December makes a fantastic time for long haul travel, particularly for those seeking a bit of winter sun. Whilst we’re really having to wrap up in the UK, destinations on the other side of the globe are welcoming brilliant sunshine, perfect for relaxing on golden sands, or getting out and exploring. The lead-up to Christmas and New Year adds an extra sense of occasion too, and a long haul holiday can make this time of year even more memorable, as you embrace new traditions and experiences.
| Summary: Our travel experts select six of top picks for a long-haul holiday in December. Learn why December makes an ideal time to travel to each destination, and enjoy exclusive travel tips to help you to plan your trip. |
Below are six destinations that boast inviting weather and unique festivities in December, alongside a travel tip from our experts.
| Abel Tasman National Park | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 11,700 Miles |
| Journey Time | 28 Hours (including 2 stops) |
| Local Time | GMT + 13 Hours |
| What airlines to fly? | Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Emirates |
| What hotels to stay in? | Abel Tasman Lodge |
| Visit Abel Tasman National Park |
Golden beaches, turquoise waters, lush rainforest… Perhaps this sounds like Thailand or Costa Rica, but it’s actually New Zealand’s South Island. Abel Tasman is the country’s most visited National Park, and it’s easy to see why. The park’s spectacular landscapes feel like New Zealand is just showing off. In a day trip, you can sunbathe on golden sands, visit hidden coves by kayak, encounter friendly fur seals on the shoreline and hike a dramatic coastal path.
In December, New Zealand is beginning to make its transition from spring into summer. Throughout the month, Abel Tasman National Park sees temperatures between 16°C and 23°C, which is perfect for exploring all that the park has to offer. And, as New Zealand welcomes longer days and warmer weather, there really is no better place to be, because Abel Tasman boasts more sunshine annually than anywhere else in the country. In the summer, the park really does become a subtropical paradise, and you’ll leave with a camera roll full of photos that look like you’ve turned up the saturation.
There is so much to do in Abel Tasman National Park, so if you can dedicate a few days to exploring, it’s worth it. December is a fantastic time to explore the park from the water. Take a kayak tour and cruise gently around the sheltered coastline, discovering secluded coves and rocky outcrops where fur seals laze in the sun. You can spend leisurely afternoons swimming, picnicking and discovering secluded coves, perfectly balancing adventure and relaxation.
Hiking is undoubtedly one of the most popular experiences at Abel Tasman, and there are routes to suit all abilities. For a moderate walk, the Pitt Head Loop starts and ends in Anchorage Bay, and it typically takes around an hour and a half. This trail rewards you with a quintessential Abel Tasman view, as you look down over the perfect crescent of Te Pukatea Bay, contrasted against the bright blue of the water.
For more experienced hikers, the 60km Abel Tasman Coast Track works its way along the coastline, passing through dramatic granite headlands and subtropical rainforests. Walking the entirety of the route takes around four days, and you can camp within the park as you go.
Travel Tip: To enjoy the track as half or full day walks, you can take advantage of the network of water taxis, which make it easy to access different sections of the park. With several operators to choose from, it’s a convenient option, allowing you to go as you please.
| Chiang Mai | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 5600 Miles |
| Journey Time | 15 Hours (including 1 stop) |
| Local Time | GMT +7 Hours |
| What airlines to fly? | Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines |
| What hotels to stay in? | Na Nirand Boutique Resort, Shangri La Chiang Mai, Melia Chiang Mai |
| Visit Chiang Mai |
Nestled between the towering mountain ranges and thick jungles of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is a bustling cultural hub. Ancient temples sit alongside colourful markets and trending cafés, coming together to create its own unique charm.
December boasts great weather for exploring and Chiang Mai is a great destination for winter sun. Whilst areas of Southern Thailand become scorching, Chiang Mai is also sunny, but pleasantly cooler. During the day, temperatures tend to sit around 26°C, getting down to a mild 14°C in the evenings.
