Sweden. When rooms weren’t available, a group of tourists asked to stay at this igloo. This was the genesis of the first Ice Hotel. It can accommodate 100 guests and has a restaurant, an ice bar, and a chapel.
Plan Now: Camp Tamok
At this camp, you can enjoy a ride on a reindeer sled or even go on an afternoon tour. Not a lot of travelers know about Camp Tamok, but it’s a must-see. It offers beautiful views of frozen valleys, impressive mountaintops, and greenery. You can chase the Northern Lights on a snowmobile.
Or Let’s Consider…
Reykjavik, Iceland, is an ideal travel destination for those who have seen Lapland or looking for something more thrill-seeking. This Nordic island holds legends, mountains, volcanoes, Viking history, glaciers, and gorgeous architecture, making it a must-visit.
Don’t Forget to Savor the Christmas Markets
Along with exploring the best destinations in December, don’t forget the Christmas Markets. These are highlights of the season when town squares get decorated by colorful fairy lights and locals looking for an excuse to toast. The markets are fun and come with plenty of food and festivities.
Here are some tips to help you make the most of the Christmas markets.
Timing is Everything
Christmas markets are great but not when you are elbowing your way through so many people. Timing is key here, so if you can, avoid weekends and choose to go on the weekdays or even mid-afternoons before the evening rush for a better experience.
Feast Your Way Through the Market
These markets are a foodie’s dream come true. There is everything from desserts to cotton candy, bratwurst sizzling on grills, piping hot churros, and even hot chocolate. You can even try roasted chestnuts with their smoky scent and mulled wine. Make sure to take reusable bags with you if you want to take any of this food home.
Ready for Those Winter Vacation Chills and Thrills? Let Us Help You Plan
December is the perfect time of the year to travel. You can enjoy everything from skiing to snowboarding, dog sled rides, and even the scent of mulled wine and freshly fallen snow wafting through the air. If you are looking to take your friends or family this December, simply let Anubhav Vacations plan your trip. We can custom-design the perfect itinerary that will suit you and your entire family.
