The best places to go in December: Our top travel picks for a solo holiday
‘Tis the season to be jolly – and also to get far away from the Christmas madness at home. After all, who needs to referee your tipsy relatives going at it during over-exuberant board games when you could be trekking in South India’s misty highlands or exploring Egypt’s River Nile by private felucca boat?
And it’s not just about avoiding Christmas itself. Take yourself off to experience unusual New Year fiestas in Costa Rica, Colombia and beyond. So, we’re agreed then? Let’s swerve the seasonal drama this year and our sights on these solo travel destinations for December instead.
India
Average temperature: 28°C / 82°F
Why you should visit now:
India’s green and serene southern state is a reliable antidote to Christmas fever. Instead of elbowing through crowds making painful purchases for random relatives, you can trek through the Unesco-listed Western Ghats – a mountain chain that’s older than the ancient Himalayas – or kayak on Kerala’s shimmering backwaters. Don’t miss the Kochi Carnival that spans the last two weeks of December, complete with bike races, beach football, art murals and parades.
Expert tip:
Malayalam is the official language in Kerala, but many people speak Tamil, Hindi and Kannada. You can’t go wrong with saying nanni (thank you) in Malayalam, though.
Egypt
Average temperature: 19°C / 66°F
Why you should visit now:
The start of winter brings with it a dip in humidity in Egypt. It’s still largely warm and dry in this North African nation, but the cooler days provide a great backdrop for wandering around the country’s tombs and temples. Hop between them on a traditional private felucca boat, arguably the best way to travel down the Nile. Spot freshwater crocodiles and tuck into a classic Nubian feast on board of spicy lentil stews, grilled lamb skewers and crusty shamsi bread.
Expert tip:
Christmas is celebrated twice in Egypt: on 25 December and also on 7 January by Coptic Christians.
Sri Lanka
Average temperature: 24°C / 75°F
Why you should visit now:
Sri Lanka’s southwest coast comes into its own in December, as monsoon season fades, revealing bright, sunny beach days. Climb aboard a private boat tour to spot spinner dolphins, sperm whales and, if luck’s on your side, the elusive blue whale out at sea. Deep inland, ‘tea country’ is set to put on a dazzling display, with the mist-wrapped highlands awash in lush greenery, thanks to the recent rainfall. Learn about the art of growing and harvesting tea, before sampling a steaming brew.
Expert tip:
In the cultural capital of Kandy, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which supposedly houses the Buddha’s tooth. Buy a bunch of frangipani and lotus flowers to leave at the gold-roofed shrine.
Finland
Average temperature: -6°C / 21°F
Why you should visit now:
Well if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em… For a Christmas that feels truly festive, dash to Lapland in Finland’s Arctic Circle. A world away from bauble-clad shopping malls, Yuletide here is the real deal. Expect husky rides through a wintery wonderland, cosy fireside lunches in a Lappish kota (hut) and snowshoe treks through forests straight out of Narnia. The long nights of the Arctic winter also offer the best chance of spotting the Northern Lights.
Expert tip:
Stay in the igloo-like Aurora Domes by Lake Torassieppi for the ultimate night’s sleep.
Morocco
Average temperature: 14°C / 57°F
Why you should visit now:
To really escape Christmas, head to Morocco where there won’t be a whiff of Yuletide cheer in sight. Instead, you’ll find fewer crowds and comfortably warm temperatures for exploring Marrakech’s markets, the rugged Atlas Mountains and the surf-pummelled beaches of Taghazout. For a real off-the-beaten-track adventure, head to the Sahara, where sandstone kasbahs sit alongside palm groves rich in Medjool dates. Top it off with a night under the stars in a desert camp.
Expert tip:
The town of Taliouine – home of saffron – is the best place to sample chicken tagine, infused with the expensive spice.
Costa Rica
Average temperature: 23°C / 75°F
Why you should visit now:
In December, the rain-sodden days in Costa Rica ease, but the jungles and national parks are still brilliantly lush and green. You’re best of aiming for the western side of the Talamanca Mountains and the Pacific coast and avoiding the Caribbean side (including Arenal), which is in rainy season this month. In the west, it’ll be crowded around Christmas, especially with North American travellers flocking south, but the weeks before present a quieter time for hiking, ziplining and abseiling through the canopy. Make sure you visit Palo Verde National Park in Guanacaste, at the gateway to the Nicoya Peninsula, to take in rivers and mangroves, roamed by crocodiles, howler monkeys and iguanas.
Expert tip:
Head to nearby Chira Island for New Year’s Day where one of the oldest indigenous tribes in the country gather to watch the sun rise, ushering in the new year. Boats depart from either Puntarenas or Costa de Pajaros.
Colombia
Average temperature: 31°C / 87°F
Why you should visit now:
Colombia is one of those rare places that’s pretty nice all year round. But in December, even the rain-prone capital Bogotá is at its best, allowing you to head off on a graffiti tour around the La Candelaria ‘hood and take in the city’s vibey rooftop bars and restaurants at night. Don’t feel like travelling entirely solo? Flash Pack’s group tour for solo travellers in Colombia takes in the capital, before exploring the Comuna 13 barrio de Medellín, the colourful town of Guatapé and the Caribbean coast around Cartagena.
Expert tip:
Move over, Peru… Colombia’s dining scene is emerging as one of South America’s best, with spots like molecular-minded El Cielo Restaurant in Medellín leading the pack.
Ready to take off on your next adventure? Join Flash Pack today to discover group solo holidays with like-minded people in their 30s & 40s.
To find out where to go in January, read our expert travel tips, ideas and inspiration.
Images: Adobe, Flash Pack
