Let's be honest: the end of the year can be stressful. Between the many holiday parties and end-of-year reports due to work, there's really no better time to get away from your problems (and your in-laws) than December. And that’s why it might be time to book a vacation.
Although December is known for long airport waits and canceled flights, TSA Precheck and a little patience can go a long way in overcoming these obstacles. Whether you're planning 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 recommendations on the best places to travel in December, we tapped two experts to share their #1 travel tips. Whether you want to stay at home or go abroad, 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, choose it best airplane seatand feel the holiday spirit far, far away from home this year. Although it may seem impossible to traveling on a budget in December, keep reading – we have some suggestions. However you do it, you won't regret entering the new year refreshed and relaxed.
Experts featured in this article
Jesse Neugarten is a travel expert and founder of Dollar Flight Cluba service that helps members find cheap flights.
Kristin Winkaffe is a travel consultant and founder of Winkaffe Global Travela travel agency based in Columbus, Ohio.
The best places to travel in December
The Best Places to Visit in the United States in December
Park City, Utah. Travel expert Jesse Neugarten says hitting the slopes in Park City, UT, is a no-brainer. “World-class skiing and snowboarding are 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 December travel destination. “Just walking down Main Street with a hot 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 the perfect place. “With stunning beaches, it’s a perfect escape from the cold,” says Neugarten. Plus, according to Dollar Flight Club data, it's a cheap option. “Recent deals available to Dollar Flight Club members include round-trip flights from New York to Miami starting at $220.”
Anchorage, Alaska. “Anchorage is not for the faint of heart, but if you're up for adventure, every layer of clothing is worth it,” says Winkaffe. Visit Anchorage, AK, in December to see wildlife, beautiful views, and most importantly, the Northern Lights. “This winter they will be the brightest in years, so if you've ever dreamed of seeing the auroras dancing across the sky, now is the time,” she adds.
The best places to travel in Europe in December
Ljubljana, Slovenia. I totally understand if Slovenia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of the best places to travel in December, but Winkaffe says it absolutely should be. “Ljubljana looks like a warm holiday postcard, with its riversides lined with lights and its market that invites you to stroll, snack and shop,” she says. And if you want to hit the slopes on an international scale, some great ski resorts are just a short drive away.
Colmar, France. This French city is known for its Christmas markets which “really steal the show,” says Winkaffe. “Each market has its own theme and you can find everything from mulled wine to artisan gifts that make perfect souvenirs,” she adds. Plus, you're in France in December, which is flexibility in itself.
Gran Canaria, Spain. For the international traveler who needs warmth and sun, the Canary Islands are the perfect place. “While most of Europe is bundled up, in Gran Canaria you can walk on the beach in a light sweater,” says Winkaffe. And don't worry, you'll still feel the holiday vibes: the area hosts bustling 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 Dollar Flight Club data, you can fly to Las Vegas from some airports for as little as $116, and to Miami for as little as $127.
However, you can travel anywhere this December with a few specific budgeting tips and tricks to cut costs. If you want to travel abroad, for example, Neugarten recommends checking flight prices in the country's currency. “Open two browser tabs – one in your local currency and one in the airline's home currency – to compare prices. Booking in euros instead of dollars with a European carrier, for example, could make you save $200 or more,” he says.
Another option is to keep your dates and destination flexible, he says. “Fly to 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 editor-in-chief of PS, specializing in topics related 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. Before joining PS in 2021, she worked at Cosmopolitan.
