Why December is a Superior Travel Month Compared to Summer

Traveling during December is often overlooked, but it can be a better option than the typical summer months for a variety of reasons. For instance, I last went on a vacation during the Western hemisphere's summer - June through September - almost 15 years ago. Since then, I have consistently chosen to travel during the winter months (October, November, December, January, February, and March), opting for destinations that naturally enjoy agreeable temperatures.

The Advantages

1. Environmental Benefits:

When you travel to even hotter places during the summer to escape the heat, you inevitably stress the environment with the use of air conditioning. However, traveling in December, especially to destinations with naturally hot climates, means you don't have to rely on air conditioning to stay cool. This not only helps the environment but can also lead to significant savings on your energy bill by reducing the need for air conditioning.

2. Financial Savings:

One of the most appealing aspects of traveling in December is the financial savings compared to the summer months. Airlines typically offer cheaper tickets during the colder months, making it easier to budget for travel and explore new destinations without breaking the bank.

3. Smaller Crowds:

Another advantage of traveling in December is the smaller crowds. During the summer months, popular destinations can become overrun with tourists, making it difficult to fully enjoy your vacation. In contrast, December sees fewer visitors, allowing you to experience more authentic local culture and avoid the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season.

4. Enjoying the Home Climate:

When you're at home during December, you can enjoy the warmer climates of your destination as if it were summer. This means you can take advantage of pleasant weather and outdoor activities without having to escape to a far-off location. You can even enjoy summer music festivals in your home country or attend other local events that you would normally miss during the busy summer months.

The Summer Travel Trap

A common perception is that summer is the only time to go on vacation. People often follow the same routines and patterns, mimicking the same activities and traditions that everyone else does. For example, many expect to travel during the summer months and return home. However, this traditional mindset can be limiting. It is difficult for many people to break free from the idea that summer is the only time to travel, even though the benefits of winter travel can be just as rewarding and perhaps more so in terms of environmental and financial savings.

Consider the advantage of traveling during december in the southern hemisphere, where it is mid-summer. Regions like Australia, southern South America, and parts of southern Africa experience peak winter temperatures from June to August. This can be an excellent time to travel and avoid the peak tourist season.

The Christian World

Another consideration is the religious context. In the Christian world, December is a busy time for travel as millions of people are traveling to visit family during Christmas and New Year's holidays. This can lead to overcrowded airports, higher travel costs, and the difficulty of finding accommodations.

However, for those looking for a more relaxed and affordable travel experience, destinations in Asia can be a good choice. Countries such as Turkey, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Vietnam offer budget-friendly options, where the weather is usually pleasant and the crowds less overwhelming compared to the Western hemisphere's summer months.

Conclusion

Traveling in December has numerous advantages over the traditional summer months. Whether you are looking to save money, enjoy a more authentic travel experience, or explore great destinations without the crowds, December can be a superior choice. Break free from the summer travel trap and embrace the unique possibilities that come with traveling in winter.