10 places to go in December

December is an ideal time to visit Morocco - its year-round warm, sunny climate makes it an ideal destination for winter sun. Take advantage of quieter venues on our whistle-stop tour around the must-see sights as well as the lesser-known gems of Morocco on our Best of Morocco tour in December. Dive into a labyrinth of colorful market stalls in the bustling souks of Marrakech and pick up a unique souvenir in the artisan medina of Fes. Ride over the mighty sand dunes of the Sahara Desert by camel-back and enjoy cooler temperatures in the remote Middle Atlas Mountains at this time of year.

Avoid the wet monsoon season and set sail on a Maldives dhoni cruise in December. The climate in the Maldives in December makes it one of the best times to visit, whether you want to treat yourself to an exotic Christmas or upgrade your New Year celebrations. A journey of relaxation, take a break from busy every-day life as you float along bright turquoise waters and explore the unspoilt palm-fringed beaches of these remote islands. Dive below the surface for a vibrant display of coral reefs, tropical fish, manta ray and turtle before reclining on deck to watch the pink glow of the sun dip over the horizon.

December may be one of the coldest months to visit Jordan – particularly at night, when temperatures can drop to around 0 degrees – but as long as you’re prepared then it’s still worth the visit. Plus, you’ll get to avoid the crowds with our Jordan Discovery trip in December, as popular historic sites are noticeably quieter at this time of year. Go back in time and explore the ‘rose-red city’ of Petra, with its majestic buildings, monuments and tombs carved into the blush-colored desert rocks, and get an iconic view of Al-Khazneh, or ‘The Treasury,’ a well-preserved 1st-century temple towering over 43-metres high.

Avoid the intense humidity of summer with our Family Taj & Palaces trip to India in December. Cooler temperatures make India tours much more pleasant for game drives, and sightings of Bengal tiger are more frequent in the winter months. Some of the best places to visit in India in December with your family include exploring the fortified walls of Amber Palace in the Pink City of Jaipur and watching the sun rise over the celestial Taj Mahal in Agra – it’s a family adventure to treasure. 

If you want an active winter-sun adventure, take a look at our Cambodia and Vietnam cycling trip. With the rainy season over, December is one of the best times of year to visit these two southeast Asian countries. Feel the wind rush past as you cycle along paddy fields, and pedal into the jungle to visit the ancient temple city of Angkor. Be greeted by local children as you pass through their remote villages and witness multi-colored sunsets over the Mekong Delta.