Chiang Mai’s Old City is a patchwork of opulent temples. 14th century Wat Phra Singh is characterised by its elegant Lanna-style architecture and striking golden stupas. You can stroll peacefully around its courtyards and admire its intricately carved wooden doors and colourful murals. Wat Sri Suphan, or the Silver Temple, is also striking, almost entirely clad in silver, with breathtaking handcrafted details.
Chiang Mai is also famous for its markets, with the Sunday Walking Street and the daily Night Bazaar making popular places to pick up a hand-crafted souvenir or to sample some street food. A food tour is also a great way to explore the city, as you eat your way around accompanied by an expert guide.
The weather in December also lends itself perfectly to outdoor activities, and there are plenty of ways to explore the magnificent landscapes that surround the city. Monk’s Trail is a popular hike, navigating lush jungle, streams and waterfalls before you reach the hidden Wat Pha Lat temple. You can choose to continue to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, although the path quickly becomes steep before reaching a 306-step staircase. You’ll be rewarded, however, with incredible views: the temple’s golden chedi contrasted dramatically against the jungle backdrop.
Doi Inthanon National Park is also a must visit, home to Thailand’s highest peak. Enjoy striking views over the mountains and explore the beautifully manicured gardens that surround the iconic Royal Twin Pagodas.
Chiang Mai is also home to Elephant Hills Bush Camp, a luxury safari-style camp and ethical elephant sanctuary. There is no elephant riding or touching, but you can prepare the elephant’s meals and feed it to them each morning during your stay, before you enjoy time to learn about local Karen culture and the conservation work the the mahouts carry out in the afternoons.
Chiang Mai also makes a magical place to spend the New Year. At the CAD Cultural Centre, you can enjoy a traditional market, a fair, live music and light shows in the early evening, before an incredible spectacle begins. As the countdown approaches, lanterns are released into the starry sky, and, when the clock strikes midnight, the fireworks show begins, illuminating the thousands of lanterns that dot the night sky.
Travel Tip: Pack light clothing for the humid days but make sure to have layers that you can easily pop on when you’re visiting temples, and they’re useful for keeping warm in the cooler evenings and in the mountains.
| Hawaii | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 7224 Miles |
| Journey Time | 20 Hours (including 1 stop) |
| Local Time | GMT -10 Hours |
| What airlines to fly? | Virgin Atlantic, Delta |
| What hotels to stay in? | Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort, Hana-Maui Resort, Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort |
| Visit Hawaii |
When you think of heading to America for a winter break, visiting New York City for Christmas or searching for the sun in Florida make popular choices, but Hawaii is a December destination that should not be overlooked. With perfect land and see temperatures, charming festivities and spectacular scenery, Hawaii makes a fantastic warm holiday in December.
Although December falls at the beginning of Hawaii’s rainy season, showers are typically brief and localised, and you can expect very pleasant temperatures between 20°C to 27°C degrees.
December’s weather makes it a great time to get outdoors and explore some of the incredible landscapes that Hawaii has to offer. The North Shore of Oahu sees its biggest waves of the year, which attracts pro surfers from all over the world. Pipeline and Waimea Bay turn into natural stadiums, and you can watch surfers show off their skills in a dramatic spectacle.
It’s a great time for hiking, and there is no shortage of epic landscapes to explore. Volcanoes National Park really comes into its own, as the Kilauea summit demonstrates frequent activity. The popular Diamond Head hike on Oahu is also stunning, as you take the two-and-a-half-kilometre round trip up a volcano crater, with panoramic views of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean as you go.
As well as it being a wonderful time to enjoy Hawaii’s great outdoors, this group of islands get wonderfully festive in December. ‘The Christmas Flower’, the poinsettia, is in full bloom, locals begin to string decorations on palm trees, and towns are lit up in colourful displays. Downtown Honolulu goes all out on the decorations, and there are often light parades with live music and food trucks. Kailua Town also hosts a night-time street fair with traditional Hawaiian music and food, and the bay is lit up as decorated boats parade through the water.
