Ten must-visit tourist destinations at the end of the year
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The end of the year is the best time for many people to choose to travel. Here are ten destinations suitable for year-end travel and their detailed descriptions, including weather, transportation, cultural characteristics, food recommendations, and adequate travel preparation matters.
1. Tokyo-Japan
1.1 Travel Features
Tokyo is a city where modernity meets tradition, with a rich culture and diverse activities. In winter, the streets of Tokyo are decorated with beautiful lights, especially Omotesando and Shibuya, creating a romantic atmosphere. You can experience anime culture in Akihabara, take in the panoramic views of the city from the skyscrapers of Shinjuku, or enjoy the tranquility of winter in Ueno Park.
- Best Seasons to Visit: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant and the cherry blossoms and red leaves are the best time to see them, respectively.
1.2 Must-try Food
- Sushi: Visit Tsukiji Market or a well-known sushi restaurant to enjoy freshly made sushi.
- Ramen: Enjoy the rich soup base and springy noodles at a ramen store.
- Tempura: Try the deep-fried, golden-crisp tempura with a special sauce.
- Beef Donburi: Try a hot bowl of beef donburi at Yoshinoya for a simple yet delicious meal.
1.3 Travel Preparation
- Warm clothes: Down jacket, scarf and gloves are a must for cold weather.
- Comfortable walking shoes: Tokyo is a walkable city and comfortable shoes will reduce travel fatigue.
- Chargers: Keep your cell phone charged while traveling to make it easier to use maps and take photos.
- Translation apps: Download translation apps for easy communication with locals.
- Cash and Credit Cards: Although credit cards are accepted at convenience stores in Tokyo, many small stores still only accept cash, so it is recommended to carry a small amount of yen.
- Medicines: Bring commonly used medicines such as cold medicine, allergy medicine, stomach medicine, etc. to ensure a smooth trip.
- Internet Preparation: It is recommended to prepare travel esim when traveling to Japan Travel. PhoneSIMGo has an esim package designed for travelers to Japan.
1.4 Getting Around
Tokyo has a very convenient public transportation system with a well-developed subway and bus network. It is recommended to purchase a Tokyo Metro Pass, which allows unlimited rides and is convenient for visiting major attractions such as Tokyo Tower and Ueno Park.
1.5 Cultural Characteristics
Tokyo's culture is a blend of the ancient and the modern. You can experience traditional tea ceremonies, kimono experiences, and visit contemporary art exhibitions. Many people visit shrines to pray for the New Year during the annual Hatsumode event in January.
2. Paris-France
2.1 Travel Features
Known for its romantic atmosphere and rich history, Paris offers the opportunity to stroll along the Seine River, enjoy the light show at the Eiffel Tower, or view famous paintings at the Louvre. In winter, the streets of Paris are covered in festive decorations, and the city looks especially charming during the Christmas season.
- Best Season to Visit: Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) for a pleasant climate for strolling around the city.
2.2 Must-try dishes
- French baguettes: Buy freshly baked baguettes from street bakeries.
- Macarons: savor classic macarons at Ladurée or Pierre Hermé.
- French onion soup: try a hot bowl of onion soup at a bistro.
- Foie Gras: try the French classic foie gras with bread.
2.3 Travel preparation
- Warm Clothing: It is recommended to pack a thick jacket, scarf and gloves for Paris in winter when temperatures are cooler.
- Comfortable walking shoes: Paris is suitable for walking and comfortable shoes are very important.
- Camera: to record beautiful cityscapes and romantic moments.
- Basic French Vocabulary: Learn some basic French phrases to facilitate communication with locals.
- Credit cards and cash: While most stores accept credit cards, smaller restaurants may only accept cash.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance just in case.
- Internet Preparation: It is recommended to make sure you have a travel esim for your trip to Travel to France. PhoneSIMGo has an esim package designed for travelers to France!
2.4 Transportation
Paris has a very convenient metro system and it is recommended to purchase a Paris Visite pass for unlimited rides on the metro and buses to visit the main sights.
2.5 Culture
Paris is rich in culture and you can visit historic museums, art galleries and ancient churches such as Notre Dame and Montmartre Heights. Festive winter markets and beautiful Christmas decorations make Paris ideal for winter travel.
