10 Best International Places to Visit in December

Whenever we think about winter, especially the month of December, one thing that strikes our mind is going on a vacation to a winter fairyland. This month is associated with festivity and year-end celebrations, which puts us in the mood to go out with friends and family. 

If you are yearning to go on a trip to a winter wonderland, it is time to pack your woollen garments and boots. Choose from this list of the best international places to visit in December and plan your trip accordingly.

1. Nuremberg, Germany

Nuremberg is a mediaeval city in Germany popular for its charming castles, stone roads and old city vibes. The second largest city of Bavaria, this German city is historically famous for its infamous courtrooms and Third Reich party grounds. In addition, if you want to witness the World War II sites, then Nuremberg is a must-visit.

This city offers not only rich historical vibes but also great German food and beer, which you must enjoy. Furthermore, although you can visit this place during all the winter months, the Christmas celebration is something you cannot miss. Lastly, do not forget to click memorable pictures of the old city's buildings for Instagram.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• How to Reach: Fly to Nuremberg (NUE) Airport. Take a cab to the main city region, which is 4.5 kilometres away from the airport. 
• Things to Do: Walk down the old town, enjoy a gingerbread baking class, visit a brewery, tour the Nazi Rally Grounds, go shopping in the Christmas markets, etc.
• Average Cost of Accommodation and Meals: ₹47,000 (approx.) for a 7-day tour

2. Patagonia, Chile

If you want to experience a dry, damp and cool climate, Chilean Patagonia can be one of the best international places to visit in December. Travellers with a passion for adventure and an eye for beauty can experience an aura of remote romance. However, selecting which places to explore could be challenging with incredible territory size and diverse landscapes.

December in Patagonia experiences perfect weather for sightseeing. You can explore places like Cape Horn, Perito Moreno, Torres del Paine National Park, and Tierra del Fuego during this time. Additionally, when it comes to packing, do not forget to pack all your woollens because the temperatures can drop down excessively at night. 

• Best Time to Visit: September to March
• How to Reach: Fly to Santiago International Airport (SCL) (officially Comodoro Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport) and then take a bus to Patagonia.
• Things to Do: Experience wild trekking and hiking at Torres del Paine National Park, explore Fjords while kayaking, go horse riding on the vast-rugged landscapes, try mountain climbing on the jagged peaks of the Andes or fishing on tranquil lakes and streams. 
• Average Cost of Accommodation and Meals: ₹62,000 (approx.) for a 7-day tour

3. Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

A small town near Dambulla in the northern Matale District in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya is a serene place to visit. Famously known as the Golden City of Raavan, this place is known for its spectacular 5th-century palace built on a huge towering rock. Additionally, this fortress is flanked by protective troops, a crocodile-filled ditch, and complexly designed beautiful water gardens which attracts visitors.

• Best Time to Visit: December to April
• How to Reach: Fly to Colombo International Airport. Once you land, take a train or bus to reach Sigiriya, which is 150 km away from the airport. 
• Things to Do: Climb to the top of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore nearby cultural sites like Dambulla Cave Temple and mediaeval citadel of Polonnaruwa, experience safari in Minneriya National Park and watch the iconic leopard, elephant and sloth bear, visit the tea gardens and famous tea shops, etc.
• Average Cost of Accommodation and Meals: ₹12,000 (approx.) for a 7-day tour

4. Krabi, Thailand

Krabi is a relaxing vacation destination on the southwest coast of Thailand. It is famous for its scenic views, miles-long white beaches, and 200 off-coast islands; hence, visiting this place can definitely revitalise your soul. This place also serves as a base for exploring lush jungle regions, tranquil isles floating offshore in the Andaman Sea and limestone cliffs.

• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• How to Reach: Fly to Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok and then take a connecting flight to Krabi International Airport in Krabi. 
• Things to Do: Ascend the 1256 stairs of Wat Tham Sua Aka Tiger Cave Temple, dip in the hot springs of Klong Thom, go bungee jumping, explore the primitive caves of Khao Khanap Nam, trek through Khao Phanom Bencha and spend time at the waterfall in Huay Toh, enjoy nightlife at pubs, etc.
• Average Cost of Accommodation and Meals: ₹25,000 (approx.) for a 7-day tour

5. Cairo, Egypt

Located on the eastern shore of the River Nile, Cairo is a beautiful city rich in Egyptian architecture and Islamic culture. Besides, it is home to some of the world's greatest wonders like the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Mummies. This is why Cairo is listed as one of the best international places to visit in December.