Travel Tip: December marks the beginning of humpback whale season, with plenty of tours leaving from Maui or Hawaii Island. Why not include a whale watching trip as part of your itinerary?
| The Garden Route | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 6000 Miles |
| Journey Time | 11 ½ Hours |
| Local Time | GMT +2 Hours |
| What airlines to fly? | Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Qatar Airways |
| What hotels to stay in? | Rosenhof Country House, Belvidere Manor, Hog Hollow Country Lodge |
| Discover The Garden Route |
South Africa’s spectacular Garden Route offers sunshine, scenery and a sense of adventure, making it a great long-haul destination in December. Stretching from Mossel Bay to Storms River, along South Africa’s southern coastline, the region is made up of dramatic cliffs, lush forests, stretching beaches and laid-back seaside towns.
The Garden Route is regarded as one of the best road trips in the world, and doing it as a self drive gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace. If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else, however, you can enjoy an expert-led escorted tour, so you can simply sit back, relax and enjoy the view.
As you depart Cape Town, meandering along scenic highways, you can visit Swellendam, the oldest settlement in South Africa, visit a working ostrich farm in Oudtshoorn, and navigate the impressive formations of the Cango Caves. Then, drop down through the spectacular Outeniqua Pass as you join the coast. Discover Knysna Lagoon, and the surrounding nature reserves, and unwind on the unspoilt beaches of Plettenberg Bay.
December falls within South Africa’s summer, with warm dry weather that’s perfect for exploring. Days are typically sunny and comfortably warm, with highs around 26°C, whilst the mild evenings are perfect for al fresco dining, walks on the beach, or watching the sunset.
Nature lovers are spoilt in December. Ancient indigenous forests, dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches sit side by side. If you’re seeking a safari experience, you’ll find stunning and malaria-free private game reserves on the Eastern Cape, easily accessible from Port Elizabeth. Why not add a safari experience in Kariega, Amakhala or Shamwari Game Reserves to your Garden Route itinerary? Following the spring rains, the landscapes are lush and green, offering ample grazing opportunities for wildlife, and, in turn, making them easy to spot. On the Eastern Cape, you’re likely to get great sightings of lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo, alongside giraffe, zebra and plains game.
Travel Tip: It’s best to book early to do the Garden Route in December, as it is a popular time for this spectacular road trip. Planning ahead means you can enjoy charming boutique lodges as you go.
| Cancun, Mexico | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 4950 Miles |
| Journey Time | 11 Hours |
| Local Time | GMT -5 Hours |
| What airlines to fly? | British Airways, Virgin Atlantic |
| What hotels to stay in? | Le Blanc Spa Resort, Moon Palace, Riu Palace Las Americas |
| Visit Cancun |
Averaging 8 hours of brilliant sunshine per day throughout the month, Cancun makes a great destination for December sun. With temperatures between 20°C to 28°C, and little to no rainfall, the weather is near-perfect, making Cancun the perfect place for a lazy beach getaway, or an active escape.
It would be rude not to take advantage of Cancun’s stunning beaches at this time of year. Playa Langosta, Playa Gaviota Azul and Playa Tortugas are all popular spots for a beach day, offering blinding white sand and safe, crystal-clear waters. December makes a fantastic time for watersports, and there is certainly no shortage of activities to get stuck into. Paddleboarding, snorkelling and kayaking are great ways to explore Cancun’s azure waters, or, if you’re more of a thrill seeker, you could hire a jet-ski or try scuba diving. December also makes a great month for surfing, particularly for beginners.
December marks prime season for green sea turtles, and you can often swim alongside them in Akumal Bay. Thanks to the reduced rainfall, visibility is great, and they are particularly active in the early morning.
It is also a fantastic time of year to discover the ancient sites that surround Cancun, thanks to the comfortable weather, with lower humidity and cooler temperatures than the summer months. UNESCO-heritage Chichén Itzá is a must-visit, once a city that housed 50,000 people. Now, you’ll find an impressive maze of ruins, including majestic temples, and perhaps most notably, a towering pyramid.
