30/10/2026
Nine destinations worth travelling for before 2026 ends. Here’s why each made our list.
📍 1. Kyoto, Japan
Late November brings autumn colour to temple gardens, with red maples and evening illuminations transforming the city after dark.
📍 2. Phuket & Phang Nga, Thailand
December welcomes the Andaman coast’s favourable beach season. Limestone cliffs, island escapes and private pool villas make a compelling change from winter.
📍 3. Queenstown, New Zealand
November into December means spring turning to summer, longer days and journeys between alpine lakes, vineyards and spectacular mountain scenery.
📍 4. Finnish Lapland
For December’s snowy forests, fireside evenings and Arctic adventures, with the possibility of northern lights overhead.
📍 5. Madeira, Portugal
For a gentler December, dramatic coastal landscapes and Funchal’s festive lights. Stay for New Year’s Eve, when fireworks illuminate the bay.
📍 6. Alsace, France
Visit from late November through the Christmas market season for Strasbourg, Colmar and villages filled with festive lights, traditional crafts and regional flavours.
📍 7. New York, USA
December brings the city’s Christmas traditions into focus: Rockefeller Center, elaborate window displays, Broadway evenings and celebratory dinners.
📍 8. Zermatt, Switzerland
For a late-December Alpine escape beneath the Matterhorn, pairing time on the slopes with mountain lunches, spa afternoons and chalet evenings.
📍 9. Sydney, Australia
For summer in December and a memorable year-end celebration, with beach days and New Year’s Eve on the harbour.
Which destination was waiting under your pin?
Save this for your year-end travel plans.
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Curated by TRIPTAILOR.