Traveling in December doesn’t have to mean sky-high costs or freezing your wallet. In fact, if you plan right, the best places to travel in December on a budget offer a magical mix of festive vibes, cultural richness, and warm escapes — all without burning through your savings. Whether you’re looking for tropical beaches, European Christmas markets, or off-the-beaten-path destinations, this guide has everything you need to enjoy a memorable December vacation affordably. Are you looking for job opportunity? Click here to read more
Why Travel in December?
December is a unique travel month. It offers:
- Holiday festivities and vibrant cultures
- Low-season prices in certain destinations
- Mild or warm weather in tropical regions
- End-of-year travel deals on flights and hotels
However, traveling during December doesn’t always mean expensive. If you’re savvy with timing and location, budget travel in December is absolutely achievable.
How to Plan a Budget-Friendly December Trip
Before we dive into locations, here’s how to optimize your travel budget:
- Use fare comparison tools like Skyscanner, Hopper, and Google Flights
- Book early to avoid holiday price surges
- Travel mid-week or off-peak (first 2 weeks of December)
- Use reward points from credit cards or loyalty programs
- Avoid tourist-heavy cities close to Christmas
Best Places to Travel in December on a Budget – Worldwide Destinations
1. Mexico – Affordable Beach and Culture Escape
Mexico offers excellent weather in December and remains one of the cheapest countries to travel in the Americas.
🏖 Budget Destinations in Mexico:
- Oaxaca: Culture, street food, and colonial charm
- Puerto Escondido: Budget beach town with hostels and surfing
- Mexico City: Surprisingly affordable capital with endless museums and markets
Daily budget: $30–$50
Best for: Culture, food, warm weather, and low-cost accommodations
2. Portugal – Cheap European Winter Getaway
Portugal is one of Europe’s cheapest travel destinations in December, with mild winters and fewer tourists.
🎄 Affordable Cities to Visit:
- Lisbon: Charming trams, scenic viewpoints, low-cost Airbnbs
- Porto: Wine tastings, Christmas lights, and riverside beauty
- Algarve: Off-season beaches and budget-friendly resorts
Daily budget: $40–$60
Best for: History, wine, winter sun, and budget flights
3. Vietnam – Best Budget Destination in Asia
Vietnam offers warm weather, rich culture, and one of the lowest daily travel costs in Southeast Asia.
🌿 Budget-Friendly Spots:
- Hoi An: Historic charm and lantern-lit streets
- Da Lat: Cool December temperatures and budget hostels
- Hanoi: Street food heaven and ultra-cheap transport
Daily budget: $20–$40
Best for: Backpackers, digital nomads, and culture lovers
4. Morocco – Exotic and Inexpensive Winter Sun
Just a short flight from Europe, Morocco is one of the best places to travel in December on a budget with warm weather and unique cultural experiences.
🕌 Affordable Cities:
- Marrakech: Colorful souks and budget riads
- Essaouira: Relaxed beach town with local flair
- Fes: Historic medina and cheap street food
Daily budget: $30–$50
Best for: Markets, architecture, and desert adventures
5. Nicaragua – Hidden Gem for Budget December Travel
Often overlooked, Nicaragua is Central America’s budget traveler paradise with volcanoes, colonial towns, and peaceful beaches.
🌋 Where to Go:
- Granada: Colonial charm and $10 hostels
- San Juan del Sur: Surfing and budget beach bungalows
- Ometepe Island: Volcano hikes and rural beauty
Daily budget: $20–$40
Best for: Adventure travel, tropical weather, and off-the-beaten-path vibes
6. India – Cheapest December Travel Destination
India’s low cost of living makes it one of the best countries to visit in December on a tight budget. Weather is perfect in most regions this time of year.
🌏 Budget Cities:
- Goa: Beach parties, yoga, and cheap hostels
- Rajasthan: Desert palaces and colorful festivals
- Kerala: Backwaters and low-cost houseboats
Daily budget: $15–$35
Best for: Foodies, spiritual travelers, and culture lovers
7. Greece – Affordable Europe Without the Crowds
Although Greece is popular in summer, December is peaceful, and prices drop significantly.
