17 Best Places to Travel in December on a Budget

December travel is frequently associated with expensive plane tickets and crowded tourist attractions. The reality is that things don’t have to be that way. December is one of the most affordable months to travel abroad with a little planning and adaptability.

The choices are numerous and frequently disregarded ranging from an off-season tropical getaway in Southeast Asia to snow-covered medieval towns that make ideal winter destinations in Europe.

Travelers looking for the best cheap vacations in December will find that the early December to February timeframe offers amazing deals at reasonably priced locations all over the world.

Our guide shows you where to go at a low cost when most tourists are staying at home, whether you’re planning a sunny winter vacation or a cultural winter escape.

In order to produce a strategic guide for the most budget-friendly destination to visit in December, we have examined real-time traveler reviews, tourism trends, and pricing data in this extensive 2025 edition.

This guide is designed to help you get more for less, whether you’re a digital nomad, a single person, or a couple organizing a pre-holiday winter escape.

Why Take a Budget-Friendly Trip in December?

Before the holidays: Travel and lodging are much less expensive before December 20th.
Reduced crowd pressure: Best places such as Prague, Bali, and Lisbon see a decline in visitors.
Festive value: Cultural events, food markets, and celebrations are free or reasonably priced in many countries to visit.
Weather advantage: Select from tropical beach weather or European winter destination magic without paying peak season rates.

17 Best places to travel in December on a budget

The following are the 17 cheapest countries to visit in December.

1. Southeast Asia: Where You Get the Most Out of Your Money

The following are the cheapest places to visit in December in Asia.

Vietnam

Vietnam offers the most affordable prices in Asia. It’s perfect for all kinds of travelers because of its rich history, street food scenes, and diverse landscapes that include beach towns and rice terraces.

Budget per day: $25–30
North Highlights: The northern region is home to the famous Ha Long Bay, terraced rice fields, and mountainous scenery. Highlights include the Hanoi Old Quarter (free sightseeing), the two-day Ha Long Bay cruise (from Cat Ba Island for $55), and the $12 sleeper train trek to Sapa.
South Highlights: The Mekong Delta, energetic cities like Ho Chi Minh City, and stunning beaches were all found in the south. Highlights include the Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels tour, and the District 4 food walk ($7 for 15 tastings).
The best time is December to March — dry and cool in the north, warm in the south. Ideal for beach lovers and cultural attractions.

Cost Table

Category	Budget	Mid-Range
Hostel	$4–$8	$12–$15
Meals	$5	$10
Local Transport	$3 (bus)	$15 (Grab)

Cambodia

Visit Cambodia, with a population of 17 million. Cambodia is a country in Southeast Asia with a tropical climate. Its capital is Phnom Penh, and it shares borders with Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. Cambodia has a rich history and a relaxed charm. It is a budget-friendly travel gem with Angkor Wat and pristine beaches.

Budget: $20–25 per day
Reap Siem Advice: Spend $62 on a 3-day pass to Angkor Wat, which includes admission the day before sunset.
Local tips: It includes free bikes from hostels like Someplace Else, $2 dinners, and $1 beers on Pub Street.
The best time to visit is from November to February — the dry season. Great for visiting temples and relaxing by the beach.

Malaysia

With thirteen states and three federal territories, Malaysia is a nation in Southeast Asia. With Putrajaya serving as its executive branch and Kuala Lumpur as its national capital, it is the 42nd most populous country in the world. A blend of flavors, cultures, and island paradises, perfect for exploring without the high cost of Thailand.

Langkawi: Low-cost seafood, laid-back beach life, and no sales tax.
Penang: street murals, hawker stalls, and George Town, which is UNESCO-listed.
Budget on average: $30 to $50 per day.
West Coast (Langkawi & Penang) shines from December to April, perfect for a tropical resort break. Avoid the East Coast due to monsoons.

Bali

West of Java and Lombok is the Indonesian province of Bali. With Denpasar as its capital and tourism-related businesses making up 80% of its economy, it is a well-liked tourist destination. Even though December is Bali’s rainy season, there are still plenty of dry hours for exploring thanks to brief tropical showers.

Where to Stay: Canggu (for surfers and nomads), Ubud (for yoga and the jungle).
Daily budget: $20 to $30 per day (homestays plus warungs)
Local Advice: Spend $6 on massages and hikes on rice terraces rather than at beach clubs. December is an ideal time for rice terrace hikes.
The best time to travel is from April to October. December is rainy, but still decent for indoor activities, rice terrace hikes, and budget travelers.

