George Boyle
December is a great month for a honeymoon, with summer kicking off in the Southern Hemisphere and many top destinations entering their dry season. If you're looking for a late-year getaway to a luxury retreat, there are plenty of options to choose from, whether you're seeking a tropical beach paradise, a city break, or a road trip adventure. Here are some of the best places to consider for a December honeymoon:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Season | Dry season in the Southern Hemisphere, rainy season in the Northern Hemisphere |
| Weather | Warm and sunny, with occasional tropical rain showers |
| Activities | Snorkelling, scuba diving, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife spotting, sightseeing, shopping, water sports, relaxing in spas, golf, quad biking, horse riding, zip-lining, wine tasting |
| Destinations | Australia, Thailand, Malaysia, South Africa, New Zealand, Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Caribbean, Dubai, Arabia, Sri Lanka, India, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, USA, Canada, St. Kitts & Nevis, Jamaica, Vietnam, Philippines, Costa Rica |
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What You'll Learn
Tropical beach honeymoons
The Caribbean
The Caribbean is a great option for a tropical beach honeymoon in December. Barbados, Aruba, St. Kitts, and Jamaica are all popular destinations in the region. Barbados offers sunny skies, warm temperatures, and gentle breezes, with the northeast trade winds providing a refreshing break from the heat. Aruba provides a blend of luxury, comfort, and tropical charm, with options for all-inclusive resorts, boutique hotels, or quiet villas. St. Kitts hosts a six-week carnival during peak season, which runs from December to April, and Jamaica, known as the 'birthplace of reggae', offers a vibrant atmosphere with tree-cloaked mountains, vast rainforests, and a rich cultural tapestry to explore.
Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean offers a range of options for a tropical beach honeymoon in December. The Maldives is a popular choice, known for its tiny islands scattered across the ocean, surrounded by turquoise lagoons and white sandy beaches. You can find luxurious villas, romantic resorts, and a range of water sports and relaxing spas. Sri Lanka is another option, offering cultural and adventurous experiences, including visiting beautiful temples, riding elephants, and tasting a variety of delicious teas at tea plantations.
Other Options
- South Africa: With cultural diversity, stunning landscapes, and a range of activities like safari adventures, hiking, sailing, and exploring historical sites.
- Thailand: Krabi, with its blue waters and grass-covered limestone stacks, offers a calmer side of the country, while Phuket, Koh Samui, and Pattaya also have stunning beaches.
- Australia: The southern parts of the country, including South Australia, Western Australia, and New South Wales, are ideal in December, with summer in full swing. Explore the Great Barrier Reef, snorkel or scuba dive, and enjoy the pristine beaches of the Whitsunday Islands.
- Mexico: Los Cabos, located on the tip of the Baja California Peninsula, offers whale watching opportunities and a rich marine life experience, including sea lions, turtles, and tropical fish.
- Brazil: For those seeking stunning beaches, Brazil offers a range of coastal destinations to choose from.
These are just a few ideas for tropical beach honeymoons in December, each promising a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and romantic adventures.
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Safari honeymoons
If you're looking for a late honeymoon in December, you might want to consider a safari. An African safari combines romance, adventure, and accommodation in some of the world's most magical settings. Each day promises something new and exciting, with experiences that you’ll talk about for years to come. You can stay at intimate camps and lodges in gorgeous locations, wake up to dramatic sunrises, sip ice-cold champagne while gazing at a moonlit view, and enjoy romantic private dinners beneath the stars.
There are several options for a safari honeymoon in December. South Africa is a great choice due to its cultural diversity, wildlife, and beautiful landscapes. You can try adventurous activities such as hiking, sailing, and horse riding, or explore the museums and heritage sites. Botswana is another option, offering exclusive, luxurious safari lodges in the Okavango Delta and Linyanti, in private concessions shared with very few others. If you're looking for a more adventurous experience, consider Zambia, which offers pioneering walking safaris, canoeing experiences, and rustic luxury camps. Tanzania is also a great choice for bold, thrill-seeking couples, with walking safaris, fly-camping, and off-grid luxury lodges.
If you're looking for a combination of safari and beach, Kenya is a great option. You can experience the wildlife of the savannah and then relax on the beach. Another option is to combine South Africa with Botswana or Kenya with Tanzania/Zanzibar.
When planning a safari honeymoon, consider your budget, the length of your trip, and the type of experience you're looking for. A tour operator or travel agent who specializes in safari travel can help you find the best options within your budget. Keep in mind that December is a busy time for travel due to the holiday season, so book early to get the best deals and availability.
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City honeymoons
If you're looking for a city break for your honeymoon in December, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a city bursting with beauty and you can’t help but be spellbound by its lively waterfront, fascinating history, and the iconic Table Mountain, which dominates the city's skyline. Beyond the city, the Garden Route is one of the great drives, winding along a gorgeous stretch of epic coastline, while the Winelands are a place where you can relax with a glass of wine among natural splendour. It's summer in Cape Town in December, so warm, dry, and sunny days will be aplenty.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is a vibrant non-stop city with temples, Buddhas, floating markets, and colourful nightlife. Thailand also offers stunning beaches in Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi, and Pattaya. If you want to escape the beaten track, look out for Thailand’s hidden gems and discover beautiful unspoilt areas.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai is the perfect honeymoon destination for couples who love fast-paced cosmopolitan cities with glitz, glamour, and excitement. The city seamlessly fuses its native Arabian traditions with luxurious Western influences. Dubai has a range of luxury hotels and resorts, including the iconic 7-star Burj Al Arab. It is also one of the 'coolest' times of the year to visit, with temperatures averaging around the mid-20s.
