** WARM destinations this winter? **
 

Hi! Do you have any suggestions for warm destinations (anywhere in the world) - during Dec 26 - Jan 1? My boyfriend and I are looking for a place which isn't totally shut down during the holidays... somewhere with plenty to do/see, culture, good food, a bit of romance, but also relaxing activities. We love Europe, but is there any city warm enough to visit this time of year? Here is our list so far: Hawaii, Argentina, Caribbean, Tahiti, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Mexico. Please add to our list! Thanks!!

Mexico or Hawaii (nothing against your other choices but these are two places i've enjoyed around that time of year)

Puerto Vallarta. Try to stay in the "romantic" old town.

If you can go as far as Fiji, I would go to Thailand. Has everything you asked for and great food, too.

Cabo san Lucas. Great climate

Thanks everyone!

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Big, big NYE party with beautiful fireworks at Copacabana Beach. And VERY warm, too!

Go to weatherbase.com, and click on "Vacation Finder". Enter Decemeber and the minimum acceptable temperature. It will show you where you can go. Bear in mind that even if temps are in your acceptable range, it may be low season in that particular place and things like restaurants and hotels may be closed. Also keep an eye on rainfall averages as it may be warm but rainy.

In general, nowehere in Europe is "warm" in winter, it is just too far north. (Get out your map.)

Virturally all of southesat Asia is warm to hot to very hot in during winter in the northern hemishpere, and is not shut for Christmas, although prices are up. Australia has summer during your winter, and Christas on Bondi beach is a pretty nice alternative....

Vietnam
Anywhere in India
South Africa
Zanzibar
Bali

You won't get any summer like temperatures anywhere in Europe at this time of the year. But some cities should enjoy relatively mild weather (15° to 18° C), such as Barcelona, Rome, Lisbon, etc.

I vote for New Zealand........we can't get enough of this marvelous country!!

I vote for a big bed with some snuggly blankets

There is no better destination than Singapore! Christmas is HUGE over there with fantastic decorations and streets all lit up, choirs singing carols in the foyer of most hotels, and the food..........oh my, oh my!
Stay for a couple of nights at maybe the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza and end off with New Years at the fabulous Shangrila Rasa Sentosa resort.

Hi Jelly,
Most places at around sea level and close to the equator will be in their summer season. We're going to Tanzania then the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean in Feb/March.
Sherry

p.s. weatherbase.com is great site, Thanks Cicerone good tip.

not Europe, as everywhere would be too cold, with exception of the Canary Islands, and they are hardly exotic (Although I find the volcanoes interesting). Cape town may be a long haul for 5 days, but it is warm , there is a great deal to do, and it is a very, very beautiful part of the world.

Unforetunately many people know this, and at this time of the year, it will be packed and expensive.

I can't believe I didn't mention Zanzibar and/or other areas in Africa. The downside: brutally expensive!!! The upside: a holiday you will never forget and never regret.

But for 5 days, I don't think so, unless you're flying from Europe or the Middle East.

Jellybelly, where are you flying from?

Leely - I can't believe you said that Africa, poor deepest darkest Africa is prohibitively expensive?? Nah! Must be the biggest bargain on the planet!
Bit late to start thinking Cape Town right now as it's school holidays and bookings are heavy.
Think Singapore jelly, think Singapore!
Coolest month, but still very hot!

Yes, Leely, don't think you could get much more exotic or memorable than celebrating the holidays in Zanzibar. What took you so long?
Sherry

Go to Sydney, Xmas on the beach and all that, what a great place, it's the height of summer.

Take the slow ferry (not the speedy one) from Circular Quai to Manly for a good harbour view, walk across to the open-ocean beach, stop at the fish shop just before the end of the pedestrian stretch, load up on cool oysters, have a cold one in the pub across, and now you're ready for a slip-slap-slop arvo.

Do the bridge climb (reserve in advance and get there stock sober!) and also climb the pylon just up from the Rocks.

New Years eve watch the fireworks light up the bridge and the harbor. Ask some locals for advice on where to position yourselves.

Go up to the top tip of the Northern Beaches and take a ferry around Pittwater and over to Patonga (best fish & chips in the world).

Stroll through nothing-special-looking Newtown and pick an ethnic restaurant.

Go over to Leichhardt, to the new shopping center on Norton street, and be forgiven for thinking you're in Italy for a moment. Sing O Sole Mio. Have an espresso at the Caffé Sport and read up on the Italian soccer news...

Take the cat up to Parramatta, do the harborside walk from Cremorne past the Mosman Boat Club and take the ferry to Taronga Park Zoo, not just for the animals but for the views.

It'll be warm allright, no worries, mate.

WK