• Best Time to Visit: October to April
• How to Reach: Fly to Cairo International Airport and then get a cab to your destination.
• Things to Do: Explore the Pyramids of Giza, unfold the mystery of the Egyptian Museums, witness the art of Pyramid-Making in Saqqara, go for a camel ride, explore the Egyptian desert and admire the beauty of the Sphinx, etc.
• Average Cost of Accommodation and Meals: ₹25,000 (approx.) for a 7-day tour

6. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is one of the best international destinations to visit in December due to its cool, dry weather after the heavy monsoons. This place is famous for its historical temples and museums, which attract most of the crowd. Other than this, one can experience revitalising spa treatments in Bangkok. 

• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• How to Reach: Fly to Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok and then take a cab to reach your destination.
• Things to Do: Sail on a Chao Phraya River cruise, visit the statue of the Reclining Buddha, explore the Floating Market in Bangkok, take a ride on the Sky Train, swim with sharks at Siam Ocean World, revitalise with some relaxing spa treatment, visit the enthralling Grand Palace, go shopping at Chatuchak Weekend Market, and enjoy the nightlife of Khao San Road, etc.
• Average Cost of Accommodation and Meals: ₹32,000 (approx.) for a 7-day tour

7. Hokkaido, Japan

If you want to experience the best international winter vacations, visit Hokkaido to witness its legendary ski slopes. This Japanese city is also famous for its volcanoes and natural hot springs. Also, with beautiful weather and delicious Japanese food, one can enjoy a pleasant winter vacation here.

• Best Time to Visit: December to February
• How to Reach: Fly to New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, Japan and then take a cab to reach your destination.
• Things to Do: Sail on an icebreaker ship in Monbetsu City, go skiing and snowboarding in Furano and Niseko, see Penguins walking in the Asahiyama Zoo, enjoy hot springs in Noboribetsu, celebrate the Sounkyo Hyoubaku Festival, experience a hot air balloon ride, stroll along the Otaru Canal, and ride on an SL steam railway, etc.
• Average Cost of Accommodation and Meals: ₹46,000 (approx.) for a 7-day tour

8. Banff, Alberta

Banff is a beautiful snow-covered town in Alberta, which is a western province of Canada. This wonderful mountain town is famous for its snow activities like skating, skiing and snowboarding. Besides, tourists can go mushing with huskies in the Rockies and trek across the Wapta Icefields.

• Best Time to Visit: December to March
• How to Reach: Fly to Calgary International Airport in Calgary, and then take a cab to reach Banff, which is 145 km away from the airport. 
• Things to Do: Hike on snow trails, skate on frozen lakes, bike in Banff National Park, snowshoeing in the Canadian Rockies, visit Lake Louise, ride a horse-drawn sleigh, witness a frozen waterfall, and enjoy an ice-walk tour, etc.
• Average Cost of Accommodation and Meals: ₹40,000 (approx.) for a 7-day tour

9. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is a beautiful city in South Africa located on the shore of Table Bay which is famous for being a multicultural region. The flourishing arts and delicious cuisine make this place modern, creative and artistic. Additionally, you can witness 7,000 native plant species at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens and watch penguins on Boulders Beach.

• Best Time to Visit: December to March
• How to Reach: Fly to Cape Town International Airport or sail to the Port of Cape Town.
• Things to Do: Cape Canopy tour, go whale watching, explore museums, take a day trip, go on the Kloof Corner Hike for sunset, experience a wine tasting tour, etc.
• Average Cost of Accommodation and Meals: ₹46,000 (approx.) for a 7-day tour

10. Jukkasjarvi, Sweden

Jukkasjarvi is a village in Sweden which is located 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. It is an amazing location to witness the aurora borealis. One of its biggest attractions is the Ice Hotel, where tourists spend a night living inside a snow house. Additionally, there is a beautiful red church which is also a must-visit.

• Best Time to Visit: September to December
• How to Reach: Fly to Kiruna (KRN) Airport, and then take a cab to Jukkasjarvi, which is 12 km away from the airport. 
• Things to Do: Stay in the famous Ice Hotel, worship at the Jukkasjarvi Church, enjoy a traditional Sami lunch, experience ice-driving, etc.
• Average Cost of Accommodation and Meals: ₹1.5 lakhs (approx.) for a 7-day tour

This list provides some of the best international places to visit in December for your winter vacation. You can choose a luxurious or pocket-friendly destination according to your budget. However, do not forget to carry winter boots and plenty of woollens, as the vacation destinations can get quite chilly.