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is a cosmopolitan city where nature is never far away. If you’re looking for a December honeymoon that combines the city with the great outdoors, then Vancouver is a great choice. The city experiences mild weather in December, with some rain, and it's the best value time to visit as the country enters its winter period. There are plenty of mountain resorts lying just outside Vancouver where you can go skiing.
Other Options
For a wintery city break, Zurich in Switzerland offers festive lights and Christmas markets, while Vienna has its own urban vineyards, with views of Gothic cathedrals and imperial residences. For a city break with beaches, St Lucia offers a tropical island experience with its iconic Piton mountains and lush rainforest.
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Road trip honeymoons
If you're looking for a road trip honeymoon in December, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Australia
December falls in the Australian summer, making it a great time to go sightseeing. You could road trip along the east coast from Sydney to Cairns, taking in the tropical scenery and stopping at the Great Barrier Reef. Or, if you're looking for pristine beaches, check out the Whitsunday Islands, including Whitehaven Beach. Just be aware that the tropical north can be wet at this time of year.
New Zealand
New Zealand offers otherworldly scenery, endless outdoor activities, wine tasting, stunning beaches, amazing wildlife, and incredible road trips. December is warm and sunny, with temperatures staying below 30 degrees Celsius, making it perfect for exploring.
South Africa
South Africa is a great choice for a December road trip. You can experience the wild majesty of the bush and try to spot the Big Five, or enjoy adventurous activities such as hiking, sailing, and horse riding. You can also soak up the culture and history of the country at its museums and heritage sites.
The United States
The US has several road trip options for honeymooners. You could drive along the famed Overseas Highway leading down to Key West, stopping along the way to take in the commanding views and enjoy delicious meals. Or, head out West, where you'll find sloping mountains, lush valleys, and arid desert landscapes. Both the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts offer scenic routes through farmland, mountains, small towns, and cities.
Europe
For a wintery road trip, head to Europe in December and visit the Christmas markets in cities like Vienna, Strasbourg, Prague, Krakow, Florence, Copenhagen, Nuremberg, and Stuttgart. You can also enjoy the snow in the Alps, with pretty Alpine resorts in Switzerland and Austria offering skiing, snowtubing, and sledding.
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Skiing honeymoons
If you're looking for a winter-wonderland honeymoon with skiing and frosty draws, there are many options to choose from. Here are some skiing honeymoon destinations to consider:
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen is a small and exclusive mountain resort town with top-notch dining and shopping to round out your days of skiing. The Little Nell is the quintessential Aspen experience, offering breathtaking mountain views, impressive culinary delights, and a culture that revolves around the beauty and history of the region.
St. Regis Deer Valley, Utah
Nestled amidst the Wasatch Mountains, the St. Regis Deer Valley offers ski-in/ski-out access and a private ski valet. The hotel combines the refinement of the St. Regis brand with the subtlety of mountain ski culture. Enjoy the all-season outdoor pool or hot tub, and relax on your private mountain-view terrace.
Riffelalp Resort, Switzerland
The Riffelalp Resort is a spectacular five-star hotel that overlooks the majestic Matterhorn mountain. Accessible only by rail, tram, or skidoo, the views are well worth the journey. The resort offers the ultimate relaxation in the Swiss Alps, with skiers speeding by the hotel and ski-in/ski-out access.
Banff, North America
Banff is one of the most renowned destinations for skiing in North America and the world, with its consistently snow-blanketed peaks. The Fairmont Banff Springs is a stunning resort surrounded by fairy-tale forests and aquamarine river valleys. This National Historic Site boasts 11 restaurants, a heated outdoor pool, a spa, and palatial rooms and suites.
Queenstown, New Zealand
For those seeking snow in the warmer months, Queenstown offers pristine powder-coated ski and snowboarding conditions. Known as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown has a range of activities for adrenaline-fueled couples, including bungee jumping and hiking glaciers. Matakauri Lodge provides intimate and luxurious accommodations with stunning window views.
These are just a few options for skiing honeymoons, each offering a unique combination of skiing, adventure, relaxation, and romantic accommodations.
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Frequently asked questions
The Caribbean is a great choice for a beach honeymoon in December, with long sunny days, low humidity and cooling breezes. The Maldives is also a great option, with luxurious villas, turquoise lagoons and white sandy beaches.
If you're looking for a city break, Vienna is a great choice, with its Gothic cathedrals and imperial residences. For a more fast-paced trip, New York is the place to go, especially if you want to feel like you're in a Christmas movie.
Australia is a great option for a road trip honeymoon in December, with its south experiencing summer. New Zealand is also a good choice, with its otherworldly scenery, endless outdoor activities, wine tasting and stunning beaches.
South Africa is a great choice for a safari honeymoon, with its wildlife and beautiful landscapes. You could also try Kenya, which is affordable and has some gorgeous places to stay.
