With the winter just around the corner, the thought of a short getaway or even a long vacation to a warmer destination is indeed exhilarating. More than fun and adventure, it is about dedicating a few days to health and well-being. So, most holiday makers are looking to unwind and relax to the core. Here is a guide to the seven best travel destinations in December.
The Middle East
From the Red Sea beaches to the Pyramids of Egypt, the Middle East is packed with history and luxury for a worthwhile winter holiday. Cairo’s pyramids and museums are excellent sightseeing spots. Luxor and Aswan on the River Nile offer great poolside relaxing destinations and are home to ancient temples that unfold the rich history of the region. Dubai, with its sublime winter weather, long sunny days and no rainfall, is a perfect winter vacation destination. Its Jumeirah Beach has some of the best holiday hotels and clubs. The air-conditioned Dubai Mall has over 1,000 shops. Adventures include desert safari of the astounding sand dunes and sand-boarding opportunities. Abu Dhabi and Oman are upcoming destinations.
The Caribbean
The Caribbean destinations – Cuba, Jamaica, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Antigua, Trinidad, Tobago, Aruba, the Bahamas, and St Lucia – are ever-appealing locations with warm waters, sandy beaches, and luxurious resorts. Apart from exquisite beaches, the Caribbean offers adventure opportunities including jungle treks and wildlife explorations. Some of the fun activities include hiking through the Puerto Rico cloud forests, submarine tour in Aruba, turtle watch in Nevis, exploring the volcanoes in Montserrat, bird watching in Trinidad, and surfing in Barbados.
The Canary Islands
Located off the West African coast, the Canary Islands enjoy an inviting climate with year-round sunshine that make a relaxing holiday destination. Tenerife, the largest island of the Canary archipelago, has luxurious beach resorts. Maspalomas features a stunning backdrop of massive sand dunes in its beautiful beaches. Lanzarote, La Gomera, Fuerteventura also offer plenty of beach activities and relaxing opportunities. El Hierro, the smallest of the Canary Islands, is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Florida
Florida’s winter months offer long sunny days and a range of holiday options. Central Florida and the Orlando region are among the busiest holiday areas in the U.S., with lots of theme parks, shopping centers and eateries, enough to offer non-stop entertainment. The coastal areas, especially Miami and the Art Deco South Beach, are fascinating beach destinations with bars, restaurants, shops and clubs. Miami offers great cruise opportunities as well. Florida Keys has a more laid-back vibe with a bohemian air.
Thailand
Thailand is renowned for its hospitality and fabulous food alongside its holiday activities. Palm-lined beaches enjoy hot winter weather, alluring sun-loving tourists. Phuket has over a dozen beach towns, each with its own charm and activity. Resorts are also available in the popular Pattaya, Koh Samui, and Krabi. The west coast offers excellent snorkeling opportunities around Phi Phi islands. Other attractions include the Rai Leh beach, Phang Nga Bay, Koh Tao Turtle Island, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and Grand Palace. Traditional Buddhist festivals and Thai New Year celebrations are fun events to participate in.
Maldives
Maldives is an archipelago of 1190 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean. Only 185 of them are inhabited. Celebrated for its pleasant tropical beaches, Maldives is an ideal location for beach holidays with its diverse sea life, corals and over 2,000 fish species. There are several sheltered lagoons that make the right destination for adventures, such as diving and snorkeling. Most of the inhabited islands feature luxurious accommodations including resorts and hotels.
Goa
Located on India’s west coast, Goa is a tropical paradise known for its relaxing beaches. The Portuguese destination boasts palm-fringed beaches, hillside retreats and serene villages. Its hotels offer diverse activities and entertainment for vacationers. The Konkan and Goanese cuisine are a great appeal for tourists. Apart from beaches, Goa has other attractions, including churches, temples, waterfall, fort, and opportunities to explore neighboring cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru.