December

Santa hats appear on beach loungers and safari vehicles alike. Antarctica becomes the ultimate alternative Christmas destination with penguin colonies teeming with fluffy chicks. The Maldives delivers barefoot luxury at its sublime best, while Tanzania balances short rains with extraordinary wildlife viewing.

HIGHLIGHTS

Best places to visit in December

Antarctica

Welcome to the prime expedition season in Antarctica! The sea ice has melted enough for ships to cross the Drake Passage and the landscapes are bathed in 24-hour daylight, perfect for photography and incredible wildlife encounters. Penguins are nesting en masse, chicks begin to hatch, seals lounge on the ice and humpback whales return to feed in krill-rich waters. Zodiac excursions, iceberg kayaking and shore landings are also a go, revealing a surreal world of silence and a remoteness that is, quite simply, staggering.

Argentina

December is summer in Argentina and the whole country comes alive. Patagonia is at its very best and the days are long and filled with fantastic hiking in El Chaltén and around the glaciers of El Calafate. Mendoza is warm and sunny, perfect for vineyard-hopping and long lunches, and in Buenos Aires, the city hums with sultry energy (and plenty of late-night tango) as locals gear up for the holidays.

South Africa

Cape Town and the Garden Route burst into summer in December. Long, lazy days await and a combination of wine tasting, Table Mountain sunsets and stunning scenery make for a holiday celebration that you won’t forget in a hurry. Inland, the safari parks are warm and green, making for great for birdwatching and spotting newborn animals (but there might be a spot of rain around).

Thailand

This is peak season in Thailand, and it’s glorious. The islands of the Andaman (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta) are dry and sunny, the north is cool and crisp, and Bangkok buzzes with energy. December is perfect for beach days, cultural festivals, and New Year’s fireworks by the sea. Whether you’re hiking in Chiang Rai or sipping a cocktail at a beach club, December is Thailand’s golden hour.