The Best Places to Travel in December Before the Holiday Rush

The Best Places to Travel in December Before the Holiday Rush The best places to go this December are a mix of old, easy-to-reach standbys and out-of-the-way destinations that are sure to reward you with one-of-a-kind experiences once you get there. If you’re the type who gets on flights for food, pop over to San Francisco for 48 hours or sneak away to Seville for a long weekend, where enticing restaurants and long-anticipated hotel openings make for compelling city breaks. For those who love to get off the beaten path, try a winter escape in Finland’s Oulu, a European Capital of Culture; or a desert dream in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island, where the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is finally cutting its ribbon. And if you’re chasing a summer vibe, head to the Southern Hemisphere’s adventure capital Queenstown, New Zealand. Sure, you might have holiday obligations, as you do every December, but why not travel right after Thanksgiving? Or make a stop at one of the best places to travel in December, all featured on our annual list of the Best Places to Go, on the way to the places where you have to go. (For more ideas, find our full list of the best places to go in 2026 here.) This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.