Discover the best December destinations for travellers over 60, where mild weather, gentle sightseeing and festive experiences come together for a stress-free holiday.
1. Seville, Spain
Dance your way through December with tapas in one hand and flamenco in the other!
Why: Mild winter weather, festive Christmas lights, and charming historic streets.
Activities: Flamenco shows, Alcázar palace tour, tapas tasting, gentle river walks.
Ideal Stay: 4-5 days
Budget-Friendly: Small boutique hotels in historic neighbourhoods, tapas bars, public transport.
Luxury: 5-star hotels near the Cathedral, private flamenco shows, guided private tours
2. Lisbon, Portugal
Tram bells, pastel de nata, and hilltop views – Lisbon is a December delight!
Why: Sunny winter days, compact city, accessible trams and viewpoints.
Activities: Alfama district exploration, Belém Tower, fado music, day trips to Sintra.
Ideal Stay: 4-6 days
Budget-Friendly: Guesthouses or apartments in Alfama/Baixa, street food, tram sightseeing.
Luxury: Riverfront 5-star hotels, private day trips to Sintra, gourmet Portuguese cuisine experiences
3. Canary Islands, Spain (Tenerife or Gran Canaria)
Sunshine, sand, and sea breezes – winter worries don’t stand a chance here!
Why: Warm, dry weather perfect for seaside strolls and nature walks.
Activities: Coastal promenades, botanical gardens, easy hikes, whale watching.
Ideal Stay: 7-10 days
Budget-Friendly: Self-catering apartments, public beaches, local markets for meals.
Luxury: All-inclusive resorts, spa packages, private boat excursions, guided nature hikes.
4. Madeira, Portugal
Where gardens meet the ocean – Madeira is like a holiday postcard come to life!
Why: Spring-like climate, stunning gardens, relaxed pace.
Activities: Botanical gardens, coastal drives, levada walks (gentle trails), wine tasting.
Ideal Stay: 6-8 days
Budget-Friendly: Guesthouses in Funchal, local minibuses, simple levada walks.
Luxury: Boutique 5-star hotels, private guided garden and wine tours, helicopter cliff views.
5. Rome, Italy
Gelato in one hand, history in the other – Rome makes winter feel eternal!
Why: Fewer tourists than summer, comfortable sightseeing, festive Christmas markets.
Activities: Vatican tour, Colosseum, Piazza Navona Christmas market, gelato stops.
Ideal Stay: 4-6 days
Budget-Friendly: Centrally located 2-3-star hotels, skip-the-line tickets, casual trattorias.
Luxury: 5-star hotels in Piazza Navona, private guided tours, gourmet dining experiences.
6. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Temples, markets, and tuk-tuk rides – Chiang Mai charms at every corner!
Why: Cool, dry season; gentle pace with cultural richness.
Activities: Temples, night markets, cooking classes, optional short day trips to mountains.
Ideal Stay: 5-7 days
Budget-Friendly: Comfortable guesthouses, public songthaews, affordable street food.
Luxury: Boutique riverside hotels, private temple guides, cooking classes with chefs.
7. Riviera Maya, Mexico
Sun, sand, and Mayan mysteries – Riviera Maya is a December dream!
Why: Sunny, dry weather; luxurious resorts and accessible beaches.
Activities: Beach walks, Mayan ruins, eco-parks, guided boat tours.
Ideal Stay: 7-10 days
Budget-Friendly: Mid-range resorts or Airbnb, local restaurants, shared excursions.
Luxury: All-inclusive beachfront resorts, private tours of ruins and cenotes, spa days.
8. Barbados, Caribbean
Rum punch, sandy toes, and ocean views – Barbados is pure holiday bliss!
Why: Warm tropical weather, friendly locals, calm beaches.
Activities: Beach lounging, historic Bridgetown, gentle island tours, botanical gardens.
Ideal Stay: 7-10 days
Budget-Friendly: Guesthouses, local eateries, self-guided island drives.
Luxury: Luxury resorts on the west coast, private island tours, sailing and spa experiences.
9. Cairo & Luxor, Egypt
Pyramids, Nile cruises, and golden sunsets – history comes alive in Egypt!
Why: Comfortable winter climate; rich in history and culture.
Activities: Pyramids of Giza, Nile cruise, Luxor temples, museums with guided tours.
Ideal Stay: 6-8 days
Budget-Friendly: 3-4-star hotels, group tours, Nile ferry transport.
Luxury: 5-star Nile cruise, private guides, premium hotel accommodations with rooftop views.
10. Queenstown, New Zealand
Lakes, mountains, and summer sunshine – Queenstown is adventure at a gentle pace!
Why: Summer in the Southern Hemisphere; scenic and accessible for gentle exploration.
Activities: Lake cruises, short scenic walks, vineyards, scenic gondola rides.
Ideal Stay: 5-7 days
Budget-Friendly: Holiday parks or apartments, self-guided lake walks, public shuttles.
Luxury: Lakeside luxury lodges, private wine tours, scenic helicopter rides and cruises.
Image: Shutterstock
