December Destinations
December is a month full of holiday planning, present-shopping festivities, and while it can be fun, it can be stressful if you take on too much. With some time off at the end of the month, taking a break by vacationing may be just what you need to unwind during all the holiday happenings. In this blog in particular, we’re highlighting December destinations that’ll get you in the wintry, holiday spirit. Living in Florida, you probably don’t get to experience classic winters very often, which is why we’re showing you some of the best places to travel this December, according to Travel & Leisure.
Edinburgh, Scotland
As the capital city of Scotland, the city of Edinburgh is a very historic and festive destination. This city stays at a level temperature for the entire month of December, usually anywhere in the 40s or 30s Fahrenheit. But don’t be afraid of that cold- during the month of December, downtown Edinburgh has a charming Christmas market set up throughout the streets, complete with cute vendors and spectacular decorations. All these festivities will help you embrace the winter weather. According to Travel & Leisure, the best place to stay is the Balmoral Hotel, just a ten minute walk away from the city center. Click here to learn more about all the happenings in Edinburgh in December.
New York City, New York
New York city is perhaps one of the most magical places to be during the holiday season. It’s an urban winter paradise- the city lights up with decorative lights and celebrations all throughout the month of December. You can go see some of the most famous holiday landmarks while you’re in town, from the Rockefeller Christmas tree in Rockefeller Plaza to the World’s Largest Menorah in Prospect Park in Brooklyn. In addition to this, New York is one of the shopping capitals of the world, so be sure to give yourself a full day of hitting all the shops to find gifts for everyone on your list. If shopping isn’t your thing, there’s still plenty to do, like ice skating in Central Park or seeing the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. Travel & Leisure recommends staying at the Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel for great views and convenience.
Tromso, Norway
If you’re looking to check something off your bucket list this December, then travelling to Tromso, Norway is the place to go. This quaint, coastal town is an optimal destination to view the iconic Northern Lights; there’s typically no sun out this whole month, which makes it perfect for viewing the Lights. This Norwegian city is home to a number of quaint restaurants, cafes, and pubs, perfect for the whole family. You can also take a reindeer sleigh ride here, and go whale watching (the peak time is in December!). The Clarion Collection Hotel is one of the top hotels to stay at in Tromso, with many of the rooms having views of the mountains or the Arctic Cathedral.
(All photos via Travel & Leisure)