Where's hot in December: Avoid the Christmas craziness with some winter sun
Already fed up with the festive spirit? Here's where to shrug off the cold and embrace the sun this December
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.There’s one way to avoid the interminable build-up to Christmas, and that’s to disappear somewhere warm and enjoy the sunshine. It’s the perfect antidote to having to endure endless Christmas songs in the shops and streets thronging with people on the hunt for presents. Here are a few places to escape to now, as well as some ideas to look forward to if you’re planning ahead for March.
Go now
La Gomera
While visitors to neighbouring Tenerife come to La Gomera on day trips, keen hikers have long known about the peaceful nature of this small Canary island. Discover deep ravines, ancient forests, soaring peaks and black-sand beaches on a seven-night self-guided walking holiday with Inntravel (inntravel.co.uk). The price of £845pp is for departures from 1 to 12 December, rising to £885pp from 13 December to 1 January. It includes a mixed meal plan and transfers, but excludes flights, which can be arranged.
Laos
The water levels in Laos are high in December, which make boat trips along the Mekong and its marvellous greenery an even more breathtaking proposition. Experience Travel Group (experiencetravelgroup.com) has a 14-night holiday in Laos that includes not only a river journey but also a slow cruise through the 4,000 islands of the south of the country and an opportunity to walking along the Xiengkhuang plateau and its strange Plain of Jars. The price of £2,985pp includes all flights, excursions, guides, accommodation and mixed board, and it’s for departures before 10 December.
Belize
December is dry season in this tiny Latin American country fringed with white-sand beaches and offshore cayes and filled with dense jungle and Mayan ruins. Journey Latin America (journeylatinamerica.co.uk) has a nine-day holiday that includes the chance to relax on the beaches of Ambergris Caye, explore the Mayan ruins at Caracol and go diving in the Blue Hole. The price of £1,491pp for departures throughout December includes internal flights, accommodation and excursions, but excludes international flights.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s dry, temperate climate in December makes it an ideal time to explore the country’s nine Unesco sites. Don’t miss the extraordinary medieval rock-cut churches of Lalibela as well as treks through the Simien Mountains. You can do both during a 13-night group holiday run by Ethiopia specialists Tadele Travel (tadeletravel.com) from 10 to 24 December. The price of £3,525pp includes all flights, mixed board, transfers, excursions and guides.
Book now for March
Mexico
Combine a break in the sun with the Mayan ruins of Tulum Archaeological Park. This 13th-century walled city is in an incomparable position on the Riviera Maya, an easy four-mile cycle ride from the Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa. This five-star all-inclusive hotel has its own secluded beach as well as a pool and a kids’ club. Tropical Sky (tropicalsky.co.uk) has a week’s all-inclusive break from £1,299pp for a 5 March departure, including flights and transfers.
Grenada
March is one of Grenada’s driest months, when the temperatures stay around the 30˚C mark. It’s excellent weather for flopping on the soft white sands of Grand Anse Beach, one of the prettiest beaches in the country. Right on the seafront and set in 20 lush acres is the Radisson Beach Resort, whose free-form pool has its own waterfall. The Holiday Place (holidayplace.co.uk) has a week’s room-only break at the Radisson from £1,099pp, including flights and transfers, departing 12 March.
Fuerteventura
Treat yourself to an early-spring holiday on the sandy beaches of Fuerteventura, where temperatures are pleasantly in the 20˚Cs by the time March comes around. The apartments at the four-star Esmeralda Maris are close to the beaches of Costa Calma and have their own shared pool. A week’s self-catering with Cachet Travel (cachet-travel.co.uk) on 7 March costs from £776pp and includes flight and transfers. If you want car hire instead, it’s £796pp.
Mary Novakovich is editor at large at 101holidays.co.uk.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments