Taking the first place on the list of the Best Places to Visit in December is Phuket. Visitors to Phuket, Thailand's southwest island, will find pure white sands, azure oceans, and limestone cliffs there. This island, which is surrounded by the Andaman Sea and is only one hour's flight from Bangkok, is a tiny slice of heaven with reasonably priced hotels, spa services, and boat cruises. However, in addition to its allure as a tropical destination, Phuket also draws tourists who wish to sample its savory cuisine (think: lemongrass, lime leaves, chillies) and its rich culture, which is strongly inspired by its dominant religion: Buddhism.

Although the island's beaches and tourism businesses have recovered from the 2004 tsunami, which devastated its western coast and tragically claimed hundreds of lives, it nevertheless pays tribute to the past with monuments and a better warning system in case the region is ever threatened again.

Phuket is blessed with beautiful beaches with golden sand, a vibrant shoreline lined with shacks, colorful chairs, and colorful umbrellas, thrilling water sports, entertaining entertainment, and an incredible nightlife. When it comes to criteria like tourist-friendliness, hotels, basic facilities, and accessibility, the Thai city scores quite high among the popular vacation spots, providing a pleasant and exciting vacation.

In Phuket, there are lots of wonderful sites to visit. Phuket has everything for you, from beaches to nightlife. Since there are so many attractions on the list, choosing which ones to visit may potentially cause you confusion. There is no way that you could spend a boring day in Phuket. That's the attraction of the town, I guess.

Rankings:

• #1 in Best Places to Visit in December
  
• #1 in Best Beaches in Thailand
  
• #3 in Best Places to Visit in Thailand
  
• #3 in Best Places to Visit in Asia
  
• #11 in Best Winter Vacations
  
• #11 in World's Best Places to Visit
  
• #13 in Best Beaches in the World
  
• #15 in Best Beach Honeymoon Destinations
  
• #16 in Best Island Vacations

Country: Thailand

This glittering Brazilian city, also known as the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City), has more than lived up to its name. The city is surrounded by lush rainforests, white sand beaches, and scattered green mountains. It is located at the mouth of a bay harbor. Rio de Janeiro offers breathtaking views from almost every direction. You can view Rio's immaculate beaches from the 125-foot-tall Christ the Redeemer, who is perched atop Corcovado Mountain. You may enjoy the picturesque scenery that has drawn Cariocas (local Brazilians born in Rio de Janeiro) and tourists alike for more than 500 years from the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches.

However, Rio offers much more than just picturesque views, exotic rainforests, and azure oceans. Glitz, exquisite fashion, and a relaxed attitude rule the city's personality here. A stroll down Copa's Avenida Atlântica will reveal a city teeming with beachgoers sporting bikinis. The city is renowned for its enthusiasm for sports. The city is bustling with activity, from the volleyball courts of Flamengo Park to Maracana Stadium, site of the Olympic Games in 2016 and the World Cup finals in 2014. In Lapa, at night, you can hear the samba music pulsing through the streets. And if you go in February, right before Carnival, you may see Brazil's colorful Portuguese masquerade, which attracts tourists from all over the world.

Not surprisingly, Rio de Janeiro has its share of issues. The city has sizable favelas, or shantytowns, outside the tourist regions where about 130,000 people live in squalor. Large-scale attempts have been made in recent years to clean up the neighborhoods, yet some remain unsafe. Rio de Janeiro is also experiencing continual protests and demonstrations. Visitors are advised to stay away from all protests and check the U.S. Department of State's website for the most recent travel warnings.

Rankings:

• #2 in Best Places to Visit in December
  
• #2 in Best Summer Vacations
  
• #7 in Best Places to Visit in Central and South America
  
• #9 in Best Places to Visit in February
  
• #16 in Best Christmas Vacations
  
• #17 in Best Winter Vacations
  
• #28 in World's Best Places to Visit

Country: Brazil

The Big Island of Hawaii is comparable to the occasionally clumsy older sister. Her qualities are frequently overlooked in favor of lovely small siblings and sisters. Families may have fun on Maui. Surfers, partygoers, and outdoor adventurers all go to Oahu. For elegance and romance, go to Kauai. The Big Island is simply very big.

Majestic is a better adjective. Due to its unusual geography, the Big Island is home to a variety of landscapes, including steamy and lush rainforests, hardened lava deserts, and beaches with black sand and snow-capped peaks. And it keeps expanding. The active, fire-breathing Kilauea volcano, the Big Island's trump card, has been expanding the island's landmass since 1983. Volcanic activity resulted in eruptions, earthquakes, and the collapse of the Halemaumau crater during the most recent eruption in May 2018. It is true that if you came here expecting a normal Hawaiian vacation filled with luaus and a honeymoon-like ambience, you most likely fell short.

But these state parks and hiking paths offer scenery that no other Hawaiian island can match. You probably haven't ever seen colors like those on the beaches. If you just have a short amount of time to visit the island, join one of the top Hawaii tours to benefit from the insider knowledge of a knowledgeable native.

Rankings:

• #3 in Best Places to Visit in December
  
• #3 in Best Hawaiian Islands
  
• #8 in Best Adventure Vacations in the U.S.
  
