The Best Places to Travel in December

There are many facets to Mexico that make it a popular travel destination, with the ancient cultures that once lived here being a big part of current interest. Our nine-day adventure across the Yucatán Peninsula will take in some of the essential things to do in the region and also showcase some hidden gems. You’ll climb formidable Mayan temples, discover the stunning crystal-clear cenotes and sink your toes into the soft white sand of the Caribbean coast. Your journey includes visits to the world-renowned Chichen Itza and the historic, yet lesser-known Mayan pyramids at Ek’ Balam. To cap off the trip, party until dawn with like-minded travellers in the vibrant beach town of Tulum.

Adventure through the Yucatán Peninsula on our Mayan Mexico trip at the end of the year

If you really want to treat yourself to an epic trip this year, save up you money and holidays for this rail journey across Thailand and Laos. We’ve kept to our promise of being good to the planet and staying flightless in destination and turned this multi-country itinerary into something truly memorable. The epic two-week journey begins in the beating heart of Thailand, Bangkok. From here we’ll be boarding the train to Thailand’s oldest city, Phitsanulok, from where we’ll set out to explore the ruins of Sukhothai, an ancient Khmer-era city. Next, it’s on to Chiang Mai, where you’ll get to dive into authentic local street food and try your hand at Thai cuisine with a cookery class. We’ll meet some of Thailand’s most charismatic locals at an elephant sanctuary in Lampang, before crossing the border into Laos. Here, you’ll learn about traditional life in a rural village, embark on a waterfall trek and kayak on the stunning Namsong River. Finally, we’ll take a sleeper train back to Bangkok – for a walking tour with a Local Insider.

Discover Incredible Thailand and Laos by Train with Culture Trip

Explore a Costa Rican cloud forest, surf the best Pacific waves and sleep near the Arenal volcano. This eight-day adventure spans western Costa Rica from the capital, San José, to Tamarindo. It’s perfect for wildlife watchers and adrenaline seekers – you’ll spot sloths, hummingbirds and frogs, and white-water rafting through the jungle. There’s also a visit to a volcanic coffee plantation, a cooking lesson, and plenty of wind-down time to spend just splashing about in a swimming pool (or beneath a waterfall).

Travel to The Real Costa Rica and spend a few blissful days relaxing in the sun

This exciting itinerary offers a perfect balance of cultural exploration and outdoor adventures, showcasing the breath-taking beauty and diversity of Caribbean Colombia. Wander the cobblestone streets of Cartagena’s walled city, sample authentic street food and canoe through mangroves in La Boquilla before taking a day trip to the tropical Rosario Islands. Your journey continues north towards the base of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, where you’ll trek to deserted beaches in Tayrona National Park and try river tubing on the Río Don Diego. Cap off your trip with a farewell dinner in Palomino.

Think you know Caribbean Colombia? Join us to find out more about this lesser-travelled part of South America

Revolution, architectural masterpieces and ancient ruins await on this five-day cultural escape in the colonial heartland of Mexico. Led by our expert Local Insider, you’ll leave the capital behind and immerse yourself in the beautiful cities of San Miguel de Allende, Querétaro and Guanajuato, learning all about the Colonial era and Mexican Independence as you go. You’ll also visit ancient pyramids and stone warriors in Teotihuacan and Tula, providing you with a deep understanding of this wonderful, storied country

Enjoy a winter trip to sunny Colonial Mexico