Best Places to Travel in December

Where to stay – Cape Town, Eastern Cape

To understand the main weather patterns in South Africa, it’s helpful to split the country into two. Northern South Africa includes destinations like Kruger National Park, Madikwe Game Reserve and Johannesburg. The southern part of South Africa includes the cosmopolitan hub of Cape Town, the iconic garden route, and the Eastern Cape Game Reserves. In December, the weather is warm and there is an abundance of blue skies and sunshine across the country, but the best destinations to head to are the southern ones. Cape Town is often busy during this time of year because of the Christmas festivities and celebrations, so make sure you book your accommodation and excursions well in advance. We’d recommend at least 9 months before your travel. To combine a safari with your time in Cape Town, we’d recommend reserves like Sabi Sands and Madikwe, which both offer the Big Five safari sightings.

Where to stay – Edinburgh

Although you can explore the capital of Scotland year-round, Edinburgh certainly comes alive in December to celebrate Christmas and the New Years. The traditional Hogmanay stems from the Viking times and although celebrations across the country come vary in style, it’s always an exhilarating atmosphere to experience. Inverness throws an al fresco party with music and plenty of colorful fireworks, while Edinburgh’s Princess Street is taken over by an outdoor concert of music, fireworks, and comedy performances. Wherever you enjoy the celebrations, Hogmanay always ends with a ‘wee drum’ of whiskey. We personalize all of our itineraries and trips here at Unforgettable, so whether you are looking to travel around Scotland, or visit a city like Edinburgh on it’s own, we are more than happy to help and curate.

Where to stay – Laos

The period between November and February is the dry and cool season in Laos. March to May is the hot and humid period, and then June to October is the rainy season. Although the days can be cool (especially the mornings and evenings), December is a great time to explore all that Laos has to offer. Whether you’re looking for culture, history, food, and cooking classes, or simply the hospitality of the wonderfully friendly local Lao people, the country will not disappoint. Laos is often traveled by those who have been to Asia before (many of whom will have done Thailand, Vietnam, or Cambodia first as they are more known). Laos can be combined with any of these countries, or it can be a stand-alone destination.

Where to stay – La Sultana, Riad El Fenn, Heure Bleue Palais

Although December is outside of the peak season in Morocco (September to November), it’s still a good time to visit as it’s the start of the winter season, which means temperatures are cooler and there are much fewer people and crowds. Outside the cities, the Atlas Mountains have a dusting of snow on them which makes them look even more beautiful. The desert daytime temperatures are still pleasant, but it does drop considerably in the evenings. That said, this is one of the best times to see shooting stars in the Sahara Desert. Marrakesh is also cooler (temperatures around 58°F), but the markets and vibrancy of the city is still there. Get in touch with our Africa specialists to find out more about a Morocco trip!

What to do – Glacier Express

The Glacier Express is regarded one of Europe’s slowest express trains, but therefore it’s so loved! It is a perfect example of the concept ‘slow travel’ which allows travelers to enjoy the slower pace of the journey and the experience, rather than just rush to the next destination. The scenery that you pass on route is truly breathtaking, and in winter, everything has a bright covering of snow on it. Some of the sights include the Matterhorn (a mountain in the alps which stands at 4,478m), Rhone and Rhine valleys, hilltop castles, and picturesque Swiss villages dotted around in remote areas. In December, the Glacier Express follows the winter timetable which has only one departure a day (compared to three in the summer months). Booking a seat on the Glacier Express is mandatory, so get in touch to start curating your once-in-a-lifetime train journey!