Rest at the end of December where to go. Where to relax in December for ski lovers

December is the time for the pre-New Year's bustle, time to think not only about gifts, but also about where and how to spend the holidays. On the eve of Catholic Christmas, there are holiday fairs throughout Europe where you can buy traditional souvenirs, taste national Christmas dishes, and listen to festive music.

Ten-day new year holidays give many opportunities for travel to ski or beach resorts... However, do not forget that the cost of travel at the end of December increases significantly. However, so is the number of tourists in popular resorts.

Festivals and Holidays

V last years short tours for Catholic Christmas are becoming more and more popular. Traditional fairs open at the beginning of December in most European cities - and give them a special flavor; Christmas sales are held, mulled wine and grog are pouring in, mummers and barkers walk the streets. It is important to remember, however, that most fairs and coffee shops close early on Christmas Eve and are closed on December 25th. Traditional Christmas markets are especially popular in, and. Magic also happens on Christmas Eve: for example, if you touch one of the statues located on the Charles Bridge in the capital and make a wish, it will certainly come true. The center of Christmas festivities in becomes, where the main Christmas market of the country - Krskindlesmarkt - opens with daily shows. After Christmas, all the fun happens in. Fans of unusual competitions can take part in the New Year's carnival pancake race on December 31, and in the evening several million people from all over gather at the Brandenburg Gate. The beginning of the New Year is marked by fireworks over the gate and the Victory Column.

Most of the festivals, balls and holidays that take place in December are related to the theme of celebrating Christmas and New Years. Music festivals are held in Catholic cathedrals, where popular Christmas songs are performed.

Admirers of Gypsy music should go to, where at the end of December a festival of music and wine takes place in Budapest, with the participation of the world famous Gypsy Orchestra and Hungarian wine tasting. And in new year's eve the Opera House, one of the most beautiful buildings in Europe, hosts a real New Year's Ball and Gala Concert with the participation of soloists and ballet masters of the Opera House and foreign stars.

December is considered the month of beer. The largest Christmas beer beer festival takes place in the Belgian city of Essen, located in the north of Belgium, not far from. More than 75 types of beer are presented for tasting every year at the festival. In Denmark, Christmas beer starts selling in November, but in December the fair turns into an unusual and colorful event.

Beach resorts

December is great for a vacation in, however, it is important to choose a suitable region of the country. Comfortable temperatures in December are observed in the southeast of Thailand and adjacent islands (in particular, resorts Pattaya and Chan (Chang)), as well as on the western coast of the Malacca Peninsula (the resorts of Phuket, Lantu (Lantau), Samet, Yaoyai, Krabi and Pipi (Phi Phi)). During this period, rains are extremely rare.

In December, heavenly s white beaches and clear blue water will give you a wonderful rest. People come here, first of all, for calmness and serenity, which is difficult to find far from the bustle of the city. One of the main entertainments in the Maldives is offshore fishing at night.

Despite the popularity of holidays in, in December on the coast it is possible strong winds and fairly cool weather in the evenings. During the day, the air temperature does not rise above + 25 ° C.

In December, the holiday season ends, the temperature drops - and becomes unsuitable for swimming. Therefore, rest in Tunisia should be postponed until early spring, when the air warms up to a comfortable temperature.

Heavy rains, windy and cloudy weather in December are not conducive to a pleasant holiday on the coast of the Dead Sea, so the trip to the country is best postponed until March, when the clouds will give way bright sun and hot weather. Nevertheless, the air temperature in December does not drop below + 14 ° C in Jerusalem and below + 22 ° C in Eilat, so an excursion around the country during this period is possible.

Exotic

Even when choosing an exotic resort for a holiday at the end of December, avoid congestion. a large number tourists will most likely fail. Every year, resorts are becoming more and more popular, in particular - Goa, where more and more Russian-speaking guides and hotel workers appear. In December, the temperature for Goa is comfortable - about + 30-32 ° C. A beach holiday can be supplemented with excursions to spice plantations, elephant farms and other exotic places.

Holidays in December are an excellent option for spending your holidays. In spite of dry and warm weather, short-term tropical showers are possible. Nevertheless, the air temperature in the Dominican Republic does not drop below + 25 ° C.

