5 Affordable December Destinations in North and Central America

If you're tired of buying gifts and getting things you don't need, think about taking a trip for the holidays. We often gift ourselves a winter vacation or some sort of experience and it makes for a more enjoyable holiday season. 

While things are looking pretty uncertain right now, you might as well get one last trip in before everything might change for travel and the U.S. in general. If it turns out we've all be overreacting to what's to come, then maybe you'll have started a new holiday tradition. Here are 5 places in North and Central America to avoid some snow and make your holidays bright.

Las Vegas, NV

I love Vegas most times of the year and there's always something going on, whether you want to spend time outside, gamble, or just explore the city in a new way. Vegas is full of free and fun things to do to help fill in your time between more expensive things, like fine dining, shows, and awesome interactive things like Meow Wolf's Omega Mart.

Los Angeles, CA

Escape the cold weather and head to sunny LA, where you could visit theme parks, or you could take in all the cool things that the city has to offer. From hiking up to the Hollywood sign to strolling along the Walk of Fame to exploring the abandoned zoo to learning more about movies by visiting the Warner Bros Studios. You can also board a Big Bus Tour to view the holiday lights (they also have these festive night tours in other cities like New York and San Francisco).

Orlando, FL

Yes, you can hit up all the theme parks while in town - Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Legoland - but you can also just chill at the beach, soak in some nice warm weather, eat amazing food, and enjoy hotel rates up to half-off regular rates.

Photo by Joshua Armstrong on Unsplash

Costa Rica

Celebrate the end of the rainy season with ideal warm weather and clear skies, all while ziplining, hiking in the jungle, or just laying on the beach. Avoid traveling over Christmas and/or New Year, because rates skyrocket during that time, but the rest of the month is wonderful for tourists looking to get out of town and do something different.

Photo by Ale Cisneros on Unsplash

Oaxaca, Mexico

Skip the more touristy cities like Punta Cana and Cabo and immerse yourself in some of the wonderful things Oaxaca has to offer. If you like outdoor activities, go see some ruins or take a bike tour. If you like history, check out some of their amazing museums. If you like shopping, head to the markets at Plaza de Arma. And if you want to celebrate something, go at the end of December and experience Noche de los Rábanos, Night of the Radishes, with fireworks, foods, music, and a carved radish competition. tbh, I'd go just for that last one.

I hope you have a great holiday season planned where you have minimal stress and can relax and enjoy yourself. And if you need some new luggage, check out the great carry-ons from Delsey.

Where's your next trip taking you?

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