Hawaii – The Big Island
#3 in Best Places to Visit in December
This Hawaiian paradise is the perfect place to escape winter’s onset. Weary travelers can thaw on colorful stretches of sand like Punalu’u Beach (which has beautiful black sand) and Papakolea Beach (a unique green sand option), while more adventurous types can go for a hike in Akaka Falls State Park or catch a glimpse of the more than 4,000-foot-tall Kilauea volcano at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. You’ll likely contend with other snowbirds in December, but you’ll find that hotel prices on the Big Island are still consistently lower than those on neighboring isles.
Banff
#4 in Best Places to Visit in December
Located at the base of the Canadian Rockies, Banff, Alberta, is known for its imposing landscape and superb skiing and snowboarding conditions. You can also snap Instagram-worthy photos of the town’s beautiful scenery from the Banff Gondola and its 360-degree observation deck at the Sulphur Mountain summit. After a day full of activity, ease your muscles with a dip in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Just remember that daylight can last as little as eight hours in December, so plan your itinerary accordingly.