Dry sunny weather in December is typical for the southern part, as well as near Dalat. In December, the monsoons, usual for these regions, do not bring precipitation; the air temperature does not drop below + 25-27 ° C.

Having gone to December in, you can combine the noisy celebration of the New Year with a change in climate. Rio de Janeiro turns into one of the most festive New Year centers world, where an incendiary carnival takes place, the main venue of which is the beaches. The only disadvantage of the holiday is the huge number of tourists who come to the country to enjoy the night festivities. Therefore, travel to the end of December should be booked in advance.

Ski resorts

In December, most of the European ski resorts begin their work. Winter resorts in, and have wide pistes, modern lifts and great choice hotels and chalets. Besides snowboarding or alpine skiing oh, in some resorts, for example in Karlovy Vary, you can swim in the thermal springs.

Vacation with children

Those who are going to have a rest with children should opt for and visit Santa Claus, look at his house, ride reindeer and dog sleds, snow scooters, snowmobiles and skis. You can stay in a hotel, and in - you can rent a cozy house. During the Christmas holidays, the Snow and Ice Festival is held in Kem, during which a life-size snow hotel is being built there, where frost-resistant tourists can spend the night. In addition, it is worth visiting such winter events as the international First Snow Games and Rally in the Hills, Winter Games in Ounasvaara, Polar Ski Track and Santa Claus Arctic Golf.

If the native expanses are nicer or the distances seem too large, then you can visit Santa Claus, whose residence is located in. An excursion to the House of Santa Claus with a visit to the Fairy Tales Trail, the zoo, the Winter Garden, the Santa Claus Post Office and a variety of attractions will please even kids. Also in the fiefdom are held game programs with a treat.

Visa-free countries

Since mid-November, all consulates have been in a rush, trying to hastily serve all tourists wishing to go to new year holidays to distant countries. You can prepare for the trip much more calmly if you plan your vacation in

In Russia, many take a vacation in December to relax on distant islands and continents: in southern hemisphere at this time, summer begins, and in the tropical regions of the north, the temperature drops to a comfortable level. In this article, we have collected some ideas for a good holiday in last month of the year.

List of foreign destinations where you can spend an inexpensive vacation in December

Beaches and shopping in the UAE

Beach in Dubai. Photo by Stephan Geyer via Flickr

It's warm in the Middle East in December. The temperature in Dubai hovers around 26 degrees Celsius, dropping to sixteen at night. The water in the Persian Gulf at this time is quite warm: about 24 degrees. However, even if you suddenly fail to swim, good shopping gold, clothing, shoes, electronics software low prices in Dubai will not leave indifferent you and those who are with you.

Tropical exotic in Cuba

Beach at Varadero. Photo by SkyDivedParcel via Flickr

December is perhaps one of the better months for holidays in Cuba. If it gets stuffy and hot here in summer due to excessive humidity, then an ideal for us is established here, northern people, weather. The sea is warm, the sky is almost cloudless. Varadero, Havana, Cienfuegos are places worth visiting in Cuba. Old cars, dilapidated pre-revolutionary houses, cheerful people, sandy beaches - what is worth going to Cuba. However, this exotic destination it is worth adding to the number of countries,.

Last chance for Egypt

Quad biking safari in the desert is one of the local attractions. Photo by Craig Grobler via Flickr

Although the sea is still warm here in December, cold winds are already starting to blow from the desert. The temperature during the day is about the same as in the UAE: about 26 degrees. Water stays at 22-24 degrees Celsius. If it's Ramadan, then at the end of December Europeans begin to occupy Egypt to celebrate Christmas here. Closer to the New Year holidays, prices rise, so it is better to buy in advance, as well as tours.

In December, Sharm el-Sheikh is warmer than in Hurghada, although the latter is located further south. It gets cool here at night during this period, so it is better to stock up on warm clothes.

With children on the shores of India

Palolem Beach Resort in Goa. Photo by pixelquest via Flickr

In winter, you can fly to India at any time. The season begins here in December, although you can fly here in November as well. Prices are low and temperatures are high, so you don't have to take a lot of clothes with you. Everything you need can be bought cheaply on the spot. Choose the often southern coast of Goa for a civilized beach holiday or the northern one for living with children in a rented villa.