🏛 Where to Go:
- Athens: Historical sites and budget hotels
- Thessaloniki: Food capital of Greece, cheaper than Athens
- Crete: Island vibes, fewer tourists
Daily budget: $30–$50
Best for: History, cheap Mediterranean food, and off-season discounts
Budget-Friendly December Travel in the United States
Not leaving the country? Here are cheap places to travel in the US in December:
8. New Orleans, Louisiana
- Music, culture, and food — all without NYC prices
- Street festivals and budget Airbnbs available early December
Daily budget: $50–$70
Tip: Avoid Christmas week for lower prices
9. San Antonio, Texas
- Famous River Walk lights up in December
- Budget hotels and plenty of free attractions
Daily budget: $45–$65
10. Las Vegas, Nevada
- Believe it or not, Vegas can be cheap — especially mid-December
- Budget buffets, free shows, and off-strip hotels
Daily budget: $60–$80
Cheap Winter Destinations in Africa
11. Egypt
- Great weather, world wonders, and low prices
- Cairo and Luxor are full of budget hostels and cheap food
Daily budget: $25–$45
12. Cape Verde
- Warm Atlantic island off the coast of West Africa
- Cheaper than Europe, less touristy than the Canaries
Daily budget: $35–$55
Affordable Beach Destinations in December
13. Philippines
- December is dry season in most parts
- Palawan, Cebu, and Siargao have hostels from $10/night
Daily budget: $20–$40
14. Thailand
- Chiang Mai and the southern islands are ideal in December
- Street food and transport are ultra-cheap
Daily budget: $20–$45
15. Colombia
- Cartagena for Caribbean beaches
- Medellín for warm weather and digital nomad scene
Daily budget: $30–$50
Top Tips for Traveling Cheap in December
✈️ Book Flights Strategically
- Travel in the first two weeks of December
- Use price alerts and incognito mode
- Fly on weekdays (Tuesdays & Wednesdays are cheapest)
🏨 Choose Affordable Accommodations
- Use hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnb
- Check deals on Booking.com and Hostelworld
- Consider house-sitting or work exchange programs
🍜 Eat Like a Local
- Street food and local eateries are cheaper than chains
- Use apps like HappyCow (for vegetarian food) or EatWith
🧳 Pack Smart for Budget Travel
- Bring versatile clothing to avoid extra luggage costs
- Carry reusable water bottles and travel-size toiletries
Best Travel Apps for Budget Travelers
| App Name | Function | Why Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Skyscanner | Flights | Best deals, flexible searches |
| Rome2Rio | Transport | Compare buses, trains, flights |
| Hostelworld | Accommodation | Budget hostels worldwide |
| Google Maps | Navigation | Offline maps & local guides |
| Wise | Money Transfer | Low-cost currency exchange |
| Trail Wallet | Budget Tracking | Keep expenses in check |
Safety Tips for Cheap Travel in December
- Research COVID or visa entry rules
- Always travel with insurance (cheap plans available)
- Be cautious with street ATMs
- Use a money belt or hidden pouch in crowded places
Honorable Mentions for Budget December Destinations
- Nepal: Great trekking and ultra-low costs
- Albania: Europe’s budget-friendly gem
- Turkey: Affordable and rich in history
- Cuba: Cultural experiences and cheap stays (cash-based economy)
- Jordan: Petra on a budget, especially early December
Sustainable Budget Travel Tips
- Choose local tour operators
- Support family-run guesthouses and restaurants
- Use public transport or walk
- Avoid plastic bottles and bring reusable gear
Summary Table: Top 10 Best Budget Places to Travel in December
| Destination | Daily Budget | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | $30–$50 | Beaches & culture |
| Vietnam | $20–$40 | Street food & heritage |
| Portugal | $40–$60 | Warm Europe |
| India | $15–$35 | Temples & traditions |
| Greece | $30–$50 | History & coastal charm |
| Nicaragua | $20–$40 | Nature & beaches |
| Morocco | $30–$50 | Culture & warmth |
| Philippines | $20–$40 | Tropical islands |
| Colombia | $30–$50 | Warm cities & coasts |
| Thailand | $20–$45 | Islands & food scene |
Conclusion: Where Should You Travel Cheap in December?
Whether you’re dreaming of tropical islands, ancient ruins, or festive markets, the best places to travel in December on a budget are not only real — they’re better than ever. With strategic planning and a bit of flexibility, you can make unforgettable memories without spending a fortune. So go ahead, book that off-season flight, pack smart, and explore the world in December — the affordable way.
