8 Best Places to Visit in December

Japan: Sushi, temples, pagodas, and cherry blossoms. Japan offers a diverse range of experiences, including large cities that rival New York City's Times Square and vast rural areas ideal for introspection and meditation.

Maui, Hawaii, USA: Maui, the second biggest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, was once home to enigmatic tribes with a rich history. Today, it is a well-liked tourist destination with something to offer all types of travelers.

Strasbourg, France: The Alsatian city is incredibly charming, with its small rivers and winding lanes, incredibly diverse architecture, and poetry that flows from the majestic historical center.

Portugal: One of the oldest countries in Europe is the fascinating nation of Portugal. It is a country of sunny beaches and a great maritime history, with the Atlantic Ocean encircling the whole west coast.

Banff National Park, Canada: The entrance to the magnificent Canadian Rockies is located in Banff National Park. Get in the saddle for a horseback ride, embark on an educational guided hike, or go boating or fishing on a lake in the mountains.

Malaga, Spain: Although Malaga may not be as well-known as other Spanish cities, a brief trip to Pablo Picasso's birthplace can win over any traveler.

Santorini, Greece: Santorini's extraordinary volcanic terrain of black and red sand beaches and a massive caldera meets characteristically Greek white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches as it rises out of the pristine seas of the Aegean Sea.

Istanbul, Turkey: It's simple to drift off. Despite its spectacular past, modern Istanbul is a bustling city that is well worth a visit on its own. World-class shopping can be found there, and there are multiple vibrant nightlife districts.