Any representative of the middle class can afford to rent a house or a condominium here. Many come here for the whole winter, arranging children in local schools and kindergartens - good way practice english.

Cheap and hospitable Thailand

Beach in Phuket. Photo by Shelby PDX via Flickr

In December in Thailand, a full-fledged tourist season... The rainy season is passing and the weather is beautifully sunny with daytime temperatures of about 27 degrees. This is a great excuse to sunbathe, swim in the South China Sea, sample local food and travel on excursions. Choose Pattaya if you want entertainment, stay in Koh Samui or Phuket if you prefer a more conservative vacation. Rent a house with friends or family to spend the winter here. Favorable weather lasts here until spring, so there are many opportunities to come here.

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• Air temperature: 28-30 ° C.
• Water temperature: 26 ° C.
• Visa:
• Cost of living: from 351 rubles per night.
• from 67 312 rubles.

roamingaroundtheworld.com

Warm, comfortable weather sets in the Caribbean in December, making it one of the most attractive beach destinations. But if you want more and more vivid impressions, go to Guatemala. For example, in the city of Livingston in the east of the country.

Not far from this place there are wonderful beaches, the city itself is quite developed in terms of infrastructure. In addition, from there you can go on various exciting excursions: to the canyons, and to the waterfalls, and to the ruins.

If time and budget allows, it is possible to get from Livingstone to ancient city Maya - Tikal, which is in the north of the country. Although the easiest way to visit it is by staying in Florence, a picturesque place on the shores of Lake Peten Itza.

• Air temperature: 29–32 ° C.
• Water temperature: 28-30 ° C.
• Visa: not required within 30 days.
• Cost of living: from 285 rubles per night.
• Flight cost from Moscow: from 40 817 rubles.

samadtours.com

When it comes to December holidays in South-East Asia Thailand first comes to mind. But Malaysia is in no way inferior to him. Especially in this sense, the Langkawi archipelago, bordering Thailand, is remarkable.

This resort is famous for its clean beaches, beautiful hotels, nature and weather that whispers from December to April.

• Air temperature: 26–32 ° C.
• Water temperature: 28-29 ° C.
• Visa: not required within 15 days.
• Cost of living: from 396 rubles per night.
• Flight cost from Moscow: from 38 222 rubles.

wallpapersshock.com

Another Asian destination perfect for a beach holiday in December. Due to the fact that the territory is stretched, the weather in different points the country is very different, but Fukuoka is very warm at the beginning of winter. The advantages of this direction are - clean beaches, a rich underwater world that will definitely interest divers, and, of course, very budget vacation against the backdrop of a high level of service.

• Air temperature: 23-26 ° C.
• Water temperature: 24-25 ° C.
• Visa: American.
• Cost of living: from 2,474 rubles per night.
• Flight cost from Moscow: from 77 082 rubles.

hawaii.com

Hawaii is warm in December, but not too hot as in summer, and you definitely shouldn't worry about hurricanes: the unfavorable season ends in November. You can stay on different islands of the archipelago, but you will get the most diverse holidays on Oahu, the main island.

There are beaches, nature reserves, temples and brand stores. You can also send on a tour of the filming locations Hollywood films or visit the famous Pearl Harbor.

• Air temperature: 20-25 ° C.
• Water temperature: 18 ° C.
• Visa: not needed within 90 days.
• Cost of living: from 672 rubles per night.
• Flight cost from Moscow: from 52 472 rubles.

wallpapersxl.com

December in Cape Town is not exactly conducive to a beach holiday, but even without it there is something to do there. For example, explore local historical and artistic sights (the city is considered the cultural capital of South Africa); go along the "Garden Road" route, which stretches for almost 350 km along provincial towns, nature reserves and rainforest; go to the Cape of Good Hope or a tour of the caves. Leisure options are very diverse.

• Air temperature: 12-18 ° C.
• Visa: not required within 90 days.
• Cost of living: from 806 rubles per night.
• Flight cost from Moscow: from 14 307 rubles.

marfamaria.ru

Jerusalem is perhaps one of the most festive December destinations in the world. This month, the city is lit up with lights, the locals celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas, and every weekend there is the massive Khamshushalaim arts festival. It is accompanied by concerts, film screenings, and discounts at local hotels and restaurants. A bonus is the relatively warm weather, which in winter it is impossible not to rejoice in.

