Guide & Tips
Where to travel in December ?
The holiday lights have taken over your neighborhood, the city is dressed in its finest illumination, and the traditional Christmas tree proudly stands in your living room. There’s no doubt about it: December has arrived!
However, you’re not in the mood to hit the ski slopes or bundle up in knitted scarves by the fire. If you prefer sun loungers by the sea to snowball fights, it’s decided: this year, you’ll travel in December. Enjoy sunny holiday celebrations with family, as a couple, or with friends!
So put away your ski suits and bring out your sunscreen again. With Corsair, idyllic destinations await you to end the year in style!
How to Choose a Destination for a December Getaway?
While slipping into your bikini at the end of the year may be a tempting thought, traveling in December offers many other advantages.
The end of the year is the perfect time to unwind and release the stresses built up at work or home. There’s nothing like a trip to soak up vitamin D and start the new year on the right foot!
If you’re looking for a festive and charming atmosphere, the Chanté Noël festival, known as Chanté Nwel in Martinique, will delight you. Expect traditional Christmas songs and plenty of typical island meals across the region!
On the other hand, if you’re traveling as a couple and seeking privacy, L’Anse Couleuvre beach in Le Prêcheur, Martinique is ideally quiet during the first half of December, as Christmas holidays align with those in mainland France!
Seasonality
Thought December automatically means freezing cold, gray skies, and rain? Think again! In most ideal December destinations, summer and winter are reversed. However, you’ll still need to check key factors such as the rainy season and temperatures.
In Abidjan, for example, temperatures can soar up to 33°C at Christmas, but December is also very rainy there, with an average of 23 rainy days. A raincoat and high SPF sunscreen are therefore essential — quite a surprising combination!
In Mauritius, plan your trip during the first half of the month, as the second half tends to be less favorable weather-wise. Enjoy hiking under radiant skies and relaxing on white sandy beaches!
Tourist Crowds
The high tourist season is driven by school holidays. December, the month of Christmas holidays, is no exception!
Every year, the Opus Pocus festival on Réunion Island draws many tourists. During the 15-day event, you can enjoy concerts featuring a wide variety of music styles. Did you know? Each new edition highlights a different musical instrument!
However, some less touristy areas can also offer the calm and serenity often sought during holidays. This is the case on Mayotte Island, especially if you’re planning to dive. For example, N’gouja, a biodiversity-rich spot located in the south of the island, offers the silence of the underwater depths!
Departure Conditions
You’re almost there! Your time off is booked, and all that’s left is to take care of the final details. Don’t overlook this crucial step to ensure a worry-free holiday!
December in mainland France is not the month with the best sunshine. Summer has passed, taking with it the hard-earned golden tan proudly worn. So don’t forget to protect your skin and that of the little ones! Make sure to bring three essentials: high SPF sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. We all have in mind the image of tourists with sunburns that have left a bitter taste—or, in the worst case, spoiled their vacation!
Another important detail to consider is car rental. If you want to explore Réunion’s diverse landscapes without losing time, renting a car is ideal. Keep in mind that December is peak tourist season, so planning ahead is key! Our tip: if you don’t know how or where to book, you can find many comparison websites online. The earlier you book, the better the price!
Fort-de-France, the Island of Flowers
“Christmas, merry Christmas, warm greetings from Fort-de-France,” as sung by a famous group. This catchy refrain takes you to the doorstep of Martinique. Known as Matinik in Creole, it is also called the “Island of Flowers”. The island boasts no fewer than a hundred different types of flowers—what a wonderful omen of what awaits you! If you plan to visit Martinique in December, don’t worry! It’s the perfect time, as the rainy season has just ended, allowing you to enjoy the mild tropical climate and, to top it off, delicious water at 28°C.
Traveling during the holiday season means experiencing a magical December 25th, as the island has deeply rooted Christmas traditions. Here, instead of a Christmas tree, branches of filao trees are decorated with garlands and lights. Numerous festivals, such as Chanté Noël, will delight you. Traditional carols fill the streets, enchanting both young and old! For meals, roast ham and christophine gratin replace the traditional Christmas turkey and baby potatoes. You can wash it all down with a shrubb, a rum infused with orange peels—enjoy responsibly.
Don’t hesitate any longer and book one of our Train + Air packages with Corsair, which will take you from major provincial cities to Fort-de-France.
Pointe-à-Pitre: Unique Christmas Activities
Situated on the Antillean arc, Guadeloupe, or Gwada in Guadeloupean Creole, has the shape of a small butterfly. With temperatures around 28°C, you can bask in the sun with your feet in the water! December is the ideal time to visit, as the mild climate is perfect for a few hours’ walk without fear of heatstroke.
Under these ideal conditions, one of the main activities you can enjoy in December is scuba diving: parrotfish and turtles will enchant you from Les Saintes to Marie-Galante!
If you want to discover breathtaking flora and fauna and share the experience with both young and old, look no further than the Parc des Mamelles, a famous zoo located in the heart of the tropical jungle. Play adventurer with family or friends on suspended walkways and explore lush vegetation! Thrills guaranteed!
If you’re convinced, don’t wait any longer. You’re just one click away from Pointe-à-Pitre with Corsair and its Train + Air package.
