It’s impossible to visit Finland’s otherworldly winter wonderland in December without mentioning Christmas. It's here, in the sparkling white forests of Finnish Lapland, that the rosy-cheeked and white-bearded Father Christmas has taken up residence. The magic here is tangible – children (and adults) will be captivated from start to finish. In December, temperatures plummet to around minus six degrees, but once it’s blanketed in snow, the natural beauty of Finland really comes into its own: white hills roll into the distance on the horizon; glittering trees loom over landscapes populated by reindeer; and crisp, sunny days turn into sensational starry nights that dance with the captivating colours of the Northern Lights. There are a host of activities to choose from to help you feel at one with nature, from snowmobile safaris and ice fishing to sleigh rides and nights spent in an igloo.
Finland Holidays
It’s hard not to be blown away by the breathtaking beauty of Sri Lanka. From its world-class beaches and rich culture to its emerald-green hills, every inch of this alluring country is swathed in fascinating history. This idyllic island is a true Indian Ocean gem, where you can discover a wealth of treasures: famous tea plantations, delicious food, friendly people, ancient Buddhist temples and lofty mountains. While it’s a year-round holiday destination, it’s helpful to know which side of the island to visit to avoid the rain. In December, the north and east coast experience rains, but the sun shines brightly in the southwest and in the atmospheric capital city, Colombo, where the mercury never strays far from 27°C.
Sri Lanka Holidays
There’s no better time to visit Vietnam than in December. Days are filled with sunshine, and there’s something to delight all travellers: ancient temples and museums for history buffs, miles of pristine sandy coastline for beach bums, taste sensations at street stalls for foodies and mountains and rainforests for intrepid adventurers. Escape Hanoi’s frenzied pace at the water’s edge of Hoan Kiem Lake, go looking for the hidden caves in Halong Bay or learn about Vietnam’s past in the war museums of Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam is an assault on the senses in all the right ways. With so much to see and do, it’s the perfect place for a winter getaway.
Vietnam Holidays
As the pinnacle of island paradises, the queen of honeymoon holidays and the chief of faraway utopias, Mauritius has quite the reputation. A tropical treasure dropped in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is best known for its magnificent white sandy beaches, exclusive resorts and sapphire waters. But venture a little further from the shoreline and you’ll discover excellent wildlife, a mountainous interior ripe for hiking, as well as fascinating towns to explore. Back on the coast, there are copious coral gardens offering incredible diving opportunities and calm lagoons home to darting tropical fish. December is just before the arrival of hurricane season, so the days are hot and humid but still pleasant. What better way to spend Christmas than under the shade of swaying palm trees?
Mauritius Holidays
Swap the chill of a UK winter for the warmth of a South African summer this December. Why not give your safaris a festive spin and wear a Christmas hat in between wildlife watching? In the country’s colossal national parks, animals might be more elusive in December (thanks to thick vegetation), but that only makes spotting them all the more rewarding. From Cape Town to the savannah, the vast, thriving oceans to the legendary wine route – a winter holiday in the great ‘Rainbow Nation’ of South Africa is an adventure full of natural wonders, wild creatures and ancient cultures.
South Africa Holidays
December means it’s summertime in Australia , and one of the best times to discover its myriad wonders. As the end of the year approaches, the sun is at its most powerful, so it’s only natural to make a beeline for the beach to cool off. From Sydney’s world-famous sands (we’re looking at you, Bondi and Manly) to Perth’s picture-perfect shores, there’s no better time to discover the country’s varied coastline. The north experiences heavy downpours and the desert bathes in extreme heat, so stick to the south in December with its bustling metropolises, jagged shoreline and postcard-worthy bays. From Melbourne to the Gold Coast, via Sydney and the Blue Mountains, Australia in December is a welcome break from winter’s hold over the Northern Hemisphere.
Australia Holidays
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