• Air temperature: 0-8 ° C.
• Visa: .
• Cost of living: from 377 rubles per night.
• Flight cost from Moscow: from 10 889 rubles.

budapestchristmas.com

In December, all of Europe is also getting ready for Christmas and turns into a solid Christmas market. Germany is especially famous in this sense. But if you want not only to feel the pre-New Year atmosphere, but also to save a little, go to Budapest.

The beautiful Christmas market on Vörösmarty Square is open all month in the Hungarian capital. There you can buy a couple of cute little things cheaper than at other European fairs. and street performances on it too.

• Air temperature: 2-8 ° C.
• Visa: Schengen
• Cost of living: from 2,108 rubles per night.
• Flight cost from Moscow: from 12 354 rubles.

wantseeproject.com

From 7 to 9 December in this big city Switzerland hosts one of the oldest local celebrations - There are three reasons to go to the country's main resort town in December. The first is the opening. Chichibu Yomatsuri night festival is held annually on December 2 and 3 in the Japanese city of Chichibu. The celebration is accompanied by music, various treats and a parade, in which platforms decorated with lights participate, and ends with a grandiose fireworks display that lasts more than one hour. By the way, the platform parade that takes place during Chichibu Yomatsuri is one of the three largest in Japan.

Hello, friends! It seems that December is not soon, but time will fly by very quickly, and therefore it is time to think about where to go with children in December - in the first winter month, even before the New Year holidays.

Flight search engines and travel sites, analyzing booking data for the upcoming winter season, are already making their first predictions. For example, Aviasales singled out Thailand (or, more precisely, Phuket and Bangkok) among the priority tourist destinations for Russians, and noted an increased interest in travel to Sri Lanka. And, of course, European cities - Munich, Milan, Rome and Prague - are in the top ten.

Holiday festivals and fairs ahead of Christmas in Europe

From the last Sunday in November to the miracle of December 24, all of Europe is waiting for Christmas. Christmas market tents with breathtaking aromas of Christmas goodies, colorful street illumination, shining lights, houses decorated with Christmas wreaths and garlands, flashing trees, Christmas tunes and flooded ice rinks are everywhere. This is a real transformation of cities into a magical festive world and a wonderful fairy tale.

And this is the very time when it is worth going with children to Europe, for example, in.

Find a tour to Prague:

Finland

The Christmas season opens in Rovaniemi in November. Festive fairs with Christmas delicacies and original souvenirs begin to work in the city, traditional winter entertainment with dog and reindeer sledding and theatrical fairy performances are organized. And looks forward to big and small guests.

From 8 to 21 December in Helsinki, on the Senate Square, a Christmas village will start working. Plenty of fun is expected holiday programs, and especially for children, for the first time, an old multi-colored carousel will be installed on the square.

Cheap flights to Helsinki

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Kiev
Berlin
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Tampere

The city of Tampere already at the end of October decorated its main street with colorful holiday lights and a gallery of glowing figures created from 23 thousand light bulbs. This is how the pre-Christmas season of festive illumination "Week of Light" opens, which will last until the beginning of 2015.

And if you fail to go to the snowy lands of Lapland, you can take a trip with the children to visit our or.

Winter fun at ski resorts

Even in winter, not everyone wants to go to warm countries, and therefore many tourists go with their children to ski resorts. Most European winter resorts open in December.

Moreover, the New Year and Christmas holidays have not yet arrived, and prices at ski resorts can be very pleasant.

There are a lot of winter resorts. But when going on vacation with children, everything matters: both the distance and the availability of children's infrastructure in the form of mini-clubs for toddlers, children's instructors, "paddling pools" - in a word, so that the children are not bored, and the parents are calm.

Ski resorts in Finland (Ruka, Himos, Ellivuori, Maarianvaara, Tahko, Kasurila, Vuokatti,) for winter holidays with children, of course, out of competition. Because here, in addition to skiing, there are still so many different winter fun: sledges, reindeer and dog sleds and, of course, a meeting with Santa Claus.

