Let’s be honest: the end of the year can be stressful. Between the many holiday celebrations as well as end-of-year reports due at work, there’s truly no better time to get away from your problems (and in-laws) than December. And that’s why it might be time to book a vacation.
Though December is notorious for long waits at the airport and canceled flights, TSA PreCheck and a little patience can go a long way toward getting you past those hurdles. Whether you plan a trip to the beach or a cozy cabin getaway, there’s truly no better time to vacation than in December.
For those looking for some recommendations on the best places to travel in December, we tapped two experts to share their No. 1 travel tips. No matter whether you want to stay domestic or go international, here are the best places to travel in December – including some tips on the cheapest places to travel, too.
Go ahead and book that ticket, pick out the best airplane seat, and feel the holiday spirit far, far away from home this year. Though it may feel impossible to travel on a budget in December, keep reading – we have some suggestions. Any way you do it, you won’t regret heading into the new year refreshed and relaxed.
Experts Featured in This Article
Jesse Neugarten is a travel expert and founder of Dollar Flight Club, a service that helps members find cheap flights.
Kristin Winkaffe is a travel advisor and founder of Winkaffe Global Travel, a travel agency based in Columbus, OH.
The Best Places to Travel in December
The Best Places to Visit in the US in December
Park City, UT. Travel expert Jesse Neugarten says hitting the slopes in Park City, UT, is a no-brainer. “World-class skiing and snowboarding are right at your fingertips,” he adds. Even if skiing and snowboarding aren’t your thing, travel expert Kristin Winkaffe agrees that Park City is a great travel destination in December. “Just walking down Main Street with a warm drink in hand and watching the snow fall is an experience worth savoring,” she says.
Miami. If you need a hot beach vacation, Miami is just the spot. “With gorgeous beaches, it’s a perfect escape from the cold,” Neugarten says. Plus, according to data from Dollar Flight Club, it’s a cheap option. “Recent deals for Dollar Flight Club members include round-trip flights from New York to Miami as low as $220.”
Anchorage, AK. “Anchorage isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you’re up for an adventure, it’s worth every layer of clothing,” Winkaffe says. Visit Anchorage, AK, in December to see wildlife, beautiful views, and, most importantly, the Northern Lights. “This winter, they’ll be the brightest they’ve been in years, so if you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the auroras dance across the sky, now’s the time,” she adds.
The Best Places to Travel in Europe in December
Ljubljana, Slovenia. Totally understand if Slovenia isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think about the best places to travel in December, but Winkaffe says it absolutely should be. “Ljubljana feels like a cozy holiday postcard, with its riverside lined with lights and a market that invites you to stroll, snack, and shop,” she says. And if you want to hit the slopes internationally, it’s only a short drive from some great ski resorts.
Colmar, France. This city in France is known for its Christmas markets that “really steal the show,” Winkaffe says. “Each market has its own theme, and you can find everything from mulled wine to handcrafted gifts that make perfect souvenirs,” she adds. Plus, you’re in France in December, which is a flex in itself.
Gran Canaria, Spain. For the international traveler that needs some warmth and sunshine, the Canary Islands are the perfect place to be. “While most of Europe is bundled up, on Gran Canaria, you can walk the beach in a light sweater,” Winkaffe says. And not to worry, you still get the holiday feel: the area hosts vibrant holiday markets with just the right amount of cheer.
The Cheapest Places to Travel in December
If you’re interested in cheap places to travel in December, Neugarten recommends Las Vegas or Miami. According to data from Dollar Flight Club, you can fly to Las Vegas starting at $116 from select airports, and Miami for as low as $127.
However, you can travel anywhere in December with some specific budget hacks and tricks to lower the costs. If you want to fly internationally, for example, Neugarten recommends checking flight costs in the country’s currency. “Open two browser tabs – one in your local currency and one in the airline’s native currency – to compare prices. Booking in euros instead of dollars with a European carrier, for instance, might save you $200 or more,” he says.
Another option is to keep your dates and destination flexible, he says. “Fly into London or Amsterdam if your goal is to be in Europe,” he suggests. “This can save you up to $500 per ticket in some cases.”
Taylor Andrews (she/her) is the balance editor at PS, specializing in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, travel, and more. With seven years of editorial experience, Taylor has a strong background in content creation and storytelling. Prior to joining PS in 2021, she worked at Cosmopolitan.
