Not down for Father Christmas and freezing temperatures in December? Escape the seasonal mayhem and pack your suitcase to venture somewhere more exotic where you can shun the endless layers.
These are the destinations that we recommend booking up for December escapism.
From exploring Anguilla’s beaches on horseback to spotting wild manatees in Florida Keys, here’s where to go next month – no winter coat required…
Anguilla
If it’s pinky-white sand and turquoise seawater you want, Anguilla is pure Insta-heaven – no filters required. Think 33 paradise beaches over 12 miles of coastline, from remote and rustic, to pristine and beachcombed. Anguilla may only be 16 miles long by three miles wide but the narrow island also boasts small offshore cays that are a must-see. Shoal Bay’s two-mile stretch is the most talked about thanks to its Best Beaches of the World hype, so stop by for a selfie in the blinding white sands.
Florida Keys
Go on a road trip to Florida Keys to take in the string of tropical islands that stretch about 115 miles off the southern tip of Florida. Think azure never-ending waters, hovering pelicans and lush mangroves for miles. You’ll take in Key Largo, Islamorada, Key West and dozens of smaller Keys in-between to chill out. In Marathon, history fans can see the Old Seven Mile Bridge, a section of Henry Flagler’s original Overseas Railroad that’s also a prime spot for fishing or taking photos with an iconic backdrop.
Burma
If you want culture as well as sunshine, Burma is a vibrant mix of colonial architecture and ancient customs. Tourist numbers are soaring and Burma’s largest city, Yangon (also known by its colonial name of Rangoon), is fast becoming South-east Asia’s latest boomtown. Expect a skyline of glittering gold ancient pagodas alongside slick skyscraper buildings. Don’t miss the giant Shwedagon Pagoda (officially named Shwedagon Zedi Daw), a gold-plated showstopper that’s the most sacred Buddhist site in the country.
Los Cabos, Mexico
On the sun-baked tip of the southern Baja California peninsula, this Mexican hideaway is located just two and a half hours from LAX airport, which is why A-listers love it. Depending on the vacation you want, Los Cabos has two major towns connected by ‘the Corridor’ – San Jose del Cabo (more chilled) and Cabo San Lucas (more lively) – with a whole load of palm-fringed beach in between. Browse San Jose Del Cabo’s famous gallery district (artcabo.com); a downtown hive of creativity featuring original paintings, photography, sculpture, pottery and glasswork.
Bahrain
Think of Bahrain as the new up-and-coming Dubai – but with way more history. Bahrain’s cluster of 33 islands is known as the Pearl of the Gulf, thanks to its rich history of pearl diving. It’s now becoming a need-to-know destination for culture, shopping and sport, including hosting Formula One. There’s something magical about wandering the narrow alleyways of Muharraq, Bahrain’s second largest island – extensive restoration projects have brought some of the Kingdom’s oldest properties back to life so meander the streets with your camera and a coffee.
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