3. Queenstown-New Zealand
3.1 Travel Features
Known as the “Adventure Capital”, Queenstown is an ideal destination for skiing, mountaineering and extreme sports. In winter, the surrounding snow-capped mountains provide excellent conditions for skiers, and you can also experience exciting activities such as bungee jumping and paragliding.
- Best Season: Winter (June to August) is the best time for skiing, while summer (December to February) is good for hiking and outdoor activities.
3.2 Must-try Cuisine
- South Island Lamb: The local lamb is delicious and we recommend trying the lamb roast.
- Seafood: Try fresh seafood such as mussels and oysters at local restaurants.
- New Zealand Wine: Try the local white wines, especially Sauvignon Blanc.
3.3 Travel Preparation
- Outdoor equipment: Clothing suitable for hiking and skiing, including windproof jackets, thermal underwear and ski gear.
- Sunscreen: sun protection is important in summer as the sun is strong.
- Hiking shoes: shoes suitable for hiking.
- Water bottle: Stay hydrated, especially when doing outdoor activities.
- Medicines: Carry common medicines such as anti-dizziness medicine and allergy medicine.
- Travel insurance: Make sure to purchase insurance that covers extreme sports.
- Internet Preparation: It is recommended to travel to Travel to New Zealand to make sure you have a good travel esim. PhoneSIMGo has an esim package that is designed for New Zealand travelers!
3.4 Transportation
Queenstown is well served by public transportation, and it is recommended to rent a car to make it easier to visit surrounding attractions such as Milford Sound and Glenorchy.
3.5 Culture
New Zealand's Maori culture is rich and colorful. You can experience traditional Maori performances and food in the local area, and learn about the history and culture of the Maori people.
4. Phuket-Thailand
4.1 Travel Features
Famous for its beautiful beaches and rich nightlife, Phuket is an ideal destination to escape the cold in winter. You can enjoy sunny beaches, scuba diving, snorkeling and experience the lively nightlife at Patong Beach.
- Best Season: November to April is the best season to visit with dry and warm weather for beach activities.
4.2 Must-try Food
- Pad Thai: Try the authentic Pad Thai with its unique taste.
- Tongyin Gong Soup: This hot and sour soup is a must-try Thai classic.
- Mango Sticky Rice: Sweet mango and sticky rice make a great dessert.
4.3 Travel Preparation
- Lightweight summer clothes: Breathable clothes are a must.
- Bathing suit: A must for enjoying the beach.
- Sunscreen: Protect your skin from sunburn.
- Mosquito repellent: to avoid mosquito bites.
- Cash: While most stores accept credit cards, vendors may only accept cash.
- Water bottle: Stay hydrated, especially in hot weather.
- Internet Preparation: It is recommended that travelers to Phuket Travel must prepare a travel esim, PhoneSIMGo has an esim package designed for travelers to Phuket!
4.4 Getting Around
Local cabs and motorcycle rentals are easily accessible, and taxi apps such as Grab are recommended to avoid language barriers.
4.5 Cultural Features
Thailand has a deep Buddhist culture, you can visit local temples such as the Big Buddha Temple and experience a traditional Thai massage for a relaxing time.
5. Sydney-Australia
5.1 Travel Features
Known for its iconic Opera House and beautiful harbor, Sydney is perfect for enjoying the sun and sand in the summer. You can cruise Darling Harbour or surf Bondi Beach for water activities.
- Best Season to Visit: Spring (September to November) and summer (December to February) are the best times to visit Sydney.
5.2 Must-try Food
- Sydney Seafood: Try fresh lobsters and oysters at local seafood markets.
- Australian Meat Pie: This is a classic local snack with a rich flavor.
- Wigan's Coffee: Enjoy a strong cup of Aussie coffee at a café.
5.3 Travel Preparation
- Sunscreen: Protect yourself from UV rays, especially in summer.
- Lightweight clothing: Suitable clothing for summer.
- Swimming gear: A must when enjoying the beach.
- Comfortable walking shoes: suitable for urban exploration.
- Water bottle: to stay hydrated, especially in hot weather.
- Internet Preparation: It is recommended to always have a travel esim for travel to Australia, PhoneSIMGo has an esim package designed for travelers to Australia!
5.4 Transportation
Sydney has a well-developed public transportation system, and it is recommended to use Opal card to take buses and trains, which is convenient to visit major attractions.
5.5 Culture
Sydney is a multicultural city where you can experience a rich culture of art, music and food, especially performances at the Sydney Opera House and local festivals.
