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Although not always recognized as a popular time for vacationing, December is, in fact, a great month for traveling to your favorite destinations. Whether its an escape from the bitter chill of winter you seek or a desire to further immerse yourself in the pleasures of winter, the month of December offers something for everyone regardless of their travel plans.
For those seeking a warm haven to bask in the sun, Walt Disney World is just the place for you. Not only does Orlando offer a mild winter for those seeking relief from the harsh cold, but it also has Christmas celebrations during the month of December. Some of the more spectacular highlights of Christmas at Walt Disney World include the 1500 Christmas trees that fill the theme park during the month of December as well as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Parade that features the March of the Wooden Soldiers. California is another area where you can expect to find mild weather in December. Take advantage of nature and the holiday season in California by observing firsthand the spectacular migration of gray whales from Alaska to Mexico followed by a parade of decorated boats that fill the San Diego Harbor in the Annual Parade of Lights. Although Orlando and Southern California are excellent December travel destinations, perhaps the best-kept December travel destination is Las Vegas. Not only is the weather warm in the Silver State in the winter, but also tourism is light and prices are cheap. In fact, December is one of the best times to visit Las Vegas in order to avoid the crowds and get some great deals on hotel packages as well.
For travelers who don’t mind braving the cold in order to seek out popular destinations for December, then Boston and New York are great places to vacation. The spirit of the season is particularly felt in New York where vacationers can observe the tree lighting at Lincoln Center, enjoy the holiday lights at the Bronx Zoo, and catch a performance of an all time Christmas favorite, the Nutcracker, while also taking in all of the various sights and sounds of New York. Boston is not to be outdone by New York, however, and offers a city full of good cheer in December as well. Vacationers who are looking to take a few spins on the ice can indulge in ice skating at Boston Commons. The Boston ballet also does its own rendition of the Nutcracker for December audiences and visitors can gain admission to the Enchanted Village for just $1.
Of course, along with domestic travel destinations during the month of December, there are also international travel destinations as well. Owing to its location in the Southern Hemisphere, the best international travel destination for December is the South Pacific. Remember that in the Southern Hemisphere, the months and seasons are reversed so instead of the weather feeling cold and miserable, December weather in the South Pacific is equivalent to June weather in the United States. In fact, December is a summer month in Australia and New Zealand, which means lots of outdoor activities and adventures. In Australia, the truly adventurous can explore the desert Outback or opt to drive the Great Ocean Road that takes them past deserted beaches, extinct volcanoes, and rainforests filled with an abundance of wildlife. Travelers can also visit such famous landmarks as Ayers Rock or the Great Barrier Reef or spend the evening at the world-renowned Sydney Opera House. In New Zealand, travelers can embark on an endless quest for adventure. Whether it is hiking climbing, kayaking, or camping that the traveler craves, New Zealand has something to satisfy every appetite. The Routeburn Trail is a must do for any serious outdoorsman trekking across New Zealand. The trail offers a blended mixture of rainforests, mountains, and solitude, and includes up close and personal views of many animals such as bats, red deer, and elk. Travelers can also enjoy a day of canyoning which involves plunging, sliding, and rappelling through a series of waterfalls. Last, but not least, ambitious travelers can kayak to Pigeon Island, a small and remote island that sits in the middle of Lake Wakatipu. This bird sanctuary affords those who seek it out the opportunity to enjoy the utmost quiet and solitude in the most hectic month of the season, December. Actually, with a trip to New Zealand in the midst of the holiday season, you’ll most likely forget the month, the day, the time, and finally
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