Travelling can be so much fun. But only if the destination to visit is on your bucket list since forever. Going around the world or country is nonetheless adventurous. Even if a severe pandemic hits the world, travel freaks will always find out a way to pack their bags. Hence, here we are with a list of the Top 10 places to visit in December amidst COVID-19.
2020 has been challenging and grim for each one of us. But, we are still quite hopeful of getting rid of the deadly virus soon. The significant impact that this outbreak has caused is on the travel industry. People all over the world fear traveling. In addition to this, Governments of every country have set up safety guidelines.
Listing out the top 10 places to visit around the world was challenging during this time. But, all you travel lovers, don’t worry. We got your back. There are a few places that will indeed be allowing travelers by December.
The most important concern is safety. Make sure about wearing masks, sanitizing, and keeping a social distance. Air travels follow these norms. Also, the hotels and resorts that you check-in to. Hence, making this sure and following the rules is important.
New Zealand- The best places to visit in December
When it is winter in Asia, New Zealand enjoys sunny weather. If you have a taste for adventure, the outbacks of New Zealand are perfect for wild experiences. It is a new place for thrill-seekers and adventurists. No wonder it was a great place to shoot Lord of the Rings.
Places to visit in New Zealand: Queenstown, Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Wellington
Things to shop: Jade necklace, The One ring, Merino wool, charm bracelet
Things to do in New Zealand: sandboarding, kayaking, and zip-lining. You can learn about the Maori culture. Visiting Glowworm caves, wine tasting tours are other popular options.
Weather in December: It is hot in New Zealand in December. So, if the sun is what you seek, then you should migrate to New Zealand for a month.
How to reach: Take a connecting flight from Singapore to Auckland as there is no direct flight from India.
If you are an adventure junkie, make sure you visit these places in New Zealand:
- Auckland– It is known as the “city of sails’. This beautiful city of New Zealand offers sailing experience in various types. It includes wooden boats, yachts, and water vessels throughout the city’s scenic harbors. It is am abode for the adventure-seekers. Surfing, paddleboarding, and sea kayaking along the pristine beaches of Auckland are enjoyable.
- Queenstown-With water sports options like jet boating, white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking. Queenstown is one of the best places for water sports in New Zealand. Every adventure freak must visit it at least once. However, the natural beauty of the place charms every heart. But nothing can be more exciting than white water rafting and canoeing on Skipper Canyon. And jet boating on Shotover and Kawarau River.
Image Credit: www.thespinoff.co.nz
- Rotorua- Another name in the list of places of water sports in New Zealand is none other than Rotorua. Adorned with lakes and streams, this place is a prominent spot for exciting water sports. It includes surfing, rafting, parasailing, kayaking, and jet boat tours. Lake Rotoiti is a hotspot of such water sports and more. Fishing and leisure kayaking is for those who are not fond of extreme adventure stuff. But those who have a daring heart. Gear up for a thrilling adrenaline rush. Also enjoy stand up paddleboarding in Blue Lake, Tarawera, and the Ohau Channel.
Auli, Uttarakhand- The best places to visit in December
Winter and snow always go hand in hand, and what’s a better place or time to find both in Auli in December. Firstlt, it is renowned for being the skiing destination of India. It’s flocked by tourists from within the country and from abroad as well. Secondly, December is the best time to be here to witness the incredible amount of snowfall that takes place. Play around with snowball fights, indulge in some skiing and other adventure sports. Lastly, one can relax and take in the scenic views of the Himalayas from your resort. Whatever you do, you’re in for an unforgettable winter vacation!
