Best Destination in December
 

My husband and I and some friends are planning a trip for New Year's '09-'10 and would like some suggestions on the best destinations during December/January. We would love to go to Australia, but we heard it's hot and humid during those months. We would prefer travel outside the US. And we prefer places with a lot of activity as we're adventurous and love to explore. We prefer to stay around moderate prices, but don't mind spending less or more depending on where it is. We've been to Ecuador, Greece, and Mexico. Thank you for your recommendations.

By "best" do you mean warmest? Or, would you be OK with visiting someplace with a colder climate, like Europe?
What sorts of activities are the ones you like - outdoors things like hiking, water sports, skiing?? More details about what you're looking for will help us give you suggestions...

We're considering places like Ireland or Europe. We definitely don't want hot and humid and we don't mind bundling up for the winter. Any activities would be fine as long as there are things to see and places to go. Whether it be museums or bus tours, or skiing/snowboarding, shopping, even biking or hiking would be great. A place that has night activity like clubs, bars or dinner places would be a plus.

How about Istanbul. It's exotic, the people are hospitable, the food is great, there are great restaurants and interesting clubs. It won't be hot, but it won't be super-cold either. There are thousands of years of history and culture to explore, but there's modern nightlife to explore, too.

I'd go to Mexico. I know you said you've "been" but it's a HUGE country. I'm sure there's still lots of places left to see.

How about Monaco, with a side trip to Nice? If you decide on that as your destination, just be sure to be back in Monaco on New Year's Eve for the pricipality's spectacular fireworks display.

www.sunfrance.com

Great food beaches

not as touristed as Monaco Nice

or

Rome Amalfi Coast

www.hotelsantacaterina.it

pretty awesome not too cold

Northern europe will be cold drizzly
cloudy not much fun...

We spent Christmas to New Years in Venice, Italy...it was great, not to crowded, great just walking around. Spent allot of time visiting the various churches museums and travelling up and down the canels.