Best places to travel in December on a Budget

Are you one of those who want to use the winter break to get away from the traditional celebrations and go on a vacation? December is one of the best months to travel to many parts of the world. Explore some exotic beach destinations, hit the ski slopes of a fairytale Alpine ski resort, or enjoy the spring in the warm Southern Hemisphere. There are so many different options to make the most of your holiday season. Unfortunately, December is not the most affordable month to travel. Travelers planning a year-end holiday must deal with a heavy rush, exorbitant airfares, and obnoxious hotel rates.

December is abuzz with festivals, vacations, sales, and celebrations across the world. If you plan your vacation in the last week of December, the only way to get affordable options is to book months in advance. However, if you skip the peak holiday week from Christmas to New Year, costs are pretty manageable. Airlines and hotels are on the lookout to woo customers before the holiday rush, and you can find plenty of bargains around.

We have curated a list of stunning places where you can travel in December without breaking the bank. One of the major costs of an international vacation is flight tickets. With that in mind, we have listed destinations from around the world. You can choose a location closer to your home to help reduce airfare costs.

THAILAND IN DECEMBER

Thailand is a budget-friendly destination year-round, and December is no exception. Turquoise clear waters, sultry beaches, gorgeous islands, vibrant nightlife, artistic temples, and relaxing massages make Thailand a highly sought-after destination for travelers worldwide. December is one of the best months to visit Thailand, as the days are pleasant with plenty of sunshine and little to no rain. You can take your pick from the gorgeous Thai islands like Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi Island, Koh Samui, etc., or enjoy the vibrant Bangkok.

Christmas and New Year are celebrated with full gusto, and everything is brightly lit and festive. Musical events, galas, and celebrations are held across the country. There is no dearth of budget hostels and hotels in Thailand. If you consider the affordable flight options, lip-smacking street food, inexpensive massages, and dirt-cheap shopping, you should have no problem having a whale of a time in Thailand, and that too within your budget.

Recommended Places to Visit in December: Bangkok, Krabi, Phi Phi Island, Chiang Mai, Phuket

INDIA IN DECEMBER

From the snow-covered mountains of North India & the historical regions of Rajasthan/Agra to the scenic beaches of Goa & lush landscapes of Kerala, December is one of the best times to visit India. If the north is freezing with sub-zero temperatures, South India is experiencing its best time of the year, with warm sunshine and minimal rainfall. The temperature and climate keep changing as you move across the vast, well-spread-out country, so plan accordingly.

India is consistently affordable, with numerous budget-friendly accommodation options, reasonable restaurants, and an efficient public transportation system. Rates in Goa will surge during Christmas and New Year, while the rest of the country will see only marginal increases, as most cities hold low-key celebrations. The end of December is the holiday season in India, so make your reservations in advance to secure a spot and stay within your budget.

Recommended Places to Visit in December: Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan, Agra, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Varanasi, Andamans

DUBAI IN DECEMBER

The architectural marvels, vibrant atmosphere, extensive shopping options, extravagant lifestyles, fun attractions, and world-class infrastructure make Dubai popular among people of all ages and nationalities. The city keeps reinventing itself, and you’ll always discover exciting new attractions to explore anytime you go. December is the best time to visit Dubai – the streets are bustling with festivities, the entire city is illuminated, malls are buzzing with offers, and temperatures are much cooler (16°C-26 °C). Staying in Dubai during the New Year can be expensive, but you can witness the brilliant and grand display of fireworks at the iconic Burj Khalifa.

Dubai is the hub for Emirates, one of the world’s largest airlines. Therefore, you can easily find reasonable airfare deals by regularly checking. Dubai offers an abundance of eateries and hotels/serviced apartments to suit all budgets. If you are a shopaholic, the shopping offers and discounts should offset the additional expenses you incur while holidaying in Dubai during peak season.

PHILIPPINES IN DECEMBER

If you are looking to avoid the crowded Southeastern countries, consider planning a vacation to the Philippines – an archipelago comprising more than 7,000 tropical islands. The picturesque islands, with white-powdery beaches, lush rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and smoldering volcanoes, are largely unexplored and untouched. The trendy nightlife, welcoming locals, and abundant adventure activities all contribute to the charm of this fantastic country.

