Best Places to Travel in December on a Budget – A Tourist Guide

After a long year of tireless work, it’s important to give yourself a break in December. Lounging on an exotic beach, visiting historical sites, or enjoying the spring in a warm southern atmosphere sounds like a perfect getaway. December in most places is full of activities as the festivities hit, leading to increased flight tickets, accommodations, and tours. Nevertheless, there are places to travel in December on a budget and have great fun.

As someone who loves traveling, I’ve helped to put together the best places to travel in December on a budget by region.

Let’s dive in!

Best Places to Travel in December in the Americas

The first two weeks are usually less busy and cheaper than the last week in December in Mexico and The Caribbean. You can also check out my post on the best places to visit in the USA in December.

1. Mexico

Mexico City

December is an ideal time to visit Mexico due to the welcoming warm weather and energetic ambiance. You can experience traditional Mexican festivals and watch wildlife expeditions. The warm beaches are also not left out. You can relax on the pristine beaches and even participate in various water sports.

In the later part of December, Mexico comes alive with holiday crowds and big celebrations. Prices hike during this period, so I advise you to plan your travel in the early part of December for discounts. But if the end of December is the only convenient time for you, then avoid towns like Cancun and other popular resorts. 

Budget-friendly Places to Visit in December:

• Mexico City, 
• Tulum, 
• Oaxaca, 
• Cozumel, 
• Riviera Maya, and 
• Puerto Vallarta.

2. The Caribbean 

Best Place to Travel in December on a Budget –The Caribbean Islands

The Caribbean is one of the top destinations in December that boasts of sunny days and crisp evenings. This is the best time to lounge on the beaches, go holiday shopping, and explore the rainforests. You can try your hand at the casinos as well.

You will enjoy affordable accommodations, cultural events, sumptuous street foods, and many more on The Caribbean islands. 

It can be difficult to decide among the 7000 enchanting islands of the Caribbean Sea. Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Belize, The Bahamas, and The Dominican Republic are the most sought-after islands in December. 

Ensure to book tickets and room within the first three weeks of December if you are on a budget. Because visitors start to travel into the region before Christmas and New Year festivities.

Budget-friendly Places to Visit in December 

• Turks and Caicos Islands
• Aruba
• Barbados
• Belize
• Puerto Rico 

Best Places to Travel in December in Asia on a Budget

Asia is one of the best places to travel in December on a budget, especially in the Southeast region. However, crowds become larger a few days before Christmas and hotel prices rise accordingly. 

China, Korea, and Japan are too cold at this time of the year, so they don’t make this list. Here are the top affordable places to visit in Asia in December.

3. Thailand

Pagodas in daytime

Thailand is an affordable location around the year and December is no exception. There is little to no rain in this region in December, making it one of the best places to visit in Asia in December. You can enjoy the vibrant nightlife, and beach sports, and visit the artistic museums in Thailand.

Christmas in Thailand is full of flair. No dull moments as you can attend musical concerts and galas organized in various parts of the country. Also, there are many budget hostels, affordable flight options, and ridiculously cheap shopping halls in the place. Hence, Thailand is a balance of great fun and budget.

Recommended Places to Visit in December.

• Bangkok
• Phuket
• Phi Phi Island
• Chiang Mai

4. India

India in December

The snow-covered mountains of North India, the beaches of Goa, and the lush landscapes of Kerala, all point to the reason why India is one of the best places to visit in December. Although North India is cold at this time of year, the South is warm with sunshine. You should consider packing both layered and light clothing as the weather shifts across the country.

India is always affordable as you have budget-friendly lodgings, restaurants, and an efficient transport system. In places like Goa, rates will skyrocket during Christmas and New Year. But the rest of the country witnesses little or no spikes in prices because Christmas is a low-key celebration.

Note that December is a holiday season in India, so it’s better to make reservations early to stay within your budget.

Top Places to Visit in December

• Goa
• Agra
• Rajasthan
• Kerala
• Delhi

5. Vietnam 

Vietnam

Renowned for its rich culture and captivating landscapes, Vietnam is a top destination for budget travelers. It is an Asian country with affordable travel experience, ranging from flights, accommodations, and street meals. Visit state-of-the-art museums, dine on the streets, and take a stroll to explore the lush landscapes.

Owing to its affordability and attractions, the country was awarded the World’s Leading Heritage Destination in 2023 for attracting over 12.6 million international tourists.

Recommended Places to Visit in December

• Hanoi
• Ha Long Bay
• Ho Chi Minh City.

Best Places to Visit in December in the Middle East

The Middle East is cool and gets a bit of rain in December except Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The top tourist destination in the Middle East is Dubai.

