20 Cheapest Places to Visit in December
Magical Markets & Tropical Beaches without the Peak Season Markup
Start PlanningDecember is tricky. It’s often the most expensive month to travel, with the holiday season and New Year’s Eve inflating prices globally. But if you know where to look, you can find incredible value.
Whether you’re hunting for European winter markets that serve hot cocoa for $2 or seeking tropical beaches before the January crowds hit, this list curates the smartest budget moves for December 2025.
❄️ Budget Winter Wonderlands
Skip the expensive markets in Germany and France. Eastern Europe offers the same magic, better food, and significantly lower prices.
Krakow, Poland
Rynek Glowny hosts one of Europe’s best markets. Hot drinks are $3, and hostels are cozy and cheap.
Must do: Wawel Castle in the snow.
Budapest, Hungary
Vörösmarty Square comes alive with lights. Warm up in the thermal baths for under $20.
Must do: Night skating at City Park.
Zagreb, Croatia
Voted ‘Best Winter Market’ multiple times. It’s festive, walkable, and much cheaper than Vienna.
Must do: Advent on Zrinjevac.
Tallinn, Estonia
A medieval fairytale. The Town Hall Square market is legendary and intimate. Snow is almost guaranteed.
Must do: Gingerbread Mania exhibition.
Brasov, Romania
Transylvania in winter is hauntingly beautiful. Skiing at Poiana Brasov is a fraction of Alps prices.
Must do: Visit Bran (Dracula’s) Castle.
Sofia, Bulgaria
Maybe the cheapest festive city break. Mount Vitosha offers skiing reachable by city bus.
Must do: Warm up with herbal tea.
☀️ Tropical Sun Escapes
While the north freezes, these destinations are entering their prime weather season—and are still affordable if you book early.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
December is cool and dry (perfect weather). It’s peak season, but hostels remain under $10.
Must do: Sunday Walking Street Market.
Goa, India
Avoid late December peak week for best prices. Early December is stunning, sunny, and cheap.
Must do: Sunset at Arambol Beach.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Dry season begins! While resorts are pricey, homestays and street seafood are bargains.
Must do: Island hopping cable car.
Oaxaca, Mexico
Festive atmosphere without the Cancun price tag. Incredible food and weather.
Must do: Noche de Rábanos (Radish Night).
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Coolest time of year to explore temples. Hotels are extremely competitive ($15 with pool).
Must do: Angkor Wat at sunrise.
Cartagena, Colombia
Dry season. The city lights up for the holidays. Street food in Getsemaní is unbeatable.
Must do: Chiva party bus tour.
Need More Inspiration?
Explore our complete list of 52 budget-friendly destinations around the world for any time of the year.
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Get Your Packing List📊 December 2025 Cost Breakdown
| Destinations | Type | Avg Budget ($) | December Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Krakow, Poland | Winter City | $40-50 | Snow & Markets |
| Budapest, Hungary | Winter City | $45-60 | Thermal Baths |
| Chiang Mai, Thailand | Tropical | $25-35 | Cool & Dry |
| Goa, India | Tropical | $30-45 | Sunny Beaches |
| Zagreb, Croatia | Winter City | $45-55 | Award Winning Markets |
| Siem Reap, Cambodia | Tropical | $25-35 | Perfect Temple Weather |
| Brasov, Romania | Winter Nature | $40-50 | Dracula & Skiing |
| Oaxaca, Mexico | Culture | $40-55 | Festive & Warm |
| Tallinn, Estonia | Winter City | $50-65 | Medieval Magic |
| Phu Quoc, Vietnam | Tropical | $30-50 | Island Life |
| Sofia, Bulgaria | Winter City | $35-45 | Cheapest Skiing |
| Cartagena, Colombia | Tropical | $40-60 | Caribbean Holidays |
| Cape Town, S. Africa | Summer City | $50-70 | Nature & Beaches |
| Buenos Aires, Argentina | Summer City | $35-50 | Hot Summer Nights |
| Madeira, Portugal | Mild Winter | $50-70 | New Year Fireworks |
| Prague, Czechia | Winter City | $60-80 | Classic Winter |
| Palawan, Philippines | Tropical | $40-60 | Dry Season Starts |
| Marrakesh, Morocco | Mild Winter | $35-50 | Sunny Days, Cool Nights |
| Bali, Indonesia | Tropical | $40-60 | Rainy but Warm |
| Tbilisi, Georgia | Winter City | $30-40 | Cozy & Scenic |
