For some people it’s about escaping grey skies and finding warmth before winter properly settles in. For others it’s about celebrating Christmas somewhere extraordinary, taking a big family trip, or squeezing in one last adventure before the year disappears. That’s why we don’t think a December holiday should be chosen from a generic “hot places in winter” list. The best trips at this time of year are the ones that feel meaningful, the places that make you pause, look around and think, “I’m really glad we chose this.” Our specialists have been sharing their recent experiences and honest advice, and these are the destinations they’d put at the top of their lists to end the year on a high. These are our top picks on where to go in December Sri Lanka: sunshine, wildlife and a tropical festive season If someone asked us for a single destination that combines beaches, wildlife, culture and excellent December weather, Sri Lanka would be very close to the top of the list. Our Sri Lanka specialist, Rebecca, said that the south and southwest coasts are at their best now, with dry, sunny days and warm seas that make beach stays very tempting. You can spend the morning watching fishermen haul in their catch, spend an afternoon by the pool, and eat traditional curries at dinner as the air cools down for the evening. What makes Sri Lanka so lovely in December is that there is so much to do. A Christmas trip could include tea country, ancient temples, leopard safaris and a few lazy days by the Indian Ocean; Sri Lanka’s your oyster! Dawn, our Sri Lanka specialist, always looks forward to visiting in December. She shared a story from one of her trips that sums up what makes Sri Lanka stand out from other places for winter sun. Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => After a few films were watched, a good sleep was had before arriving the next day into a very hot Sri Lanka, leaving the memories of the cold, dark and wet behind me, it was as though I could breathe again, and a huge smile creeped onto my face. [name] => Dawn Smith [location] => HA Destination Manager, Sri Lanka. [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ After a few films were watched, a good sleep was had before arriving the next day into a very hot Sri Lanka, leaving the memories of the cold, dark and wet behind me, it was as though I could breathe again, and a huge smile creeped onto my face. Dawn Smith HA Destination Manager, Sri Lanka. ” That sense of surprise is one of Sri Lanka’s most wonderful traits; wildlife encounters often happen when you least expect them, whether it’s elephants crossing a road or monkeys trying to steal your breakfast. Our specialists do give one important piece of advice: book early. December, especially Christmas and New Year, is one of the busiest times of the year in Sri Lanka, and the most characterful hotels fill up quickly. For couples wanting a tad of warmth to break up winter with a little culture, and for families looking for a trip that offers more than just a beach break, Sri Lanka is hard to beat. HA Sri Lanka specialist, Rebecca, with Nadeeka (left), our on-the-ground sales agent, and Hasheema (Right). Cambodia: temples at sunrise and afternoons on the island December is one of the loveliest months to visit Cambodia. The dry season is in full swing, temperatures are warm rather than crippling, and skies are most often beautifully clear. That matters most at Angkor, where early starts are part of the magic. If you wake around 4:30 AM to reach the main reflection ponds by 5:15 AM (We know you’re meant to be on your holidays, but stay with us!), you’ll get to see the iconic lotus towers turn from dark silhouettes to a vibrant red and gold backdrop. Watching the first light spread across the temples is a glorious start to your morning. What many travellers don’t realise is that Cambodia also works brilliantly as a two-centre holiday. After a few days exploring Angkor’s temples, markets and meeting the elephants, you can head to the southern islands for white sand, turquoise water and a bit of downtime. Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => The Royal Sands on Koh Rong island is a certified paradise, and no amount of photos can do it justice. White sand, turquoise seas, impeccable service from every lovely, smiling member of staff, and an attention to detail that makes you never want to leave. It’s not the cheapest place to stay on the island, but it is worth every penny. [name] => Fenton [location] => HA Destination Manager, Cambodia. [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ The Royal Sands on Koh Rong island is a certified paradise, and no amount of photos can do it justice. White sand, turquoise seas, impeccable service from every lovely, smiling member of staff, and an attention to detail that makes you never want to leave. It’s not the cheapest place to stay on the island, but it is worth every penny. Fenton HA Destination Manager, Cambodia. ” A