6. Dubai, UAE

Burj al Arab, Dubai

Are you looking for a place with unlimited shopping options, extravagant lifestyles, fun attractions, and lots more? Dubai is the place. The country boasts of architectural marvels, and world-class infrastructure, attracting people of all ages and nationalities.

December is the best time to visit the beautiful country as the streets are gyrating with festivities. You can visit the malls for discounted prices on shopping, take in the illuminated streets, and dine on a budget. Witness the brilliant fireworks at the iconic Burj Khalifa.

Dubai is also home to Emirates, one of the biggest airlines in the world, so you can easily find good deals on flights if you book early. There are plenty of eateries and hotels in Dubai that cater to all budgets. 

Best Places to Visit in December in Africa on a Budget

Africa has some of the best places to visit in December, because of the great weather, rich culture, and affordability. For our budget-friendly list of places to visit in Africa, we have Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco. Check out the best places to visit in Africa.

7. Egypt

Egypt’s Gray Pyramid

Although Egypt is known for its blazing hot weather all the time, December can be cool, especially in the evenings. This is good because most of the important sights are outdoors and require walking around. So, the weather is perfect for outdoor strolling. 

Egypt has some of the world’s most resilient historical monuments like the Pyramids of Giza, The Valley of Kings, The Tomb of Tutankhamun, and more. You will be awed by the rich history and edifices. Also, you can enjoy the newly discovered beaches and swanky resorts of the Red Sea.

Due to the festive season, the attractions and bazaars will be crowded and the nightlife will be buzzing with activities. So, hotel rates and tours spiral during the festive week. But, you can get affordable deals for the rest of December.

Recommended Places to Visit in December in Egypt

• Giza
• Alexandria
• Luxor
• Abu Simbel.

8. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, South Africa

Summer begins in December in Cape Town, South Africa which appeals to visitors coming from colder climates. It is a fairly cheap city compared to North America or Europe. Flights are long and usually expensive, but you can get cheap hotels if you arrive early in December. If you can’t arrive early, then I advise you to book accommodations well ahead to stay within your budget. 

The city is vibrant in December with bustling nightlife and lights everywhere. You can lounge on the idyllic beaches, enjoy the food and music, and visit iconic museums.

9. Morocco

Morocco in December

Another best place to visit in December on a budget is Morocco. First, the weather in December is cool and quite friendly.  Inland towns like Marrakech and Fez are slightly colder compared to coastal cities like Casablanca and Rabat. The Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert can be very cold with light snowfall.

Morocco is still developing, so you can find cheaper prices all through the year. Since December is off-season, you can find some of the best deals. 

Morocco boasts of exotic scents, lively markets, historic pasts, and the Moroccan Desert. Popular destinations you should check out on your visit include the Medina of Marrakech, the breathtaking landscapes of the Sahara Desert, and the Atlas Mountains. You can also add a visit to the ancient city of Fez and Chefchaouen.

If you plan on going to the Sahara Desert, ensure to prepare for cold days and nights. Hence, activities like stargazing and camel trekking would be comfortable. 

Cheaper Places to Visit in December

• Marrakech
• Fez
• Casablanca
• Chefchaouen.

Best Places to Visit in December in Europe on a Budget

It’s difficult to choose a European country that qualifies for great weather and cheap rates in December, except Spain. Spain is by far one of the best places to travel in December on a budget because of the cheap fares and hotel prices.

10. Spain

Canary Islands, Spain

Spain is a large country with varying climates depending on the place you visit. But like the rest of Europe, Spain is very cold in December. Yet, it is regarded as the warmest place in Europe because of its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea.

To enjoy the sunshine in Spain, visit the Canary Islands and Costa del Sol. If you’re feeling like learning about Spanish culture, you can visit Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville. 

The country comes alive during Christmas and New Year celebrations. There is amazing food, lively music, and stunning landscapes to make your holiday special. December is considered a low season in Spain, so you can snag deals on accommodations and transportation. It is cheaper to hire a car than take the ferry.

Let me also add that visitors now have to access the Spain Health Control Form before arriving in the country. This is in a bid to reduce the spread of viruses by asking visitors to fill out an online health questionnaire.

Cheaper Places to Visit in December

• Barcelona
• Grenada
• Seville
• Madrid
• Tenerife, Canary Islands.

Best Places to Travel in December on a Budget – Conclusion 

As I conclude on the best places to visit in December on a budget, let me add that this list is not exhaustive. So, feel free to add in the comment section other cheaper places you have visited to help others.

But, if you don’t have options for where to spend your December holiday on a budget, then check out our list.