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Are These the Best Travel Destinations in December 2023?

Whether you are a winter fan or prefer sun, sand and sea, the ideal destinations in December 2023 are characterized by many advantages.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Climate: – 15 bis – 6 °C Durchschnittstemperatur, 2 Sonnenstunden pro Tag, 15 Tage Schneefall im Dezember

© Visitrovaniemi.fi

Why Book: Winter and Christmas fans come to the “Tor zum Polarkreis” not to be missed. After all, Rovaniemi is the official home of Santa Claus! Another attraction is undoubtedly the chance to experience the breathtaking Northern Lights. The enchanting winter landscape is perfect for adventures such as husky sleigh rides and reindeer safaris. What's more ideal conditions for snowshoeing and skiing. The tranquillity of nature and the silence of the snow-covered forests create a unique atmosphere.

© Visitrovaniemi.fi

Where to Stay: The Arctic Snow Hotel with its glass igloos offers aurora borealis and stargazing from the comfort of your bed. The breathtaking view is unrestricted and the igloos are warm, cozy nests.

Arctic Snow Hotel & Glass Igloos
Lehtoahontie 27, 97220 Sinettä, Finland
Tel.: +358 40 8453774
Web: arcticsnowhotel.fi
Price: Doubles from € 300

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Courchevel, France

Climate: – 7 bis – 3 °C Durchschnittstemperatur, 6 Sonnenstunden pro Tag, 10 Tage Schneefall im Dezember

Courchevel is among the most glamorous and popular ski resorts in the world. © Piotr Figlarz 
Piotr Figlarz

Reason to Book: For discerning winter sports fans, there are few better destinations in December 2023 than the city in the French Alps. It offers an enchanting snowy landscape. And, of course, everything that motivated active travelers need to pursue their passion. For example, plenty of snow, perfectly groomed slopes and, of course, culinary delights at the summit. Even away from the ski slopes, the offer is huge. It ranges from shopping to horse-drawn sleigh rides or wellness.

© Oetker Collection

Where to Stay: The selection luxurious hotels and chalets is particularly large in Courchevel. Guests are spoiled for choice. But how about the L'Apogée Courchevel? Simply because the beautiful ski-in, ski-out hotel is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. And has lost none of its luster so far. The season starts on December 15, 2023.

L'Apogée Courchevel
5 Rue Emile Allais, 73120 Courchevel, France
Tel.: +33 4 79 04 01 04
Web: oetkercollection.com
Price: Double room from approx. € 2.500,- per night

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Sicily, Italy

Climate: 8 to 15 °C, 5 hours of sunshine per day, 8 days of rain per month in December

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Reason to Book: In December, when the many summer visitors of Sicily are long gone, a quiet and pleasant time begins. The temperatures are also mild. This also gives the Italian island a place on the list of the best travel destinations in December 2023. Historical sites such as the ancient theater in Taormina are often left to themselves. You can also spend hours strolling around the Valley of the Temples in ideal conditions.

Relais & Châteaux

Where to Stay: Familie Tasca d’Almerita betreibt mit dem Relais & Châteaux Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia a boutique hotel in Capofaro. Surrounded by 4.5 hectares of vineyards, guests can feel right at home. Of course, the family's wines are always worth a tip. 

Capofaro Locanda & Malvasia
Isola di Salina, Comune di, Via Faro, 3, 98050 Malfa, Italy
Tel: +39 090 984 4330
Web: capofaro.it
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 350

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Climate: 25 to 30 °C average temperature, 7 hours of sunshine per day, 10 days of rain in December

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Reason to Book: Long before the Carnival crowds flock to Rio in February, it's high season for sun worshippers. The climate is ideal for relaxing days on the beach. Or for water sports and sightseeing. The short rain showers in between are tropical and often a welcoming change. From Sugarloaf Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue to the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana: Here, summer has only just begun.

© Belmond

Where to Stay: Situated on the eponymous beach, the Copacabana Palace is one of the most luxurious addresses in Rio. Two restaurants with Michelin stars, a rooftop tennis court and a large pool also speak for a stay in this Art Deco pearl.

Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel
Av. Atlântica, 1702 – Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22021-001, Brasilien
Tel.: +55 21 2548-7070
Web: belmond.com
PriceDouble room from approx. € 570,- per night

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Zanzibar, Tanzania

Climate: 25 to 30 °C average temperature, 9 hours of sunshine per day, 5 rainy days in December

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Why Book: Palm-fringed beaches and turquoise waters are the postcard motif that is Zanzibar. The island lies off the East coast of Africa and promises everything sun-lovers could wish for, even in December. Excursions to the Jozani National ParkThe mangrove forests and the old town of Stone Town provide plenty of variety. Legendary: the famous gourmet restaurant “The Rock” on a rock in the ocean.

© andBeyond

Where to Stay: The rustic Banda round huts at andBeyond Mnemba Island can only accommodate 24 guests in total. This makes the resort on the small island of Mnemba a wonderful hideaway. Plenty of privacy, unique experiences and service with heart complete the experience.

andBeyond Mnemba Island
andBeyond Mnemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Tel.: +27 11 809 4300
Web: andbeyond.com
Price: Doubles from € 1,600

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Claudia Hilmbauer
Author
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