heads-up: As with Sri Lanka, December is high season, so the best boutique hotels and island properties are usually booked well in advance. Taken by HA Cambodia specialist, Lisa, whilst relaxing by the pool at the Six Senses Krabey Island. South India: a gentler kind of winter sun If your idea of a December holiday is less about adventure and ticking off sights and more about slowing down and recharging, South India is a wonderful choice. In Kerala, the monsoon has passed, and the weather is drier, warm and settled. There is a leisurely tempo, and the weather makes it glorious to see the houseboats sail through the backwaters beneath coconut palms and to visit the lush, green tea plantations. Our India specialist, Clare, is particularly keen on December for travellers looking for a relaxed yet enjoyable trip. A key takeaway from her last trip, she said: Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => Travel around India has become much easier. Flights, trains and roads have improved hugely, making remote areas far more accessible than they used to be. I also saw how changing weather patterns are affecting when and where I’d recommend clients travel. And perhaps most of all, it reinforced that India works best when you slow down – spend less time rushing and more time in each place. [name] => Clare Burkey [location] => HA Destination Manager, India. [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ Travel around India has become much easier. Flights, trains and roads have improved hugely, making remote areas far more accessible than they used to be. I also saw how changing weather patterns are affecting when and where I’d recommend clients travel. And perhaps most of all, it reinforced that India works best when you slow down – spend less time rushing and more time in each place. Clare Burkey HA Destination Manager, India. ” Clare has just written about the hidden spots that are all too often missed from India holiday itineraries. Finding these secret spots is what made her journey “truly unforgettable”, and we think they might just do the same for yours. Read her most recent blog here: Clare's three weeks in India. Taken by HA specialist, Clare, during her stay at Coconut Lagoon, on the Vembanad Lake. Namibia: a quieter but more adventurous Christmas Yes, it’s very hot, often well into the 30s, and there may be dramatic afternoon showers. But those showers are usually only brief, and the landscape can feel wonderfully alive when it rains. The advantage is that December is low season. Lodges are quieter, availability is often better, and there is a bit more ‘elbow room’ (a silly saying when talking about vast Africa, we know). Still, in high season it can start to feel quite busy, so going when it's a little quieter is a nice way to experience it, almost like you have the safari all to yourself. For travellers who don’t mind the heat, this can make an extraordinary Christmas escape. Imagine waking to vast desert horizons, spending the hottest part of the day by the pool, then heading out in the late afternoon as the light turns golden across the dunes. There’s also a chance of seeing newborn wildlife if the rain comes early, bringing a whole new layer to the safari, as you can't deny that seeing little baby elephants would completely make your holiday! Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => Both trips with HA to Namibia have been extremely well organised and matched our requests spot on. The in-country ground agents are also superb, and I thoroughly recommend HA. We are planning our trip back to Namibia again for next year, hopefully with a bit of Botswana added in this time! [name] => HB [location] => Returning HA client. [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ Both trips with HA to Namibia have been extremely well organised and matched our requests spot on. The in-country ground agents are also superb, and I thoroughly recommend HA. We are planning our trip back to Namibia again for next year, hopefully with a bit of Botswana added in this time! HB Returning HA client. ” Namibia suits travellers who like the idea of doing Christmas a tad differently, a little less tinsel, more stars. HA specialist, Kirsty, with Charlotte, our ground agent in Namibia, at the Fish River Canyon. Morocco: winter sunshine with Christmas-y snow in the Atlas Morocco isn’t beach-hot in December, but it’s often pleasantly mild during the day and can feel wonderfully sunny compared to the cold, dark winters we get here in the UK. One of the things our Morocco specialist, Rebecca, said they love most about Morocco at this time of year is the contrast. You can be wandering through the ochre alleys of Marrakech in a light jacket, then look up and see snow on the Atlas Mountains. It’s a great month for a bit of city exploration, mountain scenery and long, leisurely lunches on sunny terraces. Evenings are cooler, so layers are essential, but that slight crispness makes you feel ​​frosty and cosy when enjoying dinners and hot mint tea on lantern-lit rooftops in the square. Our Trade Sales Manager, Emma, who used to be an HA Morocco specialist up until recently, says, “If you are in Tangier , you must visit La Terrasse Dar El Kasbah . It’s a peaceful rooftop and outdoor terrace spot set near Africa's first telegraph; they serve deliciously authentic, fresh Moroccan dishes. It is just a warm and lovely experience.” For travellers wanting a short-haul escape with culture, colour and a hint of wintriness, Morocco is a strong December contender. Our Morocco specialist, Rebecca, said there feels like a real turning point for Morocco holidays, with the announcement this year of new direct flights to Rabat and Tangier. Read more about why Northern Morocco is looking to be huge this year here. HA Rebecca and HA Kim, with their rep Hamid, during their Fez el-Jadid tour. Jordan: Petra without the hustle and bustle December isn’t the classic Jordan travel brochure month, and our Middle East specialists Cat and Ian are honest about that. Petra is far quieter than in spring and autumn; the desert landscapes are so dramatic beneath the wintry skies, and the whole country is calmer and still. It is especially quiet at the moment; recent news coverage has understandably prompted some questions. The good news is that our specialists, Ian and Cat, have been speaking directly with their partners on the ground, who confirm that life and travel continue as normal. Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and Amman remain peaceful, welcoming visitors and operating without disruption. As Cat explains here, now is actually a wonderful time to visit. With fewer visitors than usual, many of Jordan's extraordinary places can be enjoyed at a quieter pace. At the same time, your visit continues to support the local people and communities who make travel here so special. “So go now, before it gets too busy, and everyone jumps back on the Jordan bandwagon.” - Cat. This is the side of Jordan for travellers who want to hear their footsteps echo through dramatic Petra rather than shuffle through a crowd, elbow to elbow. Taken by HA Hels, of the carvings in the sandstone cliffs in Petra. Chile: big landscapes before the year ends December is peak season in Chile, and for good reason. Patagonia is open, daylight stretches long into the evening, and conditions are excellent for exploring the south. It’s also one of the best times to combine Patagonia with Easter Island, creating a trip of a lifetime by pairing the dramatic, raw wilderness of South America's southern peaks and glaciers with the isolation and ancient mystery of Rapa Nui's giant stone statues in a single journey. Visit the breathtaking Torres del Paine, our Chile expert, Lou says: Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => Anyone who loves scenery and wildlife, whether that's walking, riding, or just taking in the views of the glaciers and mountains, will be very happy to be here. You don’t need to stay in the park itself, and there are some of my favourite lodges on its outskirts, but you certainly should take some time to hike, ride or join a 4x4 driving safari to see this simply beautiful landscape. The photos will NEVER do justice to this amazing place. [name] => Louise Mumford [location] => HA Destination Manager. [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ Anyone who loves scenery and wildlife, whether that's walking, riding, or just taking in the views of the glaciers and mountains, will be very happy to be here. You don’t need to stay in the park itself, and there are some of my favourite lodges on its outskirts, but you certainly should take some time to hike, ride or join a 4x4 driving safari to see this simply beautiful landscape. The photos will NEVER do justice to this amazing place. Louise Mumford HA Destination Manager. ” Because it’s such a popular period, our specialists are emphatic about booking early. Flights, lodges and guides in Patagonia can fill up many months in advance. HA Gabs, on the Prat Fjord hike from Remota Lodge, Patagonia. December holidays are important. Maybe because they arrive at the end of the year, and it is your big holiday of the year. Maybe it’s the present of a lifetime that you are gifting your family for Christmas. Maybe it’s because they’re tied to your family's traditions. Whatever the reason, if you’re thinking about a December holiday, choose the place that feels like the right ending to your year. That’s exactly what our specialists are here to help with. Get in touch today to secure your winter getaway. Whether you're sunning it up on the beach or having an adventure through the mountains, we can’t wait to see where you’ll choose. Holidays at their best this December Where are you jetting off to this December? Chat to one of our experts today to design a December holiday, especially made for you. ZEN_HOLIDAY_GET_A_QUOTE ZEN_HOLIDAY_TEL ZEN_HOLIDAY_OPEN_HOURS