Travel Designers December Winter Beach & Sunshine
For December Winter Beach Sunshine close to the UK head to the Canary Islands, Cape Verde or the Middle East. If flying isn’t an issue then head further afield to the Caribbean, Florida or the Indian Ocean for the perfect fly and flop holiday for some December winter beach sunshine. Or head East and wonder at the craziness of Bangkok twined with a beach stay at one of the many beach resorts. Below we list our most popular December winter Beach destinations.
The Canary Islands
A firm favorite for winter sunshine with easy access by plane or cruise from Southampton. If you don’t mind the wind consider Fuerteventura, Lanzarote for a more low key stay. If it’s hot sunny days you are seeking then choose Tenerife, closely followed by Gran Canaria. The Canaries are a popular choice for winter sunshine with their short flight time of just over 4 hours.
Cruise from the UK on a 12 or 14-day cruise and visit ports such as Funchal in Madeira and Lisbon in Portugal on the way. Fly and flop options are available for self-catering or luxury all-inclusive, the choice is endless.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde offers a closer version of the Caribbean with sandy beaches and warm weather with the hot winds blow from Africa. Charter flights are the only option that can limit the choice of operator and hotels tend to be all-inclusive. If you are looking to fly and flop then this is the perfect destination, however not the best choice for those looking for activities to get out and explore. The islands are limited to what is on offer other than sunshine and beach. With 6 hours of sunshine each day in the month of December, it is a perfect December winter beach destination.
The Gambia
It may be one of the smallest countries on the continent but the Gambia offers a lot for the winter sun worshiper. Wonderful sandy beaches backed by beautiful palms and small fishing villages. It is a good winter sunshine destination but equally appeals to the avid bird watcher. With over 600 species of birds to be found plus a whole host of other wildlife such as Hippos, Crocodiles and Columbus Monkeys. It does offer some great day trips on top of your beach days. Temperatures average 27°C (80°F). during the day with lows of 20°C (68° F). in the evening.
Other than sunbathing get out and explore with a lazy day cruise on the river bird watching or looking out for dolphins. Head out down the creeks and bolongs river (tributaries) on the River Gambia in search of more wildlife. Alternatively, check in to one of the many spa options at your hotel or locally and indulge in a pamper day with a massage.
Middle East UAE
Dubai is always a popular destination in the month of December but there are some new destinations emerging in the UAE. Equally hotel chains are looking for new beach areas to build outside of Dubai tapping into the extensive flight network on offer. Our favourites for 2019 are; Ras al Khaimah just 1-hour north of Dubai and the perfect resort based beach holiday options with a choice of all-inclusive 5-star hotels.
The Caribbean
A visit to the Caribbean islands in December is the perfect time to visit in our winter months. The islands offer a varied experience from laid back to cosmopolitan, as well as a wide range of accommodation. Keep the budget down with self-catering options or put your feet up and enjoy an all-inclusive luxury hotel.
Deciding which island to choose is often the hardest part as they each offer the visitor such a varied style from low key island living to posh restaurants and party nights. Deciding could be a hard call. Take to the seas and cruise several of the islands on a large cruise ship or a smaller yacht dropping anchor in small coves. Whichever you choose the Caribean will not disappoint. Our favourite chill-out island is St Nevis and our party island Jamaica followed by Barbados and Mexico. Looking to explore then head to Costa Rica for that jungle and beach experience.
Southern Florida
Clearwater Beach on the south-west of Florida is a great location for some winter sunshine. Head to the east side and hang out on Miami Beach with all the hip crowd and party throughout the night. If you want a more laid back atmosphere head down to the Florida Keys where everything stops and relaxation is the only thing on the menu.
Thailand
Heading East to Thailand has always been a favourite destination for the month of December with its perfect weather conditions, hot and dry. Twin it with Bangkok and one of the beach resorts will give you that culture hit with some downtime. It is one of the most expensive times to visit this area but it still remains excellent value once in resort. Our favourite pairings are Bangkok and Phuket for culture and nightlife or for a more low key visit Chiang Mai and Khao Lak.
Thailand is popular with divers and sailors for the pristine warm waters. Golfers also love the winter warmth for a round of golf and the stunning choice of golf courses. For families, it is the perfect beach destination with a wide choice of day trips to keep all the family amused.
Indian Ocean
December winter beach options in the Indian Ocean are plentiful with all the countries offering warm sunny beach days. Most popular is the Maldives and Seychelles if budget is no option. Those on a more restricted budget will find Sri Lanka and Mauritius offer more reasonable accommodation with a host of indirect flights to keep the prices down. The Indian Ocean will not disappoint for a December winter beach holiday.
