Where to Solo Travel in December? (Escape the Cold or Embrace the Snow)

December is a great time for solo travel, whether you want to escape the cold or embrace the snow.

There are many destinations to explore, including top solo travel destinations in the US, Europe, Asia, and beyond.

From sunny beaches to snowy slopes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Some popular destinations for solo travel in December include Morocco, Costa Rica, Denver, Australia, New Zealand, Quebec City, Iceland, and Japan.

Outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and skiing are popular options, as well as cultural experiences like exploring markets and trying local cuisine.

Traveling solo in December can provide the perfect opportunity for personal reflection and a more authentic travel experience.

Table of Contents

What are some of the best destinations for solo travel in December that offer warm, tropical climates?

If you’re looking for warm, tropical destinations for solo travel in December, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Here are some of the best destinations for solo travel in December that offer warm, tropical climates:

Los Cabos, Mexico: With perfect temperatures both day and night, loads of sunny days, and throngs of holiday makers from up north, this makes for a great warm destination in December.

You can see the Humpback Whales, Gray Whales and Whale Sharks in La Paz in December.

Australia: Alice Springs to Darwin by train is recommended by Joanne.

Melbourne is also a great option.

Bermuda: With its pink sand beaches and turquoise waters, Bermuda is a great destination for solo travelers looking for a warm, tropical getaway.
The Galapagos, Ecuador: This destination offers a unique blend of wildlife, natural beauty, and adventure.
Thailand: With its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and rich culture, Thailand is a popular destination for solo travelers.
Sri Lanka: This destination offers a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty, making it a great option for solo travelers looking for a warm, tropical getaway.
Turks and Caicos: With its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches, Turks and Caicos is a great destination for solo travelers looking for a relaxing, tropical getaway.

Other options include Colombia, Bali, and the U.S.

Virgin Islands.

Are there any unique cultural festivals or events happening in December that are ideal for solo travelers to experience?

There are several unique cultural festivals and events in December that are ideal for solo travelers.

Some of these festivals include:

Fête des Lumières, Lyon, France: This event takes place from 7th to 10th December 2023 and is all about celebrating Mary, Jesus’s mother.

The festival features stunning light displays and various cultural events.

Mother City Queer Project, Cape Town: This festival aims to promote diversity and inclusion, with various events and activities throughout the month of December.

Burning the Clocks, Brighton: This event is a New Year’s Eve tradition in Brighton, UK, where people gather on the beach to watch the clock tower burn at midnight, signifying the end of the old year and the beginning of the new.

Hogmanay, Scotland: This festival is celebrated in Scotland on New Year’s Eve and involves various events, including street parties, music, and dancing.

The word “Hogmanay” comes from “Hog’s Head,” referring to the traditional Scottish New Year’s Eve meal of haggis, a type of sausage.

Festival du Voyageur, Solo, Winnipeg, Manitoba: Established in 1970, this festival celebrates traditional French Canadian food, music, and heritage.

It takes place in February and is a great opportunity for solo travelers to experience Canadian culture.

Réveillon dinners, New Orleans: These dinners are a traditional Christmas celebration in New Orleans, where people gather at the historic Roosevelt Hotel to enjoy a festive meal.

Beignet Fest, New Orleans: This event, held in early December, celebrates the iconic French treat, beignets, with a festival at New Orleans City Park Festival Grounds.

Algiers Bonfires on the Levee, New Orleans: This event takes place in early December, where residents and visitors join together to sing carols by candlelight on the levee in Algiers Point.

These festivals and events offer a unique opportunity for solo travelers to experience different cultures and traditions while enjoying various activities and celebrations.

How can solo travelers ensure their safety when traveling to unfamiliar destinations in December?

Solo travelers can ensure their safety when traveling to unfamiliar destinations in December by following some tips.

Firstly, they should check the weather and road conditions before beginning their journey and make sure their car is appropriately outfitted with winter tires.

Secondly, they should take extra care when driving, especially on icy and snowy roads, and keep warm clothing, food, and drink in case of an emergency.

Thirdly, they should be mindful of solo travel safety without cramping their style, such as letting someone know their travel plans and checking in daily.

Fourthly, they should always be aware and smart, and ensure their personal safety and health safety.

Lastly, they should follow the one safety rule of never breaking their gut feeling.

What are some budget-friendly solo travel destinations that are particularly appealing in December?

Some budget-friendly solo travel destinations particularly appealing in December include:

Asheville, North Carolina, and Tampa, Florida:

Asheville offers a warm and hospitable community with plenty of charm and budget-friendly activities.
Tampa provides nice weather, beautiful scenery, and a thriving nightlife, making it a great choice for solo travelers on a budget.

Cape Town, South Africa:

Cape Town is recommended for its winelands, beaches, forests, and mountains, making it a unique and appealing destination for solo travelers during the Christmas season.

Colombia, London, Paris, and Bali:

These destinations are also recommended for solo travel in December, offering a variety of experiences from outdoor adventures to cultural attractions.

Southeast Asia:

Southeast Asia, including countries like Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia, is suggested as a warm and budget-friendly region for solo travel in December.

Marrakech, Morocco, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Seville, Spain:

These destinations offer budget-friendly experiences with vibrant cultures and attractions, making them suitable for solo travelers on a tight budget.

When choosing a solo travel destination, it’s important to consider factors such as convenience, safety, budget, and cultural attractions to ensure a successful and enriching experience.

Can you recommend some destinations that offer a traditional winter experience, like snow and Christmas markets, suitable for solo travelers in December?

Here are some destinations that offer a traditional winter experience, like snow and Christmas markets, suitable for solo travelers in December:

Lapland, Finland: Known for its snow and cold weather, Lapland is a winter wonderland with activities like skiing, snowboarding, and reindeer sledding.

Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is the home of Santa Claus and offers attractions like Santa Claus’s Village and the Arctic Circle.

Culebra, Puerto Rico: Although it’s not a traditional winter destination, Culebra is a small, undeveloped island with villas and vacation rentals for all budgets.

The island offers a unique experience with its beautiful beaches and local culture.

Antalya, Turkey: Antalya is a coastal city with a mild climate, making it a suitable destination for solo travelers in December.

The city offers a mix of ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and local markets.

Melbourne, Australia: Melbourne is a great destination for solo travelers during December, with festive decorations, music, markets, and parades.

The city offers a mix of urban attractions and natural beauty.

Cape Town, South Africa: Cape Town is a popular solo travel destination in December, offering winelands, beaches, forests, and mountains.

The city hosts various festive events and celebrations during the holiday season.

Ottawa, Canada: Ottawa is a warm winter destination with various festivals and events, making it a great place for solo travelers to experience the holiday spirit.

Remember to consider factors like budget, weather preference, transportation, and personal interests when choosing your destination.