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Best Places to Travel in December from Australia

December means Christmas school holidays — the most expensive travel period of the year. Book 6+ months ahead. Best value destinations are those where Christmas is low season.

Top 5 Destinations — December 2026

1
❄️ Japan
Christmas in Japan is magical — lights, markets, winter illuminations. Not a major holiday so prices stable.
Return flights
~$1,150 AUD return SYD
2
🌿 Vietnam
Dry season across the south and central coast — Hoi An, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh excellent in December.
Return flights
~$550 AUD return SYD
3
🏖️ Thailand
Peak season — dry across most of the country. Koh Lanta, Krabi, Phuket all excellent. Book 4+ months ahead.
Return flights
~$650 AUD return SYD
4
🐘 Sri Lanka
West and south coasts perfect — Colombo, Galle, Mirissa whale season begins December. Low crowds.
Return flights
~$900 AUD return SYD
5
🏝️ Maldives
Peak season for Maldives — perfect conditions, premium prices. Book overwater bungalows 6+ months ahead.
Return flights
~$950 AUD return SYD
⚠️ Where to Avoid in December
×Europe (cold, expensive, Christmas tourism surcharge)
×New Zealand (booked out and very expensive from late December)

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