The resorts of Andorra la Vella and Arinsal in the Pyrenees are attractive for families with children. In addition to excellent snow slopes, Andorra attracts with relatively inexpensive prices, a short flight (4 hours), gentle slopes, convenient for children and beginners, ski schools. Plus, parents can enjoy great shopping. In this small country, there are big sales in December on the eve of the New Year holidays, and Andorra is also a duty-free zone.

In the ski resorts of Andorra, you can not only get your first lessons on the slopes or consolidate existing skills, but also visit the Naturlandia theme park with children, located high in the Pyrenees. Here you can see wild animals in the Park wildlife, ride a cable car in one of the largest cable car towns in Europe, relax and have fun in an active amusement park.

In France, among the many suitable for family vacation resorts (Meribel, Ossua, Greolier-le-Neige, Les Houches, Chamonix, Puy-Saint-Vincent, Serre-Chevalier) can be distinguished by Morillon. This resort has a separate "village" with great entertainment for children from six months to 10 years old.

Other ski resorts in the Alpine region are also popular among Russians: Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Italy and Slovenia. The versatile resorts of this region are great for families with children.

Resorts of Eastern Europe: Slovakia (Jasna, Skipark / Ruzomberok), Bulgaria (Pamporovo, Bansko), Czech Republic (Harrachov, Spindleruv Mlyn, Pec pod Snezkou), Romania (Sinaia, Predeal) - tour operators most often recommend for families. This is a "budget ski", practically not language barrier, simple slopes for children and those who do not feel very confident on the track (by the way, in one of my previous articles I already wrote about both).

Russian ski resorts

There are 170 ski resorts on the territory of our country. And their popularity (as well as interest in winter sports in general) increased markedly after the Sochi Olympics.

Bryansk

Rostov-on-Don

Elista

Kaluga

Volgograd

Krasnodar

Moscow

Mineral water

Ulyanovsk

On the territory of the Arkhyz resort, located 95 kilometers from the city of Cherkessk and 165 kilometers from Mineralnye Vody, modernization work is nearing completion. Slope lighting and artificial snowmaking will start working here soon.

There is also a children's ski town where classes are held for children from 5 years old. Slides for "cheesecakes" and "ski" carousel have been built for children.

However, not everyone wants to wrap themselves in warm scarves, warm up with hot tea, or buy bulky sports equipment. In December, many begin to yearn for summer. Although for the sake of warmth and sun you will have to fly far, and the rest is not cheap at all.

Thailand

It is a tropical paradise at the height of winter. November to May - the best time for travel to this country. But ... the flight is 9-12 hours.

The weather is comfortable, especially in the southeastern part of Thailand and on the adjacent islands (Chang, Phuket, Pattaya, Lantu (Lantau), Krabi, Pipi (Phi Phi), Samet, Yao Yai).

Those who have already visited more than once will certainly be pleased with the opening of a large water park in Bangsarei Bay, (about 15-20 minutes drive from the center of Pattaya) Cartoon Network Amazone.

The peculiarity of this wonderful park is that children can not only swim and relax, but also have fun with their favorite cartoon characters. The territory of the water park is divided into thematic zones dedicated to one or another cartoon character, there are 30 water slides and attractions in it.

And not far from Bangkok (two hours away) in Cha-Am, another Camel Republic amusement park was opened, which is presented in the form of a stylized Arab world and is divided into 3 zones: shops, slides, a zoo. Very young children are admitted to the park free of charge.

Well, for those who still miss the snow and frost, you can visit the new Harbin Ice Wonderland park in Bangkok. A park winter fun with artificial snow, ice slides, ice sculptures, ice and snow rides and a real ice bar. True, it's always very cold there - minus 15 degrees, you can't do without a down jacket and gloves (you can rent them). Therefore, the organizers do not recommend visiting this park with small children.

And one more good news. A new cozy hotel, Novotel Phuket Karon Beach Resort and Spa, has appeared in the Phuket resort near Karon Beach. It is interesting for families not only with a well-presented service for children, but also with the fact that this hotel offers free accommodation for 1-2 children under 16 if the children share one room with their parents.

Best prices for tours to Thailand

Vietnam

In December, southern Vietnam has warm, sunny and dry weather.