2. Eastern Europe: Castles, Snow, and Seasonal Charm

The following is the list of the cheapest countries to travel in Europe.

Albania

Albania is renowned for its history, coastline, and distinctive customs, such as besa. This nation has a long history that was shaped by Ottoman, Byzantine, and Roman influences.

Why visit now? The last cheap country to visit in Europe offers incredible Best Winter Spots in Albania with unbridled winter beauty, reduced costs, and fewer tourists.

Theth Village: $8 boat rides across Komani Lake, €4 dinners, and snow hikes
Shkoder: Offers comfortable hostels starting at $11 and the best day trips from Shkoder
Local Culture: Layered cuisine and friendly service (burek for $1!).
The best time to travel is from April to June & September to October (for coastlines). December is Ideal for winter travel, beauty, fewer tourists, and snow hikes in Theth.

Location	Dec Avg	Jan Avg
Shkoder	$11	$18
Theth	$15	$22 (includes breakfast)

Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a country in the eastern Balkans of Southeast Europe. At 110,994 square kilometers, it is the tenth largest in the EU. For those who cannot afford the Alps, Bansko is the preferred winter destination.

Ski Pass: €35 per day for a cheap winter ski pass (compared to €72 per day in France)
Accommodations: Rooms starting at €18 per night
Bonus: Independent stores offer €8/day ski rentals and €1.20 beers.
The Best time for budget travel is from December to March for skiing in Bansko.

Czech Republic

The capital and largest city of Bohemia and the Czech Republic is Prague. Its metropolitan area is home to 2.3 million people, and its population is 1.4 million.

Budget per day: $35 to $45
Highlights: Old Town Square Christmas Market, Charles Bridge sunrise, pubs with goulash and beer for under $5.
The best time for cheap travel is from May to June & September for the weather. December is magical for the Christmas light tram and the snowy Old Town charm.

Hungary

Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria encircle Hungary, a landlocked nation in Central Europe. Hungary is home to 9.6 million people and is primarily a lowland plain. The official language of the country is Hungarian. The capital and the hub of the economy and culture is Budapest.

Top Winter Feature: Thermal baths beneath the stars are ideal for relaxation and exploring.
Cheap Food: $3 soups, langos, and chimney cake
Budget: $35 per day.
March to May, September to November, is the perfect time to explore. December is perfect for thermal baths and a festive winter atmosphere.

Portugal (Porto & Lisbon)

Portugal is a nation on the Iberian Peninsula in southwest Europe. In addition to sharing the North Atlantic Ocean and the Azores and Madeira autonomous regions, it has the longest continuous border with Spain.

Expect: Anticipate mild temperatures, inexpensive hotel rates, and Christmas lights.
Advice: Take a scenic ride on a public tram for $1.60. It is an affordable destination.
March to June & September to October is the best place in Europe. December is ideal Mild weather, off-season rates, and gorgeous Christmas and New Year.

Croatia and Montenegro

Members of the Council of Europe, Croatia, and Montenegro have a common history, geography, and intellectual development. With Croatia’s backing, Montenegro has been a candidate for the EU since 2012. military partners via NATO.

Highlights: Winter weather brings dramatic winter coastlines and deserted fortress towns like Kotor.
Accommodation: Accommodations range from $15 to $25, and filling Balkan meals cost $6. South and North America: Cheap, Dynamic, and Diverse.
May to September is best for beach weather.

Mexico

The northernmost nation in Latin America is Mexico. With Mexico City as its capital, it is the thirteenth largest in the world and has the greatest concentration of native Spanish speakers. It is well-known for its beaches, food, distinctive customs, ancient ruins, and lively culture.

Top Cities: Oaxaca (festivals), Cancún (resort), and Mexico City (culture)
Cost: $25–$35 per day.
The dry season, which runs from November to April, is usually the ideal time to travel to Mexico.

Hotel Calendar:

Best times to visit	Price/Night
Dec 1-15	$28
Dec 16-23	$45
Dec 24- Jan 1	$110

Hidden Beaches

Isla Holbox: bioluminescent kayak tours and hammocks for $12.
Mahahual: $5 to rent a snorkel.

Colombia

Colombia is referred to as the “land of rhythm.” It is renowned for its rich biodiversity, lush highlands, and tropical resorts, as well as its energetic and lively people.

Why Go: It is the perfect time for coffee region tours, vibrant colonial cities, and the joy of the coast.
Maximum Budget Cities: Medellín (urban cool), Cartagena (Caribbean breeze).
The December to March dry season and the July to August dry season are typically the perfect times to travel to Colombia, especially if you want to explore the Andes and other inland areas.