Shillong Hills, Meghalaya
Born in the laps of nature, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. It offers every one of its bequeathed elements for exploration to the wanderlust. Shillong is also known as the ‘Scotland of the East’ due to its exciting mountain peaks. It has beautiful crystal clear lakes, beautiful golf courses, and museums. Visiting Shillong in December is an experience of a lifetime. It is also famous as the music capital of India. Many prominent musicians have hailed from this place and music. Events keep happening throughout the year, making it a very youthful and lively place.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. It is also a well known, protected animal reserve. You are known for housing more than half of the world’s one-horned rhinoceros. It is also a critical tiger reserve. Kaziranga has a large density of tigers present within the national park. Set along the mighty river the Brahmaputra, the park floods during the monsoons from June- August. Kaziranga comes alive in the winter month of December with warm days and cold nights. It is opening up the perfect conditions to spot wildlife. You can also spot leopards, foxes, deer, flying squirrels, pelicans, hornbill. Plenty of other floral and faunal species are present. It is ideal for family vacations and photography enthusiasts alike.
Kanchenjunga Hills, Sikkim
One of my picks, from the Top 10 places to visit in December amidst COVID-19, is Sikkim. Firstly, this small state, located in the north-eastern region of India, is a small state with a big heart. Traveling across this Himalayan state is a beautiful experience. From thick woodlands to colorful meadows. From a few barren patches to the panoramic views of the snowcapped mountains. It was occupied by warm-hearted people offering some of the best hospitality. Secondly, it has magnificent treks, snow activities, and scenic views. Sikkim is genuinely a destination people fall in love with. Lastly, Sikkim feels beautiful in winters if you love snow treks.
Image Credit: Times of India
Lakshwadeep Islands
Firstly, this beautiful coral islands situated in the Arabian Sea is free of COVID. No cases have come up as of now. So this Islands becomes another favorite among the Top 10 best places to visit in December amidst COVID-19. The name Lakshadweep in translation means One Lakh islands. It is a group of 36 islands located off the Kerala Coast on the Arabian sea. Out of these, only ten are inhabited, and only five are accessible to tourists. The island system is deliberately kept detached from tourism. It is a measure to preserve its rich natural habitat. It is the smallest Union Territory of India, located around 400 km off India west coast into the Arabian Sea.
Secondly, Lakshadweep is accessible from Kochi. A permit is required to visit Lakshadweep for all tourists (including Indians). Indians are permitted to see all the Islands. Lastly, it is the only place in India where one can find a multi-hued coral reef formation. The water here is crystal clear. It helps one to see through it and enjoy the vibrant reefs. The presence of corals makes the water shallow. It makes it easy to wade into. The rich marine life and the coral reef formations add to the mystique of the islands. A point to be noted – picking up corals from the reefs is a criminal offense and is punishable by law. However, foreigners can visit only three islands. The permits are given from Kochi.
Oslo, Norway.
The 1000-year-old Norwegian capital sits at the head of Oslo Fjord. This stunning setting gives hints of the wild wonders that lie just beyond the city. Firstly, taking in visual delights at Vigeland Sculpture Park. Secondly, visiting the Viking Ship Museum, the Munch Museum, and Holmenkollen. The new Nobel Peace Centre and the Holocaust Centre, Oslo offers plenty of food for thought. Lastly, the Oslo Pass allows free travel on public transport, free parking, and many museums and sight admissions. Nevertheless, Oslo is the top foreign destination from the top 10 best places to visit in December amidst COVID-19.
The best places to visit in December-Samoa, Oceania
The South Pacific is a destination with beautiful palm trees whispering above beaches of fine powder. The sea is sighing and swaying as a barely plausible shade of perfect blue. Samoa consists of six main islands. Of these, two – Savai’i and Upolu – are the biggest. Upolu has the capital, Apia. However, the money is a fascinating place and can detain the traveler for a couple of days.
It is, though, in its natural beauty that Samoa appeals. Savai’i, for example, is host to the hiking and bird-watching. A beautiful, less known place in Polynesia. Samoa is an escapade during this pandemic period as there are no active COVID-19 cases. Hence it is another popular and safe option among the top 10 best places to visit in December amidst COVID-19.
Conclusion
These are the safest and most reliable travel options this year-end. I hope you have a rocking and positive end to the year. Happy Traveling!