According to the analytical data of the tour operator ANEX Tour, among Asian destinations, Vietnam was included in the list of the most favorable countries for families with children. And although Vietnam has not yet become a completely familiar tourist destination, the desire to get new impressions and emotions makes you choose something new and unconventional with the opportunity not only to relax on the beach, but also to see in a new country. interesting places... You can read more about the resorts of Vietnam (Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Phan Thiet and others).

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United Arab Emirates

This is the most democratic and attractive destination in the upcoming winter season. The weather in December corresponds to both beach and sightseeing holidays. The UAE has a lot of entertainment and interesting excursions for children and big choice hotels for families with children. The flight time is about 5 hours.

Holidays in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Brazil, as well as the Philippines, Bali, Goa (India), Sri Lanka, Maldives and Cuba are another great way to get into a luxurious summer in winter. However, this method also has disadvantages - a long flight and far from a budget vacation.

Traveling in Russia and the CIS

And for those who are not afraid of cold and frost, you can choose something closer, for example, go to our neighbors or take a ride through their hometowns. , the cities of the Golden Ring of Russia, are always glad to see guests and are always looking forward to them.

For those who are going to Moscow, there is good news... Moscow will start selling travel passes (single tickets for all types of city transport), which were developed specifically for tourists. They can be used (depending on the cost) for three or seven days. And in December it will be possible to go ice-skating in many parks in Moscow: in Sokolniki, at VDNKh, in Gorky Park. In total, it is planned to open skating rinks this year in 23 parks.

All a good and fun holiday. Until then ...

Where to relax in December 2017

If the long-awaited vacation fell in December - you are lucky. The possibilities of the first winter month limitless. The swimming season continues in the tropics, heavy snow has already fallen on the ski slopes in Scandinavia, and grandiose fairs and sales are starting all over Europe. Those wishing to relax in an interesting and inexpensive way should pay attention to the last-minute tours in December 2017.

Vietnam

Price for beach vacation in December in Vietnam is low. Rest will be comfortable if you choose the south of the country, where it is dry and warm. On Phu Quoc Island + 30 ° С, water temperature - + 27 ° С, in Phan Thiet + 33 ° С, the sea will warm up to + 25 ° С. Sandy beaches, abnormally cheap diving, exotic nature, delicious and inexpensive local food.

In Hue and Da Nang +22 ... + 24 ° С, high humidity and stuffiness. In Nha Trang, the weather is unstable, frequent rains, although the air temperature is above + 27 ° С.

The coldest part is in the northern regions - + 20 ° С. It is worth going to the north of Vietnam in December for excursions, visits to temples, acquaintance with a unique culture and exotic cuisine.

Goa

In December, it is really hot in Goa - +30 ... + 32 ° C, the water warms up to +28. Dry. A beach holiday, excursions in nature reserves, jeep trips to the falls, through the jungle full of curious and sassy wild monkeys, as well as crocodile and turtle farms, elephant trekking, Ayurvedic treatments, a sea of ​​exotic fruits and tropical cocktails ...

Lovers of diving and spearfishing will be happy - the Arabian Sea is not only gentle, it is calm and transparent. A trip to Goa has only two drawbacks: an expensive flight and a long (at least two days) acclimatization.

Turkey

Turkey is a favorite beach holiday destination for Russians - in December it is not very comfortable in this capacity. Air temperature - + 15ºC. At night + 8ºC, the water warms up only to + 15ºC. At this time, expensive hotels with exquisite service become available to the budget tourist. Of course, the sea is cold at this time of year, but walks on fresh air and swimming in indoor pool a luxury all-inclusive hotel can more than make up for this disadvantage.

Surprise, but in December you can go on vacation to Turkey in order to ... go downhill skiing! It starts in mid-December ski season in one of the youngest resorts - Palandoken (near Eruzum). Height - 3000 meters above sea level, "red", "blue" and "green" slopes, modern lifts. There are good snowboard trails. The only inconvenience is the frequent fine snow.

Thailand

In December in Thailand stable + 32 ° С, water temperature - + 23 ° С. Rains are rare (except for Koh Samui). The weather is perfect for beach and diving.

The month is also suitable for sightseeing trips - not too hot. Tourists visit with interest Buddhist temples, Ayutthaya - the capital of ancient Thailand, national parks.

