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Best places to holiday in December
Perhaps you fancy a different way to celebrate a traditional Christmas this year, or want to treat yourself to a pre-Christmas adventure or break? And who would blame you? It’s a busy time – so here are some of our recommendations if you decide to do something a little different.
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Dolomites, Italy
Combine the best of Italian mountain charm with some added festive touches during Christmas in the Italian Dolomites in the town of Molveno. As well as the usual delicious local food and wine and its lovely lakeside setting, there are Christmas markets in the nearby towns, while beautiful Lake Molveno looks as if it’s come straight from a winter fairytale, with snow dusting the peaks. Buon Natale, as the Italians say.
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Spain
While you might not be sunbathing on the Costa del Sol this month, you’ll still find warmer weather in somewhere like Benalmadena than Britain, with Christmas departures if you want to mark the 25th with more of a fiesta this year. Or you’ll find lots of options on the Costa Blanca this month too, for some midwinter warmth as well as Christmas breaks. Expect Iberico ham, cheese, seafood and local stews and soups on the Christmas menu in Spain.
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Canary Islands
For some winter sun without a long-haul flight, the Canary Islands are still basking in the sunshine in December, with temperatures over 20C. Enjoy days by the coast in Tenerife, along with a chance to see the volcanic peak of Mount Teide at the heart of the island. Or discover the unique volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote and the miles of golden sands on Gran Canaria, with plenty of chance to eat al fresco or simply relax on the beach.
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Egypt
From Nile cruises to relaxing hotel stays, Egypt is at its best in December, with pleasantly warm sunny weather that’s not too hot to stop you exploring the ancient sites and cities. From ancient Alexandria, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World to the equally iconic Pyramids of Giza, you can journey through Egyptian history, visiting the tombs of the pharaohs at the Valley of the Kings in Luxor and the temples along the Nile along the way.
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Australia
An ancient landscape with over 50,000 years of indigenous culture, jaw-dropping coastlines and laidback charm, there is nowhere else like Australia. From coastal city charm and baking ochre-covered outback to the vast Great Barrier Reef, December is a fantastic time to explore Australia. Less crowded, warm and dry, wildflowers are also in full bloom. It really is an adventure of a lifetime.
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New Zealand
As midsummer arrives in New Zealand, December is a glorious time to explore the country’s spectacular scenery, including the famous Milford Sound. There's also a chance to learn about Māori culture, wildlife to watch out for, world-class wines to sample and even the chance to walk to a glacier. In December, the weather is perfect for discovering the highlights of New Zealand’s islands, as you travel from the top of the South Island to the bottom of the North Island.
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New York, USA
If you’re a huge fan of Christmas festivities, there’s nowhere as festive as New York City lit up with twinkling lights and Christmas trees towering three storeys high. In the city that never sleeps, shop till you drop in iconic stores, wrap up warm, sip hot chocolate and watch as skaters hit the ice rink in Central Park. Plus all the iconic sights of this exciting metropolis, including the Statue of Liberty, Met Museum and Empire State Building.
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Antigua, Caribbean
Get your fix of Caribbean sunshine in Antigua. Think pristine white sands, top snorkelling spots – such as Dickenson Bay and Half Moon Bay – games of cricket and colourful summer carnivals – and you’ve got a small taster of this charming island. The rainy season has subsided, and now only warm and dry conditions will greet you at every turn. Time to sit back, and enjoy island life...
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South Africa
There’s so much to see in South Africa that one visit will never be enough but a midsummer trip is a great option to see some of the best of South Africa, from its cosmopolitan cities and dramatic coastlines to sun-dappled vineyards. While the wet season is underway in the north of the country, it’s a fantastic month to spot the wildlife around the eastern Cape or along the Garden Route, as well as exploring Cape Town itself.
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Dubai and UAE
Although it’s midwinter in Dubai and rest of the United Arab Emirates, you’ll find delightfully warm temperatures in the mid-20Cs, rather than the fierce heat of an Arabian summer. Whether you’d just like to escape the cold and relax on the beach in Dubai, head into the desert (wrap up warm in the evenings), discover the attractions of the UAE’s capital Abu Dhabi or venture into the mountains of Ras al Khaimah, now is the time to go.
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Thailand
Thailand, the ‘Land of Smiles,’ has it all; welcoming and friendly people, powder-soft sandy beaches, national parks laced with waterfalls, and buzzy cities full of ancient temples – and December’s dry, comparatively cool temperatures in the high 20Cs make it an ideal time to explore. From Chiang Mai in the north to Bangkok and Thailand’s tropical islands, such as Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui, plus a chance to see elephants or cruise on the River Kwai, one holiday is never enough.
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Vietnam
With three different climates across Vietnam, picking one month to travel can be tricky, but December makes a great option to explore this fascinating destination. In the north, it will be cool and dry, while the south will be much hotter but still dry, while central Vietnam also gets less rainy around Hoi An as the month goes on. Discover exhilarating Hanoi and the beauty of Halong Bay, cruise the Mekong, explore Ho Chi Min City and finish with time on the beach.
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