While we’re all for an Australian summer, we have to admit: December is an opportune month to travel. In fact, a string of public holidays and most workplaces winding down for the end of the year might just make the period from November to January the perfect time to pack a bag and set your sights on a new holiday destination. And while there are plenty of hidden gems to explore on Australian shores, sometimes, there’s nothing quite like jumping on a plane and breaking new ground overseas. Whether you’re still nursing the FOMO of seeing all your friends traipse to Europe in the middle of the year, or simply can’t go a few months without planning your next getaway, we’ve got you covered. Below, five international destinations we’re eyeing off this holiday season.
Bali, Indonesia
If you’re eager for a sea change, but not so keen on the cooler temperatures that much of the world offers at the end of the year, Bali might just be the destination for you. With beaches to rival Europe (without the trials of a 24-hour plane journey), a bustling nightlife for when the mood strikes, and an average high of 28 degrees Celsius, Bali has all the makings of a pretty spectacular holiday. Keen for an outdoor adventure? December also makes an opportune month to explore the island’s lush forests. Around this time of year, the humidity is moderate and rainfall is low, making it the ideal time to traipse through the natural beauty of Ubud, or bask in the beauty of Nusa Pedina on a snorkelling tour. Bali is also brimming with luxurious hotels and villas, often without an eye-watering price tag attached, so you can rest and relax at the end of a day spent exploring.
Salzburg, Austria
Here in Australia, the holiday period looks a little different to most parts of the world. So if you’ve been dreaming of a traditional Christmas – complete with snow, mulled wine, and plenty of festive traditions – why not head to Salzburg? Nestled on the northern edge of the Alps, Salzburg is famous for its Christmas markets. The Christkindlmarkt in Dom Square — which runs from 21 November until 1 January — is the city’s best-known and oldest market, boasting over 100 stalls, as well as attractions like choral concerts, parades and, of course, delectable food and seasonal trinkets. After Christmas, the magic of Salzburg only continues, with the mountainous city making the perfect backdrop for a fireworks display to ring in the New Year. And if traditional festivities aren’t for you, Salzburg is also renowned as the setting for The Sound Of Music. Most places featured in the film are located in and around the city centre, so you can set out to discover them on your own, or embark on one of the city’s many organised tours.
New York
Few destinations stack up to New York in December. While many cities wind down at the year’s end, each of New York’s boroughs come alive, with hidden gems to dine, drink, shop, and play at every turn. With an average high of around 7 degrees Celsius, and the promise of snowfall over quintessential New York locations like Central Park and The High Line, there’s arguably nowhere better to experience a memorable white Christmas. For first-time visitors to the city, no end-of-year trip would be complete without stopping in at The Rockefeller Centre, which is decked out with a towering Christmas tree every year. You can simply stand and take in the wonder of the 50,000 multicoloured LED lights that wrap around each branch (and are lit from 5am – midnight every day), or go all out with a few laps around the iconic Rockefeller ice skating rink. There’s also countless other seasonal attractions worth including on your December itinerary, like a walk down Fifth avenue (which is decked out in Christmas paraphernalia), or a trip to Radio City for The Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular. And for seasoned travellers looking for lesser-known New York haunts (including Chloe Sevigny’s favourite vintage shopping spot), why not peruse this RUSSH editor’s guide to NYC.
Sri Lanka
If you’ve been thinking about a trip to Sri Lanka, December is the month to do it. The end of the year marks a shift from monsoon to dry season, bringing with it warm, dry weather to the south and west of Sri Lanka, and temperatures typically hovering between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. Sprawling beaches, vast mountains, jaw-dropping ancient ruins, and plenty of wildlife make Sri Lanka the perfect destination for those wanting a little bit of everything from their holiday. Weary travellers can park up on Mirissa Beach, Tallala Beach, and Unawatuna Beach (to name just a few) for a little rest and relaxation — with great surfing conditions for those more aquatically inclined. Adventure seekers might prefer to detour to the highlands, where popular hikes like Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock offer a challenging but enjoyable means to enjoy Sri Lanka’s incredible natural surrounds.
Tokyo, Japan
For a change of scenery that doesn’t come at the cost of an eye-wateringly long flight, we can’t go past Tokyo. A manageable nine-hour flight from Australia, December is a great time to experience winter in the capital city — without the arctic temperatures that January and February typically bring. Each year, travellers flock to the bustling capital city in droves, eager to immerse themselves in its impressive offering of architecture, fashion and art. Whether you prefer to get lost in the shops of Shibuya (the city’s most fashionable district), chow down on fresh sushi at an omakase, or relax in a traditional onsen, there’s something to satisfy every traveler in Tokyo. There are also plenty of ski resorts located just outside Tokyo — like Gala Yuzawa and Ishiuchi Maruyama — which are accessible by train or bus, for travellers eager to escape the city. Ready to book your stay? Check out our guide to the best hotels in Tokyo.
