For some, December is the end of the year. But here at Backroads, it’s the beginning of an inspiring season of winter travel. Most of our favorite December destinations offer an escape from winter’s chill, but one special spot (see if you can guess what it is) offers an epic journey to one of the world’s coldest lands.
Top Places to Go in December
December trips see the year out in style, and these five destinations help you make the most of the shortest days of the year.
Death Valley
It may be called Death Valley, but in December, this California National Park is bursting with life. It’s a time when snowcapped mountains frame the valley and wildlife like bighorn sheep and kit foxes roam the striped hills. Mild daytime temperatures make this an ideal time of year for biking and hiking, so get ready for Red Rock Canyon’s vibrant sandstone cliffs, Mosaic Canyon’s serpentine narrows and some of the best stargazing in the US.
Check out our Backroads Death Valley Adventures
India
In India, December brings warm sunny days perfect for chai-fueled adventures that engage every sense. It’s a great time of year to see the country at a slower pace, on a camel caravan across the desert, from the seat of a bike as you pedal past farms and colorful temples and on walking tours of hill region villages. Along the way, soak up views of the indigo-washed houses of Jodhpur, take a traditional yoga class and enjoy downtime at luxurious hotels.
Delve into India on Backroads’ India Multi-Adventure Tour
Antarctica
Antarctica is one of earth’s true adventures. To get there, you’ll venture to the southern tip of South America to sail the Drake Passage—an ocean crossing famous for big swells. For your determination, you’ll be rewarded with ice-capped landscapes few have seen. Kayak among icebergs, spot penguins and humpback whales and hike to a volcanic summit. On the ship, join in conditioning classes along with lectures from biologists and naturalists.
Join the adventure on Backroads’ Antarctica Ocean Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour
Colombia
In December, Colombia shines with holiday festivities and comfortable weather. This South American country just a three-hour flight from Miami has been recognized as one of the continent’s most beautiful places. On a Backroads trip, you’ll hike the dreamy landscapes of the Cocora Valley, trek the coastline of Tayrona National Park and spend time in both tiny highland villages and big-city Cartagena.
Learn more about Backroads’ Colombia Hiking & Walking Tours
Thailand
To make the most of a trip to Thailand, timing is everything. December offers some of the best weather of the year, with lower humidity, pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunshine—just-right conditions for pedaling along rice fields to the Golden Triangle’s ancient temples, hiking through jungles, kayaking beneath limestone karsts and basking in the waters of white-sand beaches. Along the way, you’ll meet locals, sample home-cooked meals and street-food favorites and of course, stay hydrated with regional specialties like fresh coconuts and Thai iced tea.
Browse Backroads’ Thailand Tours
Your Questions, Answered
What are good places to visit in December for Christmas?
Looking to make the most of holiday travel? We get it. In December, we have trips that include Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or New Year’s. Some of the most popular holiday adventures are Hawaii’s Big Island Family Multi-Adventure Tour, our Italian Dolomites Snow Adventure Tour, the Vietnam & Cambodia Bike Tour and the Yellowstone & Tetons Snow Adventure Tour.
What are the best places to travel in December for warm weather?
When the weather turns cold, sometimes the only vacation you want is one where the sunshine warms your skin. For a December trip to a hot-weather destination beyond those we’ve spotlighted above, we also love Vietnam, Cambodia and Costa Rica.
What are good places to go in December in the USA?
You don’t need to go far to have a December adventure. Our US winter trips include Palm Springs & Joshua Tree, Arizona’s Saguaro National Park, Hawaii and Santa Barbara. All these destinations offer weather that ranges from mild to warm, and all have incredible winter outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, kayaking and rock climbing.
