December offers incredible opportunities to explore cheap places to travel without breaking your budget. Vietnam's bustling streets, Thailand's pristine beaches, and Morocco's ancient medinas provide unforgettable experiences at fraction of peak season costs.
Keep reading as we uncover the cheapest destinations in December that deliver maximum adventure for your money.
List of Contents
1. Vietnam: Street Food Paradise
Vietnam in December feels like discovering a secret. The cool, dry weather transforms Hanoi's chaotic streets into perfect walking conditions, while Ho Chi Minh City buzzes with holiday energy.
I still remember my first bowl of pho at 6 AM on a plastic stool in Hanoi's Old Quarter. The vendor spoke no English, but her smile said everything as steam rose from the bowl in the crisp morning air.
Skip the tourist restaurants. Follow locals to street corners where vendors serve meals from tiny stools. The best banh mi costs less than a dollar and tastes better than anything you'll find in fancy hotels.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: October-April
- How to get there: Fly into Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City
- Entry fees: Visa from $25
- Suggested stay: 10-14 days
- Must-visit: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Halong Bay
2. Albania: Europe's Hidden Gem
Albania remains Europe's best-kept secret, especially in December when crowds disappear and prices drop dramatically. The Albanian Riviera sits empty, revealing pristine beaches that rival Greece at a fraction of the cost.
Locals gather in Tirana's coffee shops during winter months, creating an authentic atmosphere impossible to find during summer tourist season. The hospitality here feels genuine—not performed for tips.
December weather stays mild along the coast while mountain regions offer budget skiing opportunities that few travelers know about.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: June-September
- How to get there: Fly into Tirana Mother Teresa Airport
- Entry fees: No visa required for most nationalities
- Suggested stay: 7-10 days
- Must-visit: Tirana, Berat, Albanian Riviera, Gjirokaster
3. Thailand: Off-Season Magic
Thailand's rainy season ends in December, leaving behind lush landscapes and significantly lower accommodation rates. Bangkok's street markets overflow with seasonal fruits while northern regions like Chiang Mai enjoy perfect hiking weather.
The beaches of southern Thailand see fewer crowds, making December ideal for island hopping without the peak season rush. Local restaurants serve fresh seafood at prices that seem too good to be true.
Take overnight trains instead of flights between cities. The sleeper cars offer adventure and savings while letting you wake up in completely different landscapes.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: November-March
- How to get there: Multiple international airports
- Entry fees: Visa on arrival $35 or visa-free
- Suggested stay: 14-21 days
- Must-visit: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Phi Phi
4. Philippines: Island Paradise
December marks the beginning of dry season in the Philippines, when typhoons disappear and crystal-clear waters reveal their full beauty. Over 7,000 islands offer endless exploration opportunities at budget-friendly prices.
Palawan's underground river and Bohol's chocolate hills become accessible after months of rain. Local jeepneys and tricycles provide authentic transportation experiences that connect you with Filipino culture.
Stay in family-run guesthouses instead of resorts. The warmth of Filipino hospitality shines brightest in these intimate settings where breakfast often includes conversations about local life.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: December-May
- How to get there: Fly into Manila or Cebu
- Entry fees: Visa-free for most nationalities
- Suggested stay: 14-21 days
- Must-visit: Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, Siargao
5. Mexico: Cultural Immersion
December in Mexico brings perfect weather and vibrant celebrations leading up to Christmas and New Year. Colonial cities like Oaxaca and San Cristóbal de las Casas offer rich cultural experiences at incredibly affordable prices.
The Pacific coast enjoys ideal conditions for surfing and beach activities while avoiding spring break crowds. Local markets burst with seasonal produce and handicrafts made by skilled artisans.
Learn basic Spanish phrases before arriving. Even simple attempts at the local language open doors to experiences and prices unavailable to purely English-speaking tourists.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: December-April
- How to get there: Multiple international airports
- Entry fees: Tourist card free at border
- Suggested stay: 14-21 days
- Must-visit: Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta, Tulum, Mexico City
6. Costa Rica: Adventure Awaits
Costa Rica's dry season begins in December, transforming muddy trails into accessible paths for hiking and wildlife viewing. National parks that were challenging during rainy months become adventure playgrounds.
The country's commitment to eco-tourism means budget accommodations often include incredible experiences like guided nature walks and bird watching tours at no extra cost.
Public buses connect even remote locations reliably and cheaply. These chicken buses offer authentic local experiences while keeping transportation costs minimal.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: December-April
- How to get there: Fly into San José
- Entry fees: No visa required for most nationalities
- Suggested stay: 10-14 days
- Must-visit: San José, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, Arenal
7. Morocco: Winter Warmth
December brings comfortable temperatures to Morocco's imperial cities while mountain regions offer snow-capped Atlas peaks as dramatic backdrops. Marrakech's famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square buzzes with storytellers and food vendors in pleasant evening weather.
Moroccan hospitality reaches its peak during winter months when locals have more time for extended conversations over mint tea. The pace slows down, allowing deeper cultural connections.
Negotiate everything except in government shops. Haggling isn't aggressive—it's a social ritual that often leads to friendships and local insights worth more than money saved.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: October-April
- How to get there: Fly into Casablanca or Marrakech
- Entry fees: No visa required for most nationalities
- Suggested stay: 10-14 days
- Must-visit: Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, Atlas Mountains
8. Cape Verde: Atlantic Paradise
Cape Verde's dry season coincides perfectly with December, offering consistent sunshine and steady trade winds ideal for water sports. These volcanic islands off Africa's west coast remain largely undiscovered by mass tourism.
Each island presents distinct character—from Sal's endless beaches to Santiago's vibrant culture. Local morna music fills evening air while fresh seafood appears on tables at incredibly reasonable prices.
Island hopping by local ferries provides adventure and authentic experiences unavailable through tour operators. The journey between islands often proves as memorable as the destinations themselves.
Quick Facts:
- Peak season: November-June
- How to get there: Fly into Praia or Sal
- Entry fees: Visa on arrival $45
- Suggested stay: 7-10 days
- Must-visit: Sal, Santiago, São Vicente, Santo Antão
December transforms budget travel into extraordinary adventure. These cheap places to travel in December offer experiences that expensive destinations struggle to match.
Pack light. Move slowly. Talk to locals.
Your wallet will thank you. Your soul will thank you more.
The world waits for curious travelers willing to venture beyond obvious choices. December offers that perfect window when authentic destinations reveal their true character without crowds or inflated prices.
Start planning. The adventure begins with a single decision to go.
