Best December Holiday Ideas to Book Now 2025 | Top Destinations, Deals & Early Bird Savings

December is the world’s most popular travel month, with over 110 million international trips taken globally (UNWTO, 2024), and Kenya alone welcomes 200,000+ visitors in December (Kenya Tourism Board). But here’s the secret: book 6–9 months early, and you’ll secure up to 40% savings, prime accommodations, and stress-free planning.

This Amboseli Plains Safaris blog reveals data-backed destinations, real cost breakdowns, insider statistics, and exclusive early-bird offers for your 2025 December holiday. Whether you’re a family chasing sunshine, a couple craving romance, or a solo traveler seeking festive magic, we’ve got you covered.

Is December a Good Month to Travel? The Data Says YES

Bottom Line: December is festive, family-friendly, and sun-soaked—but only if you plan now.

Where Is the Best Place to Go on Holiday in December?

1. For Families: Mauritius, Zanzibar & South Africa

Mauritius – The Indian Ocean’s Family Gem

• December Weather: 28–31°C, 8 hours sunshine/day
• Flight Time from Nairobi: 4h 10m (Kenya Airways, 3x weekly)
• Top Family Resorts:
  • LUX Le Morne* – Kids’ club, teen zone, free water sports
  • Sugar Beach – 12 restaurants, baby concierge, glass-bottom boat tours
• Activities:
  • Chamarel 7-Coloured Earth (geological wonder)
  • Casela Nature Park: Walk with lions, zipline over waterfalls
• Cost (7 Nights, All-Inclusive, Family of 4):
  • Book by March 2025: $4,800
  • Book in October: $7,200 (+50%)

Zanzibar – Spice Islands & Turtle Hatchlings

• December Highlight: Baby turtles hatch on Nungwi Beach (Dec–Feb)
• UNESCO Stone Town: 1,500+ coral buildings, Freddie Mercury’s birthplace
• Family-Friendly Stays:
  • Zuri Zanzibar – Private beach, kids’ pool, spice farm tours
  • The Residence Zanzibar – 5 villas with private pools
• Cost (5 Nights, Half-Board): $2,900 (early bird) vs. $4,100 (last minute)

South Africa – Safari + City + Beach

• Kruger National Park: 147 mammal species, December baby boom
• Cape Town: Table Mountain cable car, penguin colony at Boulders Beach
• Flight Deal: Nairobi → Johannesburg → Cape Town: $520 return (book by Feb 2025)

2. For Couples: Europe’s Christmas Markets & Tropical Hideaways

Vienna, Austria – The Queen of Christmas Markets

• Rathausplatz Market: 150+ stalls, 2.5 million visitors/year
• Average Temp: 2–6°C (pack a chic wool coat!)
• Romantic Stays:
  • Hotel Sacher – Home of the original Sachertorte
  • Palais Hansen Kempinski – Spa with Danube views
• Cost (4 Nights, 5★, Breakfast): €1,600 (book by April) vs. €2,800 (November)

Maldives – Overwater Romance

• December Sea Temp: 29°C (ideal for snorkeling)
• Private Island Resorts:
  • Gili Lankanfushi: #1 in World’s Best Awards 2024 (Travel + Leisure)
  • Soneva Fushi: Jungle cinema, stargazing observatory
• Early Bird Perk: Free seaplane transfer (save $600) if booked by 31 March 2025

Lapland, Finland – Santa’s Real Village

• Reindeer Sleigh Rides: 40,000 reindeer in Finnish Lapland
• Northern Lights: 70% visibility in December (vs. 30% in September)
• Cost (3 Nights, Glass Igloo): €2,200 (book early) vs. €3,500

3. For Tropical Lovers: Maldives, Bali, Seychelles

Pro Tip: Seychelles has 115 islands—book Praslin or La Digue for fewer crowds than Mahé.

Best Places to Visit in December for Couples

Best Family Vacations in December

Kenya December Safari: The Ultimate Family Adventure

December is peak baby season in Kenya:

• Masai Mara: 500,000+ wildebeest calves, lion cub playtime
• Amboseli: Elephant families with newborns
• Weather: 25–30°C, low rain risk

Sample 7-Day Family Safari (Amboseli → Naivasha → Mara):

Cost: $5,200 (family of 4, all-inclusive, 4×4 safari vehicle)
Early Bird Bonus: Free child under 12 (book by 28 Feb 2026)

Best Tropical Vacations in December

Tips to Save on December Holidays (Real Numbers)

Is December an Expensive Time to Travel?

Yes—but only if you wait.

• Average global hotel rate increase: +72% (Dec 24–31 vs. Jan 10)
• Flight premium: +55% for bookings <30 days out

Cheapest December Destinations (from Nairobi):

1. Zanzibar: $1,200 pp (5 nights, all-inclusive)
2. Mombasa, Kenya: $850 pp (beach resort)
3. Entebbe, Uganda: $1,100 pp (Lake Victoria + gorilla trek add-on)

Book Your December Holiday with Amboseli Plains Safaris

Why Choose Us?

• 20+ years curating East African & Indian Ocean holidays
• ATOL & KATO bonded for 100% financial protection
• Personal travel designer assigned to every booking
• Exclusive early-bird perks:
  • Free airport lounge access (Nairobi)
  • Complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability)
  • Kids stay free on select safaris

How to Book:

1. Browse: December Holiday Packages
2. Get Quote: WhatsApp +254 116 492634
3. Secure: 25% deposit, balance 60 days before travel

Final Call: Book Now, Sleigh Later

December 2025 will sell out. Mauritius kids’ clubs, Maldives overwater villas, and Mara lion cub safaris are already 60% booked (internal data).

Lock in your dream holiday today with Amboseli Plains Safaris and enjoy:

• Peace of mind
• Best prices
• VIP treatment

🌴 Book now and save up to 40%!
👉 https://amboseliplainsafaris.com/december-holidays