The level of service in the kingdom is quite European. But, since December just opens the "velvet" season, prices begin to rise, compared to the "low" season, quite noticeably.

Cyprus

Vacation in Cyprus is ideal, if you distract from the stereotypes: "sun, sea, beach". The air temperature is +17 during the day and +10 at night, and the maximum water temperature is +16 does not contribute to a carefree, relaxed bathing.

Therefore, in December, you need to take with you not swimming trunks, but a ski suit to Cyprus. Although the “season” opens in January, Mount Troodos - the legendary “progenitor of Cyprus” - is already covered with snow in December, the air is piercingly clear, and the crowd of people is not annoying at all, on the contrary, it adds fun.

In December, you can freely and inexpensively go on excursions that are not available in the "high" season: in the Akamas reserve, the Kollosi castle, on the ruins of Kourion, left over from ancient times.

Throughout December, Cyprus is preparing for the celebration of Christmas: residents decorate houses and olives, you can meet local Santa Clauses on the streets, you can feel the holiday atmosphere all around. And the festivities themselves with fireworks and dances begin from December 23rd.

Czech

By our standards, winter in the Czech Republic is very warm - up to + 10 ° C, sometimes it rains, and if it snows, it is wet. Catholic Christmas is considered a home holiday in the Czech Republic, celebrated with the family. So these days in the Czech Republic, not only museums and exhibitions are closed, but even most restaurants and shops. Better to come here before Christmas Eve or after.

But New Year is very fun, open, all over the country. Prague is dressed with garlands, hay sculptures and decorated with Christmas trees. There are fairs and festivities in the squares, and in the evening old gas lamps are lit.

Many tourists strive to get to Prague on these days, because on the eve of Christmas and New Years, the famous Czech sales take place. Discounts for branded items reach 50-75%. There is only one drawback here - a huge number of tourists come to shop tours, and a place at this “celebration of life” must be booked in advance.

Italy

You can have a good rest in December and capture yourself against the background of world sights in Italy. True, for a classic beach holiday it is cold here - the Adriatic Sea cools down to + 12 ° С. But that doesn't mean there is nothing to do on the beach. There are great waves off the coast of Sardinia at this time of year, and winter surfers from all over the world come to the island.

Alpine skiing is a more traditional pastime in Italy in winter. Italian ski resorts are considered elite. The best tracks in Europe of all difficulty levels, modern lifts, ski passes and an amazing range of "accompanying entertainment" from restaurants and clubs to dog riding.

In Italy, they celebrate noisily and cheerfully: the Day of the Immaculate Conception - December 8, Christmas - 25 and St. Stephen's Day - December 26th.

Tour prices can differ significantly in the first and second half of the month because in Italy the first days of December are considered a "low" season.

Israel

Inexpensive beach vacation in December 2017 in Israel. Despite the fact that the air temperature in Jerusalem in December is + 14C - + 19C, the Eilat resort works. On the Red Sea + 23 ° C. This is a good replacement for the resorts in Egypt, which are inaccessible due to the ban on flights.

Pilgrims, on the contrary, strive to visit the Holy City, Nazareth, the Savior's homeland and the legendary Bethlehem on Christmas Eve.

In Haifa, the Bahai Gardens and the Bahai Temple, a religion based on beauty and harmony, gather their admirers.

Ski lovers will find the Ramat Shalom resort.

UAE

Holidays in December in the United Arab Emirates will appeal to lovers of contrasts: from the Russian winter you will find yourself in a generous sunny summer... Temperature + 25ºC, water + 22ºC will allow you to spend a lot of time on the beach without fear of heatstroke. There is fog over the water in the morning, but during the day it dissipates. At this time, there is excellent diving in the Emirates. For a comfortable stay, Abu Dhabi, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah are suitable.

On New Year's Eve, Dubai hosts grandiose pyrotechnic and laser shows.

Dominican Republic

In the Dominican Republic, the weather is comfortable for Russians in December. In Santo Domingo + 31 ° С, the sea + 28 ° С, in Punta Cana + 30 ° С, the water heats up to + 27 ° С. The temperature does not drop below + 24 ° С. A great opportunity to bask on the beach, visit waterfalls, go diving and rafting.