• #11 in Best Honeymoon Destinations
  
• #14 in Best Island Vacations
  
• #15 in Best Fall Vacations
  
• #15 in Best Places to Hike in North America

Country: USA

Consider traveling to Banff if you want to experience the way of life in a Swiss skiing resort without having to pay for an expensive transatlantic trip. Traveling here will cut down on both your flight time and costs from the United States due to its location in the heart of the Canadian Rockies close to the southeast border of Banff National Park, Canada's first national park (although only marginally). Banff caters to adventurous travelers who would rather relax at a luxurious hotel at night than rough it in a campground (though, there are plenty of those, too).

There are many chances for adventure, so choose your sport: Ski down Mount Norquay, go on a hike to the enormous, free-standing limestone pillars called the Hoodoos, "scramble" up the face of Stoney Squaw Mountain, or go biking along Healy Creek. When you are worn out, retire to your warm and comfortable resort and refuel with a hearty serving of bison meat.

Rankings:

• #1 in Best Places to Visit in Canada
  
• #4 in Best Places to Visit in December
  
• #4 in Best Cheap Winter Vacations
  
• #6 in Best Family Vacations in Canada
  
• #7 in Best Places to Hike in North America
  
• #8 in Best Places to Visit in February
  
• #14 in World's Best Places to Visit
  

Country: Canada

A national park in southern Chilean Patagonia, Torres del Paine National Park is home to mountains, glaciers, lakes, and rivers. The park's focal point is the Cordillera del Paine. It is situated in a region that connects the Patagonian Steppes and the Magellanic subpolar woods. The park is situated 312 kilometers (194 miles) north of Punta Arenas and 112 kilometers (70 miles) north of Puerto Natales.

In Argentine territory, the park shares borders with Bernardo O'Higgins National Park to the west and Los Glaciares National Park to the north. Paine is pronounced PIE-neh and means "blue" in the native Tehuelche (Aonikenk) language, whereas Torres is pronounced PIE-neh and means "towers". In 1959, a national park designation was given to it.

This national park provides visitors with an experience of a lifetime. The park is home to turquoise lakes, lush woods, the enormous Grey Glacier, and the towering granite peaks of Cuernos del Paine. It is frequently hailed as one of the world's most beautiful trekking locations. Visitors should bring clothes since although though December is within Patagonia's prime summer season, temperatures drop significantly after sunset.

Rankings:

• #5 in Best Places to Visit in December

Country: Chile

The sounds of French greetings and tourists' "Oohs," the sight of meandering cobblestone streets and soaring churches, the aroma of fresh-baked bread and strong cheese, and the taste of rich coffee and buttery croissants. You are in France, according to every sense. But you're in Quebec, therefore they're mistaken.

Long overshadowed by its neighbor, Montréal, Québec City, the capital of the Canadian province of Québec, was thrust back into the spotlight in 2008 as it celebrated its 400th birthday.Since then, tourists have come to this location to discover the charm of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Québec City, the birthplace of New France, nevertheless upholds the traditions of its motherland.

When you enter Old Québec's defensive walls, you'll find yourself in a setting straight out of a European art. Cobblestone squares are submerged in a sea of café tables, while buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries hold bakeries, bistros, and stores. And a piece of Québec City's rich history may be found at every corner.

Rankings:

• #1 in Best Cheap Winter Vacations
  
• #5 in Best Places to Visit in Canada
  
• #5 in Best Family Vacations in Canada
  
• #6 in Best Places to Visit in December
  
• #9 in Best Winter Vacations
  
• #9 in Best Christmas Vacations
  
• #11 in Best Family Winter Vacations
  
• #11 in Best Weekend Getaways

Country: Canada

The Sundance Film Festival, skiing, and snowboarding are Park City's three claim to fame. Park City, which is 35 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, is easily reachable and has a wide variety of lodging options that draw large numbers of tourists throughout the winter. This historic mining town is located in the shadow of the untamed Wasatch Mountain Range, sandwiched between Deer Valley and Park City Mountain. Both resorts participated in the Winter Olympics in 2002, and the Utah Olympic Park, which is located just to the north of the main drag, continues to be a significant training ground for winter athletes like the US Ski Team.

However, you are not have to be an Olympian to enjoy everything Park City has to offer. Visit the High West Distillery and Saloon or take a stroll through the city's quaint Historic Park City neighborhood. Grab the whole family and head to Gorgoza Park for a day of snow tubing in your best winter attire. And take advantage of the vibrant après-ski culture in the city after a strenuous day of skiing (or relaxing in the lodge).

Rankings:

• #4 in Best Places to Visit in Utah
  
• #4 in Best Ski Vacations in the USA
  
• #6 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA
  
• #6 in Best Places to Visit in February
  
• #7 in Best Places to Visit in December
  
• #8 in Best Ski Vacations
  
• #11 in Best Christmas Vacations

Country: USA

Las Vegas and Dubai have a lot in common. Both cities have a love of the extraordinary, with skylines that stand out against arid desert landscapes like beacons. To play hard, travelers from all over the world throng to these dazzling oasis. But when it comes to a vacation destination, Dubai clearly beats out the old Sin City because of its stunning shoreline along the cream-colored Persian Gulf, diverse culinary scene, and surreal sights. The city is continually expanding, and plans are being made for something better and bigger. A fifth of the world's construction cranes were thought to be located here at one time. If that's any indication, Dubai's expansion might not even be constrained by the sky.