In December, all parts of the Philippines are fully accessible. Days are sunny with minimal rainfall, humidity is manageable, and temperatures range from 22° to 32°C. Christmas is celebrated with great fanfare, and preparations begin as early as September. The Philippines can be explored on almost any budget, with numerous affordable lodging, dining, and transportation options.

Recommended Places to Visit in December: Boracay, El Nido, Chocolate Park, Siargao Island, Coron, Cebu, and Palawan.

NEW ZEALAND IN DECEMBER

As New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, summer begins in this breathtaking paradise, with temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 30 °C. The country is peppered with tranquil lakes, snow-capped mountains, mysterious volcanoes, and picturesque glaciers. With flowers in full bloom, the countryside looks enchanting, and every turn reveals more stunning views. Days are long and warm. You have the option to relax on the white-sand beaches, swim in the Pacific Ocean, experience endless adventure sports, or soak in the spectacular panoramic views.

December gets merrier and more festive as Christmas approaches. Schools close before Christmas for the summer holidays, and tourist destinations are bustling with domestic and international travelers. The perfect time to soak in the festive spirit in the sunny, warm weather, away from the harsh winters of the Northern Hemisphere. It is best to book well in advance if you want to travel during the last week of December. Other ways to regulate your budget include renting a car, staying on the outskirts, and keeping your adrenaline rush under control. Adventure sports can be pretty expensive and may impact your estimated expenses.

Recommended Places to Visit in December: Queenstown, Rotorua, Auckland, Bay of Islands, Wellington

PRAGUE IN DECEMBER

If you plan to travel in December and can tolerate freezing temperatures (-3° to 4°), Prague is a great option. The city is renowned for its Baroque architecture, old-world charm, cobbled streets, rich history, and picturesque bridges. In December, Prague transforms into a Winter Wonderland, complete with sprinkled snow, outdoor Christmas markets, illuminated streets, festive euphoria, and delicious food. The city is cold, but the rainy season is over, and Prague is incredibly beautiful, romantic, and magical.

Prague is renowned as a budget-friendly European destination, and in December, it remains affordable. Flight tickets are rock-bottom, accommodations are reasonably priced, and there are fewer people around—a perfect winter destination to enjoy the festive season, and that too within your budget. If you visit around the 20th of December, you will see the entire city illuminated with Christmas lights, bright colors, lively music, and endless celebrations. Use the opportunity to visit the rest of Eastern Europe. 

SPAIN IN DECEMBER

Like much of Europe, Spain will experience cold winters, with temperatures ranging from 6°C to 15°C. Because of its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, Spain has one of the warmest climates in Europe. Spain is a large country with varying temperatures depending on the place you visit. If you want to enjoy the sun, the Canary Islands and Costa del Sol are excellent choices. At the same time, Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and Granada are ideal for learning about Spanish culture and history.

During Christmas and New Year, the entire country of Spain is lit up, celebrations are in full swing, and the country looks magical. If you need more, there is fantastic food, lively locals, and stunning landscapes. December is considered a low season in Spain, so you will find fewer tourists, lower accommodation rates, and lower airfare. This measure will help reduce the spread of viruses by asking visitors to complete an online health questionnaire.

Recommended Places to Visit in December: Seville, Barcelona, Granada, Canary Islands, Madrid

EGYPT IN DECEMBER

One country that consistently ranks on everyone’s bucket list is Egypt. It has some of the world’s most resilient and well-preserved monuments, which continue to perplex researchers.
The Pyramids of Giza, the enigmatic Mummies, the Valley of the Kings, and the Tomb of Tutankhamun have fascinated travelers for decades. In recent years, tourists have discovered the idyllic beaches and swanky resorts of the Red Sea.

December is one of the best times to visit Egypt. Temperatures are pleasant throughout the day, with occasional showers. You may want to bring a light jacket if you plan an early-morning or late-night outing. With cooler weather and the approaching holiday season, the attractions and Bazaars are crowded, the nightlife is buzzing, and you can feel the festivities in the air. Hotel rates and airfares would increase during the festive week. But the rest of December is quite affordable, especially for people from the Western world.

Recommended Places to Visit in December: Giza, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Sharm el-Sheik, Hurghada, Abu Simbel 

MEXICO IN DECEMBER

The rainy season is over; days are sunny, the sea is warm, and temperatures are pleasant. December is an ideal time to visit most parts of Mexico, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 28 °C. Mexico, beautiful, warm, diverse, fun-packed, and energetic, is always a highly sought-after destination, and December offers many advantages. It is one of the best seasons to experience traditional Mexican festivals, observe wildlife, relax on pristine beaches, and enjoy a wide range of water activities.

The latter part of December would see big celebrations, holiday crowds, and steep prices. It would be prudent to travel at the beginning of the month if you are looking for bargains and discounted rates. If the end of December is the only time you can spare, you should avoid Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and other popular resort towns. Visit cities such as Mexico City, Cozumel, Tulum, and Oaxaca, which offer unique cultural experiences at affordable prices.

Recommended Places to Visit in December: Rivera Maya, Cozumel, Tulum, Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas

CARIBBEAN ISLANDS IN DECEMBER

The Caribbean is a destination that enjoys plenty of sunshine year-round, and visitors in December can expect perfect weather (19°-30°C). Days are dry and sunny, evenings are cool, and the threat of hurricanes is over. You can lounge on the pristine beaches, explore the dense rainforests, try your luck in the casinos, spot the vibrant coral reefs, enjoy the famed nightlife, or indulge in some holiday shopping.

It is not easy deciding where to holiday amongst the 7000 enchanting islands of the Caribbean Sea. Jamaica, Belize, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico are among the most sought-after islands in December. Multiple flights, affordable lodging, live music, cultural events, scrumptious food, and non-stop celebrations – everything needed for a scintillating, enjoyable, and cheap vacation. The region starts filling up before Christmas, and room/flight rates escalate, so target the first three weeks of December if you have a limited budget.

Recommended Places to Visit in December: Aruba, Turks And Caicos Islands, Barbados, Dominica, Anguilla, Puerto Rico, Belize, St. Kitts

MOROCCO IN DECEMBER

Visiting Morocco in December can be a rewarding experience, especially if you enjoy cooler weather and want to explore the country without the sweltering summer heat. Coastal cities like Casablanca and Rabat typically have milder temperatures, while inland towns like Marrakech and Fez tend to be slightly colder. The Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert can get quite chilly, and snowfall is possible in higher elevations. Morocco is a developing country, so you can find affordable prices year-round. Since it is the off-season, December has some of the year’s best deals.

Morocco is known for its maze-like, colorful alleys, age-old customs, lively markets, exotic scents, intriguing past, and the Moroccan Desert. You can click all you want, as vivid surprises and ancient history await you around every corner. Popular tourist destinations include the Medina of Marrakech, the coastal town of Essaouira, the ancient cities of Fez and Chefchaouen, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains. 

The Sahara Desert can experience significant temperature drops in December, so if you plan to go, be prepared for cooler evenings and mornings. However, this also means activities such as camel trekking and stargazing will be more comfortable. Morocco is predominantly Muslim, and locals celebrate the Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year) and the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday in December.  

Recommended Places to Visit in December: Marrakech, Fez, Chefchaouen, Casablanca

CAMBODIA IN DECEMBER

Cambodia, one of Southeast Asia’s more affordable destinations, is ideal for long-haul winter sunseekers on a budget. The country enters its dry season in December, considered one of the best times to visit the region due to favorable weather. The country is known for its ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples, beaches, lush countryside, incredible art, bargain-filled bazaars, and succulent street food. Most tourists visit the amazing country to explore the jungle-entwined temples of Angkor Wat, the spectacular ruins of the mighty Khmer Empire.

Cambodia also offers a variety of other attractions, such as Phnom Penh’s enticing riverfronts and imposing palaces, Battambang’s colonial towns, the never-ending rice fields of Mondulkiri, and the tranquil, dense forests. While Cambodia’s coastline may not be as well-known as that of other Southeast Asian destinations, it is still a good time to visit beach towns like Sihanoukville and nearby islands. Clear skies and pleasant temperatures make it an excellent time for beach activities. December is also the month of the Water Festival, also known locally as “Bon Om Touk.” This festival commemorates the end of the rainy season and the reversal of the Tonle Sap River’s flow.

Recommended Places to Visit in December: Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Sihanoukville, Kampot, Battambang, Kep

Have you visited any other countries in December that you think should be added to the list? You can use the comment section to give some options.