Bolivia

The government of Bolivia, a landlocked nation in central South America that shares borders with Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru, is headquartered in La Paz and Sucre.

December Speciality: Rainfall’s mirror effect on Uyuni Salt Flats. It is ideal for exploration.
May to October is the ideal time of year to visit Bolivia, particularly for outdoor activities and highland exploration.

Ecuador

Ecuador is a country in northwest South America that shares borders with Peru, Colombia, and the Pacific Ocean. Its capital is Quito, and its largest city is Guayaquil.

Ideal For: History buffs and nature lovers
Cities: Baños, Cuenca, and Quito
Bonus: If you are budget travelers, you can visit the Galápagos Islands on a backpacker’s budget.
Ecuador’s ideal time to visit depends on desired destinations and activities. Dry season (June-September) offers ideal exploration of the Highlands and the Avenue of Volcanoes, while beaches are best from December-May.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is an American archipelago in the Caribbean that is self-governing. Spanish and English are the primary languages of its 78 municipalities and 3.2 million inhabitants.

Why Go: Exciting culture, tropical weather, and no passport required for US visitors
Essential: Cost-effective Activities in San Juan, Puerto Rico: free beach days, local food crawls, and hikes in El Yunque.
The perfect time to visit is from December to mid-April, as it experiences pleasant weather with warm temperatures and lower humidity.

4. Africa: Safaris, Souks, and Sunshine

Morocco

With a population of 37 million, Morocco is a predominantly Islamic nation in North Africa that blends Arab, Berber, African, and European influences. It borders Algeria and the Western Sahara.

Budget per day: $20 to $30
Top Destinations: Fes tanneries, Sahara camp, and Marrakech medina. It is ideal to travel in December in Africa for the Sahara camp at $75.
Tour Package: 3D2N desert excursion ($75–$90) + camel + meals + tents.
The best season to visit is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Because the summer months (June to August) can be hot, especially in the inland areas, while winter (December to February) can be cold, especially in the mountains.

Winter Guide:

City	Day Temperature	Night Temperature
Marrakech	18°C	6°C
Sahara	22°C	-2°C

Kenya and Egypt

Egypt and Kenya have bilateral trade relations. During the colonial era, it first appeared. The first Bantu language station on the continent, a radio channel in Kiswahili, was broadcast by the Egyptian government in support of the Kenyan Mau Mau movement against British authorities.

Egypt: Red Sea snorkeling, Nile cruising, and Pyramid visits are the cheapest places to travel.
Kenya: Safaris in Nairobi National Park, tours of Maasai villages.
Cost-saving Tips: Use local travel forums or group tours to save money.
Kenya and Egypt are best visited during late June to October for wildlife spotting and shoulder seasons, October-November and March-April for exploring historical sites.

Pro Travel Tips to Save Big in December

Make Your Reservations Early: Especially flights to popular destinations (set price alerts). This is the ideal cheap strategy for weather perfect for sightseeing periods before peak season.
Stay Local: Choose guesthouses over hotels. It is often warm enough and perfect for budget travelers looking to experience authentic culture.
Eat Smart: Avoid Western menus and eat where the locals do. It is ideal for exploring real cuisine.
Transit passes: Use transit passes to save money every day and for scenic routes. It is often cheaper than summer travel options.
Free Activities: Google “free walking tours/ free attractions + [city name]”. It is a perfect way to see the major sights
Travel insecurities: For areas with winter or snow, travel insurance is crucial (ask about cancellation coverage). This tip is perfect for budget trips, too.

Conclusion

Comfort and quality are not sacrificed when traveling in December 2025, one of the best times for exploration. This December offers perfect conditions for budget trips to affordable places across Europe, Asia, and beyond, including incredible options to visit in December in Africa.

Whether you prefer Asian street food markets, European castles offering panoramic views, or Caribbean sunshine in cheap places to travel, there’s a world of opportunity that fits your budget.

Our guide demonstrates that December is a destination for winter travelers seeking warm weather without peak season prices. It offers everything from December getaway options with natural beauty to the extended winter getaway possibilities through January and February. These carefully chosen spots are all ideal for travelers on a tight budget.

With the tips above and our hand-picked destinations, you’re equipped to plan smarter, travel deeper, and enjoy a festive atmosphere without overspending!

17 Best Places to Travel in December on a Budget | Top Destinations 2025