The ruins of Tulum are also spectacular, showcasing what remains of a once bustling Mayan port city. Nearby, you’ll find mystical cenotes: almost otherworldly-feeling underground caverns filled with deep blue waters, created by the cave ceiling collapsing. For Mayan people, the cenotes were sacred, providing them with a source of water. In December, the water temperatures are an inviting 24°C, and, on an organised tour, you can enter the water and learn about their significance. Watch as the morning sun streams through the natural opening overhead, casting mesmerising beams of light that illuminate the cenote’s unique formations.
The lead up to Christmas also brings celebration and festivities to Cancun. In the nine days leading up to the 24th of December, Las Posadas takes place, with candlelit processions and traditional songs. On Christmas Eve itself, visitors can enjoy traditional Nochebuena, with traditional dishes like pozole rojo, tamales and buñuelos, and Misa de Gallo (Midnight Mass) services.
Travel Tip: We’d recommend planning sightseeing tours for the early morning when the temperatures are most comfortable and there are the fewest visitors. Then, you can simply soak up the sun on the beach in the afternoon.
| Sydney | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 10,500 Miles |
| Journey Time | 23 Hours (including one stop) |
| Local Time | GMT +11 Hours |
| What airlines to fly? | Quantas, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines |
| What river boats to stay on? | Four Seasons Sydney, Parkroyal Darling Harbour, Crown Towers Sydney |
| Visit Sydney |
The sun sets over a glistening Sydney Harbour. The air is warm and it ripples with laughter and music. The atmosphere along the waterside quickly builds and becomes electric as the party begins. Then, the countdown: Five. Four. Three. Two. One… Happy New Year! The sky suddenly erupts into fantastic colour as one of the world’s best fireworks shows begins, ringing in another year in style.
New Year’s Eve in Sydney marks the biggest party of the year and it is renowned as one of the best places in the world to celebrate. Boats decorated in lights fill the harbour, the parks and viewpoints become one big party and the city’s iconic landmarks are lit up with pyrotechnics.
The whole of the festive period marks a huge time for celebration in Sydney, making December a fantastic month to visit. As it’s Australia’s summer, throughout the month you can expect fantastic weather, with temperatures that range from 18°C to 26°C, with little rain. This means that everyone flocks to the beach, particularly on Christmas Day.
December makes a great time for enjoying the beach, exploring the city on foot, or venturing out of Sydney on day trips. Popular destinations include the Blue Mountains or the Hunter Valley wine region, both easily accessible by train or car, or on a group day tour.
Throughout December, you can enjoy plenty of festivities throughout the city. You’ll find popular Christmas Markets at The Rocks, Martin Place and Circular Quay, you can stroll amongst spectacular Christmas lights, enjoy carol concerts, and even watch Santa arrive on a jet ski. December is a fantastic time to attend a show at the iconic Sydney Opera House, with ballets, concerts and the famous New Year’s Eve opera.
Travel Tip: If you’d like to watch the iconic New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display, it’s best to book a spot early. For a party atmosphere, head to Observatory Hill, where you can enjoy views straight over the Harbour Bridge. Pirrama Park is a more low-key and family friendly option, as it doesn’t get as crowded, and there are places to buy food and drink. Manly’s North Head is a little slice of tranquillity, and you can enjoy panoramic views of the Harbour from a little further away. Alternatively, there are plenty of events at restaurants, hotels and bars dotted around the Harbour.
Whether it’s welcoming the New Year in Sydney, embarking on a Garden Route road trip or enjoying the scenery of Hawaii, December makes the perfect time for a long haul holiday.
When you’re ready to start planning your December getaway, just let us know. Our team will be delighted to create a bespoke itinerary for you.
Hand-picked Holidays by Freedom Destinations
Grace joined the Marketing Team at Freedom Destinations after she returned from three months backpacking around Australia. Her long-haul travels have also taken her to Canada, the U.S. and South East Asia so far, but her destination wish list is far from complete!
