Tired of the same old Festive Season routine? Why not break with tradition and discover other cultures traditional Festive holidays. It is the perfect time of year for stepping outside your comfort zone and trying something new.
PLACES TO BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY AT
1. TANZANIA
The country is one of the hottest months in December, with the rainy season gone visitors can expect to see plenty of sunshine as well as a lush green landscape in Tanzania’s most famous park, Serengeti National Park. Lots of animals can be seen this time of the year. Visitors can go on game drives, and if you are lucky you can witness the predators hunting for food. Treat the family on an extra Christmas present and experience the Serengeti wildlife from the air on a fantastic hot air balloon safari. Lots of birds have migrated to Tanzania to overwinter before returning to North Africa and Europe, what makes December the best month to see birds. Spend your days on the beautiful sandy beaches or by the resort’s pool, or go on a day trip into Zanzibar’s old town, Stone Town, where a whole host of experiences await you.
2. SOUTH AFRICA
There is so many to offer in South Africa during the December holiday for locals and tourists. A safari, city break, a beach holiday or the nature is just some of the things you can do. You can see wildlife in Kruger National Park or go on a self-drive holiday along the Garden Route. Along the route from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town, you will find lots of long sandy beaches, warm water, amazing rambling trails, exciting cities and, not least, the opportunity to see some fascinating wildlife. If you’re lucky, you will also catch a last glimpse of the whales off the coast at Hermanus, though they officially swim away during November.Round off your Christmas getaway on the bounty island of Mauritius and enjoy a fabulous end to your South Africa adventure. Here, you will find some of the hottest temperatures of the year, plenty of sunshine, as well as experiences for the young and old alike.
3. ASIA
Asia is synonymous with beautiful beach holiday islands. Thailand, Sri Lanka and Vietnam are just three options to combine the most wonderful experiences with a fantastic Christmas beach holiday on the beaches of Asia. In Latin America, an abundance of lush nature, fascinating culture and unique wildlife, which is somewhat different to the African wildlife, await you.
4. KENYA
Kenya is a fantastic December holiday destination. From mid-December, the rainy season leaves beautiful lush, green landscapes in its wake as the dry season approaches. Masai Mara abounds with wildlife, and you can expect to see large herds of elephants, fascinating overwintering birds and lots of animal young. Spend the last part of your Christmas getaway in the coastal city of Mombasa on the Indian Ocean where you will find beautiful sandy beaches, azure waters and the opportunity to snorkel at the beautiful coral reefs in the area. The tropical desert in Dubai makes Christmas month a wonderful time to visit the emirate, which offers shopping, beaches and exciting experiences such as a desert safari or a dhow cruise.
SOME TRAVELING TIPS:
1.Be patient – be prepared for long queues, heavy traffic and crowded facilities. Being polite and staying calm goes a long way.
2.Plan your trip – beat the traffic and leave early or later in the day, if you’re going on a long road trip. It may be wiser to leave a day sooner or later to avoid heavy traffic.
3.Book in advance – be smart and book hotels, tours, activities and festival tickets at least 1-2 months in advance to avoid disappointment or paying higher rates.
4.Compare multiple accommodation options to find the best deal – some resorts offer discounted packages if you book ahead of time.
5.Keep the little ones occupied – pack in plenty of games and activities. Prepare healthy snacks above sweets and fast food to avoid a sugar buzz on your trip. If you’re flying to your destination, read up on our useful tips on flying with children.
6.Take the paths less travelled – why not skip the crowds and explore some places off the beaten track? If you’re in a theme park or museum, rather start your tour in the opposite direction to everyone else to avoid standing in queues.
Enjoy your December holiday and be safe!
