Top Travel Destinations for the Holiday Season 2025
Where do you want to go during the holiday season? An ancient country with a profound culture and amazing architecture; a tropical forest with fresh plants and cute animals; a white beach beside the twisting blue coastline; or a shopping paradise with colorful handicrafts? This article will introduce the top destinations for the holiday season in 2025. Seek some inspiration and find what you want!
Japan
Japan, an eastern country with a long history, has both ancient shrines and beautiful natural scenery. Before winter arrives, you can see beautiful red leaves, enjoy hot springs and visit ancient shrines. When the snow falls, it is also a good time to enjoy skiing in a mountain resort with an onsen and a good view.
Japan has many old shrines, such as Meiji Jingu Shrine, and Kiyomizu Temple. They are usually built on mountains with age-old trees. There is a stream of visitors who perform the ancient rituals with devout hearts, and you can feel the profound Japanese culture with marvels of fall leaves to enjoy there. For animal lovers, Mount Wakakusa in Nara has cute deer as well as beautiful temples. The deer, in twos and threes, roam the lawn. They are docile animals that are close to people.
Located in the north of Japan, Hokkaido, with its vast forests and precious hot springs, is a natural paradise for a winter holiday. Not only are the slopes mild and the snow soft, but you can also enjoy a relaxing spring spa in a hotel after an exciting day of skiing or other snow activities.
Hokkaido, Japan
Thailand
Thailand is a country where you can see a profound Buddhist culture and enjoy tropical islands. During the holiday season of December, Thailand is very warm and sunny, attracting a lot of tourists.
Thailand has great Buddhist-style palaces and temples. The Grand Palace in Bangkok is filled with exquisite frescoes and vivid carvings. The white palaces are in Buddhist style, with golden spires and colorful tiles. As to temples, the Wat Pho temple is famous for its huge reclining Buddha. The Buddha is placed on the ground in a sleeping pose, and his golden body illuminates the surroundings.
Phuket is famous for its amazing seaside views. You can take a cruise out of the main island, go snorkeling, and see lovely fish and turtles. Or stay on the large white beaches and enjoy the rose-red sunset. Not far is the night market, with unique Thai cuisine such as mango glutinous rice, seafood, and tropical fruits.
Grand Palace, Thailand
South Africa
November to February is the high season in South Africa, with warm weather and wonderful views. Due to its location, South Africa is a great place to see the sea, mountains, whales, and penguins.
On the Cape of Good Hope, you can admire the winding coastline and the raging waves lapping against the rocks. Later, as the sun gradually sinks towards the horizon, the boundless sky and ocean are dyed golden. There is also Table Mountain, a huge flat-topped mountain rising like a giant table. Climbing up Table Mountain, you can see the azure coastline. Not far from Table Mountain is Victoria Harbour, where you can taste seafood and watch some band performances.
There are many famous whale-watching spots in South Africa. Take a cruise out to encounter the huge whales during the November winter and see these cute animals leap out of the water and complete perfect jumps. Also, penguins can be seen on the beaches of South Africa. These cute creatures walk in a funny way and play on the beach in groups.
Table Mountain, South Africa
Morocco
Morocco is cooler during the winter holiday season. As a charming country with colorful landscapes, Morocco will also bring you a colorful holiday.
The Sahara Desert attracts tourists in the winter season. The air is cool, but most days are sunny, perfect for camel rides, hiking, and camping. With little rain, there is a fiery red sunset in the golden desert. Morocco also has the romantic blue Chefchaouen, known as the Blue Pearl. Walk through the azure streets and houses. Leave beautiful photos in bright sunshine and serene blueness.
Apart from sightseeing, Morocco is a veritable shopping paradise. Argan oil, the most famous product in Morocco, has good beauty effects. There are a lot of handcrafts: Babouche, a traditional slipper with a pointy toe; leather bags made of cowhide or camel skin; lanterns hollowed with beautiful patterns; woolen carpets, painted plates, etc. It couldn't be more perfect for holiday shopping!
Sahara, Morocco
Turkey
If you want a romantic holiday, then try visiting Turkey! The climate is still warm during the holiday season, and you can also avoid the high season if you start your visit at this time, so the cost will be lower than usual.
Cappadocia is known as the most lunar-like place on Earth. Ravines and oddly shaped hills are everywhere. Hot-air ballooning is very popular in Cappadocia. You can see a lot of balloons float over the rugged surface, slowly making their way through the golden valleys.
As dreamy as the hills of Turkey are, so is its sea. Fethiye, located in the south, is a world-renowned seaside resort. The blue coastline makes a big detour, creating a sapphire-blue beach. Enjoy the warmth and swim in the sparkling sea, or take a cruise to enjoy the mild breeze. If you prefer something more exciting, there's paragliding!
Cappadocia, Turkey
India
Located near the tropics, India is cooler and still sunny during the holiday season, which will make for a comfortable trip. As an ancient country, India has charming cultures and magnificent buildings.
Diwali, one of the liveliest festivals in India, is celebrated in November. On that day, people will light diyas, a traditional lantern that represents brightness and happiness. So at night, it is quite exciting to see countless dancing fires illuminate the entire sky. In 2024, Diwali will be celebrated at the beginning of November, but you will still be able to experience the special festive atmosphere here with its delicate light decorations.
For the beautiful buildings in India, we recommend the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort. During the holiday season of December, India had abundant sunshine and little rain, providing good light for viewing the buildings. The Taj Mahal is an Islamic-style structure built with white marble, called a tear on the cheek of eternity. The Red Fort is always mentioned along with the Taj Mahal. It is a huge red sandstone castle that has emitted a dazzling red glow for centuries.
Red Fort, India
Switzerland
Switzerland in the holiday season is cool with genial sunshine, offering a wonderful, picturesque view. Known as God's garden on earth, it's a place of healing natural beauty.
Slopes gradually turn golden in November, and the mountain tops turn from green to white with snow. The sunlight veils the creamy clouds and lights up the snow-covered tops. In December, Switzerland becomes a paradise for skiing lovers. Near the Alps, there are a lot of ski resorts with pure, amazing snow views. You can enjoy the fun of skiing thoroughly as well as the breathtaking natural scenery!
Germany
If you want to experience a festival atmosphere during your holiday trip, come to Germany! During Christmas, various grand fairs are held in Germany.
Dresden Striezelmarkt is one of the oldest, with the world's largest Christmas tower. Held at Dresden's Altmarkt, the bazaar is full of delicate goods: sculptures of Santa Claus, Christmas trees, etc. People, chatting and laughing, stroll through the street. You can experience the liveliest Christmas atmosphere here!
In addition to Christmas fairs, Germany is a paradise for skiers in December. Resorts near the Alps offer various facilities like alpine ski trails, ski jumping, tobogganing, etc. Enjoy the thrill of skiing while admiring the snow-covered mountains! You can also take a carriage ride and admire the green cypress trees and historic castles.
Costa Rica
Late December is the dry season in Costa Rica, considered one of the best times to visit there. Half covered in tropical vegetation and with a rich coastline, Costa Rica is perfect for outdoor activities.
Arenal Volcano is surrounded by lush vegetation. Hot rivers flow down from the mountain, and white smoke drifts out of the crater. At the foot of the mountain are hot spring resorts tucked away among fresh tropical plants and pure air. With cozy rooms, thermal pools, and attentive service, the resorts will make you fully relaxed. Also, Costa Rica has excellent surfing conditions, with wide seas and abundant waves. You can enjoy chasing the waves!
Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
Egypt
Are you looking for an unforgettable cultural tour? We recommend Egypt! Egypt is cooler in winter compared to other seasons, making it very suitable for holiday-season travel.
The pyramids and Sphinx are brilliant. Like the tombs of the ancient pharaohs, the pyramids are huge, mysterious structures towering in the desert. Not far away stands the majestic Sphinx, with the body of a lion and the face of a man. Another attraction in Egypt is the temples. Huge stone pillars support the magnificence, and statues of pharaohs are enshrined in them. Through the splendid structures in the desert, the former glory seems to emanate again.
Located in the tropics, the Red Sea during the winter season is warm and sunny. Half golden desert, half blue sea - this is the unique beauty of it. You can swim or sunbathe to your heart's content! If you desire more fun, you can try snorkeling in the glittering waters!
Giza Pyramids, Egypt
Kenya
Kenya, during November and December, welcomes a lot of visitors to watch wild animals. If you are interested in wildlife, try visiting Kenya!
As waves of pink birds sweep across the sky and migrate to Lake Nakuru, your December holiday season in Kenya will be unforgettable. The birds leisurely forage on the lake, converging into a pink ocean. Also, the Maasai Mara Reserve in Kenya is a natural habitat for wild animals. On the wide grassland of the Maasai Mara, there are elephants with long fangs, leopards chasing prey, African lions walking in groups, etc. All the animals appear in their most natural ways.
Vietnam
In early winter, the weather in Vietnam is very comfortable, with genial sunshine and a cool temperature.
Hạ Long Bay in Vietnam has an amazing marine stone forest. Take a cruise and enjoy the vast water and gentle breeze. Towering peaks, clothed in shrubs, crawl across the sea in grotesque postures. As the peaks move behind, it is like going through a green gallery. Then ride a small kayak, and row freely with other kayaks. Explore the Karst caves with beautiful stones. How amazing is nature's wonderment!
Nha Trang has unpolluted beaches and blue water like swaying jelly. The weather is still warm in November and December, so you can enjoy sunbathing or swimming. Entertainments like sea parachuting and banana splits are all available. Not far away are the towns and markets with a variety of local foods like rice noodles, spring rolls, seafood, etc.
Halong Bay, Vietnam
A holiday is so precious, make the most of the holiday season and reward yourself with a long-awaited trip! Have you decided where to go or are you looking forward to other destinations? Odynovo is always happy to help, so do not hesitate to contact us!
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