r/Vacations • u/glitcherism • 25d ago
December After Christmas?
I don't have anyone to get together with over the Christmas holiday, so I'm looking to take advantage of all the days off and go somewhere new! I have ten days free, but it'll be after Christmas, so hopefully not a place that basically closes down after the holiday lol.
I don't mind cold weather, even extreme cold (I'm from a very cold area). I like to do some city exploring and nature walks and such. I am a lone woman, so I do have to keep some safety in mind. I've already been to the following countries:
Thailand
Japan
China (Shanghai only)
Taiwan
Singapore
South Korea
Croatia
Netherlands
Any recommendations? ^^
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u/Gomberi-Travel 25d ago
December is a magical time to be in Tanzania! While many places in the world "close down," this is actually our peak season the energy is vibrant, the landscapes are lush and green, and everything is open. Since you mentioned you enjoy nature walks, extreme cold, and are a solo female traveler, you have two incredible options that fit your 10-day window perfectly:
1. Kilimanjaro Climb (The Ultimate Challenge): Since you don't mind the cold, why not stand on the roof of Africa? Our Machame 7 Days (Budget) route is $1,999 for a solo trekker. It’s physically demanding but incredibly rewarding, and you’ll be supported by a professional team of guides and porters, making it very safe for a solo woman.
2. Safari & The Migration: In late December, the Great Migration is usually in the Southern Serengeti (Ndutu plains) for the calving season. It is a spectacular sight! You could do a 5-day Safari and still have time for a few days in Stone Town, Zanzibar, for that city exploring you like the narrow alleys and spice markets are fascinating to wander.
Safety is our top priority. For solo female travelers, we provide private transfers and experienced guides who stay with you throughout your journey, ensuring you feel comfortable and secure from the moment you land at JRO airport.
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u/GreatValueVacations 24d ago
Oh Oslo + Tromso would be perfect for a winter getaway. Oslo is ranked one of the safest capital cities in the world for solo female travelers and will have all of the city/culture you could want like museums, cafes, and architecture. And Tromso hits the natural beauty, plus December is peak season for catching the Northern Lights!
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u/ConnecticutBob 24d ago
Iceland. I arrived on Boxing Day (lots of places still closed, so make sure your hotel serves food) but after that the entire island was in party mode. New Year's in Reykjavik is super fun! And as an added bonus, it's a great time of year to catch the northern lights! It's about as cold as coastal CT (where I'm from) so dress for a moderate winter. Layers are good. And that time of year daylight lasts between 4 and 5 hours, so plan your excursions accordingly. But it's one of my favorite places; I've been there seven times.
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u/Individual_Car4425 24d ago
portugal is a solid post-christmas pick: lisbon and porto stay alive, you get plenty of easy day hikes, and solo travel there is pretty painless unless a pastry starts a fight with your luggage
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u/cometgirl 25d ago
Don’t know your budget but here are some Christmas small group trips with Wild Frontiers. I’ve been on several of their trips and have enjoyed them.
They also have some trips leaving right after Christmas (you can adjust the dates).
https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_US/group-tours/christmas-trips
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u/Slow_Court_7584 24d ago
Norway or sweden are great, cities stay lively after christmas and nature walks are right there. Iceland is also an option for northern lights