Bali, Indonesia
Among the most alluring destinations of the best places to travel in December on a budget is Bali.
December in Bali brings warm tropical temperatures, usually between 75-85°F. While it’s technically the rainy season, rain showers are often short and can offer a refreshing break from the humidity, leaving plenty of sunshine for exploring.
Activities: Visitors can explore temples, rice terraces, and enjoy beach resorts at more affordable prices due to the shoulder season. Hotels and resorts often decorate for Christmas, and you’ll find festive dinners and events, especially in popular tourist areas. New Year’s Eve celebrations are also grand, with beach parties, fireworks, and cultural performances throughout the island.
Canary Islands, Spain
With temperatures in the 70s, the Canary Islands are a perfect winter sun destination, offering beach weather without the peak summer crowds.
- Dollar Flight Club Deals: Flights from New York (JFK) to Tenerife (TFN) start around $450, providing a budget-friendly path to this volcanic paradise.
- Activities: Hike in Teide National Park, relax on black-sand beaches, and savor local seafood with an ocean view.
Denver, Colorado
For the best places to travel in December on a budget, snowy cities like Denver offer the perfect jumping off point to your winter wonderland adventures.
- Dollar Flight Club Deals: Flights from Chicago (ORD) to Denver (DEN) are around $132, making it an affordable choice for a winter getaway.
- Activities: Visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts like Keystone, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, and Vail, and exploring the city’s cozy holiday markets.
Sedona, Arizona
December in Sedona brings cooler temperatures, typically between 40-60°F, perfect for outdoor activities without the intense summer heat. The red rocks dusted with a light coating of snow add a magical touch to the already stunning landscape, making hiking, jeep tours, and photography even more memorable.
- Activities: Check out Red Rock Fantasy, a dazzling, annual light display event that includes creatively decorated areas with holiday themes spread around Sedona. Sedona is an official Dark Sky Community, meaning the skies are remarkably clear for stargazing year-round. December brings the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, offering even more opportunities to see the stars. Visitors can enjoy guided stargazing tours with telescopes and expert insights into Sedona’s night skies.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is one of the best places to visit in December, offering festive charm, cultural richness, and historic beauty.
- Dollar Flight Club Deals: Flights from New York (JFK) to Vienna (VIE) start around $450, perfect for a European holiday escape.
- Activities: Enjoy Christmas markets, savor seasonal treats, and listen to live classical music in Vienna’s historic heart. The City Hall (Rathausplatz) transforms into a giant ice skating rink in December. Known as the Wiener Eistraum, it’s beautifully lit and offers a romantic experience with skating paths winding through the trees.
Queenstown, New Zealand
December is summertime in New Zealand, and last-minute flight deals are calling.
One of the best places to travel in December on a budget, head to Queenstown for outdoor adventures and scenic landscapes.
- Dollar Flight Club Deals: Look for flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Auckland (AKL) under $800, offering access to the country’s stunning landscapes.
- Activities: From skydiving and bungee jumping to wine tours and lake cruises, Queenstown is an outdoor lover’s dream.
The Maldives
December is the start of the Maldives’ dry season, with sunny skies and calm seas ideal for water activities. The flight deals are hot right now, making it among the best places to travel in December on a budget.
- Dollar Flight Club Deals: Flights from New York (JFK) to Malé (MLE) start around $600, making this luxury destination surprisingly accessible.
- Activities: Snorkeling, diving, lounging on pristine beaches, and staying in overwater villas are highlights of this tropical paradise.
Strasbourg, France
If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday spirit in your search for the best places to travel in December on a budget, look no further than this French outpost. Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg is famous for its enchanting Christmas markets, dating back to the 16th century.
- Dollar Flight Club Deals: Flights from Boston (BOS) to Paris (CDG) start around $400, and a short train ride takes you to Strasbourg.
- Activities: Visitors can enjoy festive markets, Alsatian cuisine, and stroll among half-timbered houses adorned with holiday lights.
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