It is in December that the seasonal migration of whales is observed here, which go to winter in the Caribbean. This is the only time of the year when whales get close enough to be seen.

Summer idylls can be briefly interrupted by short tropical showers, but they are rare.

Tunisia

It is cold to swim in Tunisia in winter. The air temperature is from + 10 ° С in the north of the country and up to + 18 ° С in the south, in Djerba. But the waves are perfect for surfing. Fruits ripen. Oranges, tangerines and dates are cheap. Hotels are announcing discounts on spa treatments and excursions. In Tunisia, it is very fun, massively, with street festivities, they celebrate the New Year. In December, the Sahara Douz Festival is held in Douz, a holiday of the Berbers, and in Tozera, a festival of oases dedicated to the ripening of dates. The holiday lasts 4 days, its program includes knife throwing and camel racing. Unfortunately, the closer the New Year is, the higher the prices.

Cuba

In Cuba, during the day + 30 ° С, at night + 20 ° С. The warmest of all in the resort of Santiago de Cuba and Trinidad. The water temperature is + 24 ° С, although sometimes small storms occur. But the rainy season is just over.

Havana hosts the annual Latin American Film Festival, and on December 31st you can see a real carnival.

Relaxing on the beach can be combined with a trip to Guanaacabibes - national park, where at the beginning of the century, Canadian researchers found the ruins of another "Atlantis".

Europe

Christmas markets start throughout central Europe in December. In Munich, Cologne and Vienna, they gather huge crowds of lovers of mulled wine and all sorts of delicious little things, Christmas bells and local souvenirs.

Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, a city in the heart of arctic nature, becomes incredibly popular in December. After all, this is the residence of Santa Claus. People come here to ride reindeer and snowmobiles, take part in fabulous holiday, Make a wish. You can visit Abisko (northern Lapland), admire northern lights and stay in an ice hotel near Kiruna.

In winter, it is good to go to Greece: there are no crowds of tourists, prices are low, and the Parthenon is beautiful in December.

Inexpensive vacation

In Indochina and Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore), prices for hotels, spa services, fruits and seafood have been reduced. Despite the beginning of the "high" season, prices are not as high as for New Years and holidays in January. The main thing that you have to spend money on is a plane ticket.

You can relax inexpensively and combine skiing with wellness procedures in Karlovy Vary and Marianske Lazne - resorts in the Czech Republic. The Baltic countries promise a comfortable, but budget-friendly vacation in a European way. Alternatively, you can consider Turkey or Cyprus - there is no influx of tourists in December, you can live for little money in a luxury hotel, which is "unavailable" in summer, and calmly see the sights.

Skiing

Despite global warming, snow on some of the ski slopes is already in December. If nature fails snow cannons will work properly. After December 20, you can already safely plan a vacation even for ski resort Spain or Bulgaria.

Experienced conquerors of "black" slopes will go to the Alps, which are famous for wide distances, convenient lifts and developed infrastructure of resorts in Lillehammer and Geilo, Hardanger plateau (Norway). Those who don't like crowds will appreciate the trails of the Norwegian resort of Kvitfjell or Swedish Åre.

Finland is the right place to join alpine skiing or a snowboarding child as well as an adult beginner. Sala and Pyhä-Luosto are low and safe slopes. Skiing can be combined with a New Year's Eve voyage in Lapland.

You can go for a ride in Andorra very well, and in between the conquest of the slopes, you can appreciate the duty-free shopping.

Alpine skiing can be budget friendly. Poor tourists, in love with snowy mountains, are waiting for the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Croatia and Belarus.

Sochi: Rosa-Khutor, Gornaya Karusel, Gorki-Gorod - these are slopes for any level, from "black" to "green", for those who are just trying to get up on skis or a board. Belokurikha and Gorynya, resorts Mountain Altai are waiting for skiers who appreciate more nice snow than exquisite service. However, it is worth knowing that there is no snow in these parts year after year, and the current weather and the depth of the snow cover should be found out in advance.

Vacation with a child

You can relax with your child in December in Scandinavia. Children are delighted with winter in Finland, snowmobiling, deer and dogs. A trip with the whole family to Lapland, to visit Santa Claus, will be the best gift... An Ice Festival will be held in Kemi at Christmas.