The tallest building in the world, one of the biggest malls in the world, and one of the biggest artificial marinas in the world are all found in Dubai. This emirate is still connected to its past as a little port town, but on a lower scale. On Dubai Creek, traditional wooden abras (boats) pass by motorboats; Jumeirah Public Beach's natural dunes border the expertly sculpted Palm Islands; and the lively Gold and Spice Souks (marketplaces) thrive amidst the enormous Dubai Mall. This city doesn't easily let go of its past despite continually aiming toward the future. This dynamic not only helped Dubai become a popular tourism destination, but will also keep it there.

Rankings:

• #8 in Best Places to Visit in December
  
• #21 in World's Best Places to Visit

Country: UAE

With miles of national forests in every direction and Grand Teton National Park to the north, the Jackson Hole valley has mostly avoided being affected by the expanding travel sector. Instead, local businesses like forestry, ranching, and, in the 19th century, fur trading have helped it endure. However, Jackson Hole has lately promoted the expansion of tourism.

Formerly working-class communities like Jackson and Grand Teton now have renowned art galleries and theaters, and the area has been converted into a burgeoning winter wonderland by massive ski resorts. Many individuals don't consider western Wyoming while making travel plans for a lavish trip. We caution those travelers to reconsider.

The Jackson Hole region's beauty and size have drawn the attention of politicians like former Vice President Dick Cheney and Hollywood stars like Harrison Ford, even though it lacks the flash and glamor of Aspen or Lake Tahoe. Jackson Hole is still first and foremost the mountainous region's hub, with untamed trails and miles of open space that harken back to a time before the West was conquered, despite its recent and opulent renovation.

Rankings:

• #3 in Best Ski Vacations
  
• #3 in Best Ski Vacations in the USA
  
• #3 in Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA
  
• #4 in Best Adventure Vacations in the U.S.
  
• #4 in Best Places to Visit in May
  
• #5 in Best Mountain Towns to Visit in the USA
  
• #7 in Best Family Winter Vacations
  
• #8 in Best Family Summer Vacations
• #9 in Best Places to Visit in December
  
• #9 in Best Romantic Getaways in the USA
  
• #10 in Best Fall Vacations
  
• #15 in Best Winter Vacations
  
• #16 in Best Family Vacations in the USA
  
• #17 in Best Places to Visit in the USA

Country: USA

Prague is a thriving city that is getting more visitors than ever. But its charming downtown conceals both a troubled past and a strong one. Prague has endured multiple overthrows, invasions, fires, and floods since approximately A.D. 870. This reputation for tenacity and endurance is what draws people to the Czech capital. These days, the city's renowned churches, winding lanes, intimidating hilltop castle, and statue-lined bridges make for a picture perfect urban fairy tale setting. The charms of this city would be hard for even the most weary traveler to resist.

Prior to its flashier neighbors to the west, Prague was a hidden gem. The city was unable to conceal its wonders for long, and today is a sanctuary for tourists looking for breathtaking sights at reasonable prices. Even today, many of Prague's greatest attractions, such as the renowned Charles Bridge and the ancient Prague Castle, are free to enter, and many hotels have rates that are considerably lower than those of other European cities. But time is running out on this tradition of finding great deals, so if you're expecting to score a deal, act quickly.

Rankings:

• #1 in Best Christmas Vacations
  
• #1 in Best Places to Visit in Eastern Europe
  
• #2 in Best Cheap European Vacations
  
• #3 in Best Family Vacations in Europe
  
• #5 in Best Places to Visit in September
  
• #6 in Best Winter Vacations in Europe
  
• #7 in Best Places to Visit in Europe
  
• #7 in Best Cheap European Honeymoon Destinations
  
• #10 in Best Places to Visit in December
  
• #10 in Best Honeymoon Destinations in Europe

Country: Czech Republic

Mount Rainier National Park is one of the Best Places to Visit in December. The fifth national park in the US was created in 1899, and its name is Mount Rainier National Park. Of course, the 14,410-foot-tall active volcano for which it is named is its most prominent feature. With 25 recognized glaciers, the mountain is the highest glaciated peak in the contiguous United States and the tallest volcano in the Cascade Range. In order to see the contrast between the boiling volcano, which last erupted in 1854, and the freezing rivers down its slopes, thousands of visitors successfully mount its glaciers each year.

However, mountaineering expertise is not necessary for visitors to enjoy the park. Sunrise is the highest point in the park that is accessible by car, standing at 6,400 feet. Alternatively, visit subalpine meadows in the summer to see stunning wildflowers. The park offers a unique perspective in the winter thanks to a variety of activities like skiing and snowshoeing, which are as variable as the weather.

Rankings:

• #3 in Best Day Trips from Seattle
  
• #11 in Best Places to Visit in December
  
• #18 in Best Summer Vacations in the USA

Country: USA