6. Buenos Aires-Argentina
6.1 Travel Features
Known for its tango dancing and rich cultural life, Buenos Aires is particularly lively for end-of-year celebrations. You can experience tango dancing in the Miraflores district and feel the passion of the city.
- Best Season to Visit: Spring (September to December) and fall (March to May) are the best times to visit, with a pleasant climate.
6.2 Must-try Cuisine
- Argentine Steak: Savor the world-famous Argentine steak at a local restaurant.
- Malbec Wine: Argentina is famous for its red wine, not to be missed.
- Tango Tapas: Enjoy local tapas such as hot dogs and salads during the show.
6.3 Travel Preparation
- Light clothing: Clothing suitable for warm weather.
- Sunscreen: Protect your skin from sunburn.
- Comfortable walking shoes: suitable for long walks.
- Cash: Smaller restaurants and stores may only accept cash.
- Internet Preparation: It is recommended to always have a travel esim for Argentina Travel, PhoneSIMGo has an esim package designed for travelers to Argentina!
- Commonly used medicines: Carry stomach pills, allergy medicines and other commonly used medicines.
6.4 Transportation
The local public transportation system is well-developed. It is recommended to buy SUBE cards in order to take the subway and buses.
6.5 Cultural Characteristics
Buenos Aires' culture is a blend of European and South American elements, and you can enjoy the richness of art and cuisine, especially in the local markets.
7. Vancouver-Canada
7.1 Travel Features
Known for its beautiful natural landscapes and diverse culture, Vancouver is ideal for skiing and sightseeing in the winter. You can savor fine dining on Granville Island, go biking in Stanley Park, or enjoy skiing at the winter ski resorts.
- Best Season to Visit: Spring (March to May) and summer (June to August) are best, while winter is good for skiing.
7.2 Must-try Food
- Vancouver Seafood: Try fresh salmon and king crab.
- Local Beer: Sample handcrafted beers at local breweries.
- Sushi: Vancouver's sushi is known for its freshness and is worth trying.
7.3 Travel Preparation
- Warm Clothing: Vancouver in winter is cooler, so it is recommended to prepare a thick jacket, scarf and gloves.
- Non-slip shoes: Suitable for walking in winter to avoid slipping.
- Hiking shoes: suitable for hiking.
- Medicines: Carry commonly used medicines, such as cold medicine and allergy medicine.
- Internet Preparation: It is recommended to travel to Canada Travel be sure to prepare a travel esim, PhoneSIMGo has an esim package that is designed for travelers traveling in Canada
- Travel Insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance in case of accidents.
7.4 Getting Around
Vancouver has a convenient public transportation system. It is recommended to use the Compass Card to take subway and buses to visit major attractions.
7.5 Cultural Characteristics
Vancouver is a multicultural city where you can experience a wide range of cultural activities and cuisines, especially traditional holiday celebrations in the Chinese community.
8. Rome-Italy
8.1 Travel Features
Rome is where history meets modernity, and a winter visit allows you to avoid the crowds and enjoy the more tranquil sights. You can visit the ancient Colosseum, the Roman Forum, or drop a coin at the Wishing Fountain and make a wish.
- Best Season to Visit: Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are the best times to visit with a pleasant climate.
8.2 Must-try Cuisine
- Pasta: Try authentic pasta at local restaurants, especially Carbonara.
- Pizza: enjoy a classic Neapolitan pizza at a traditional pizzeria.
- Tiramisu: enjoy a classic tiramisu at the end of your meal.
8.3 Travel preparation
- Warm Clothing: In Rome during the winter months, thick coats, scarves and gloves are recommended for colder temperatures.
- Comfortable walking shoes: suitable for long walks, especially in the ancient streets.
- Camera: to record the ancient ruins and beautiful streets.
- Cash & Credit Cards: while most stores accept credit cards, smaller restaurants may only accept cash.
- Translation apps: Download translation software for easy communication with locals.
8.4 Getting Around
Rome has a well-developed public transportation system. It is recommended to purchase a Rome Pass for easy access to major attractions and transportation discounts.
8.5 Cultural Features
Rich in historical sites such as the Colosseum and the Vatican, Rome is a culture lover's paradise. Festive markets and beautiful streetscapes during the winter months make Rome ideal for winter travel.
9. Cape Town-South Africa
9.1 Travel Features
Known for its spectacular natural beauty and rich culture, Cape Town is nestled at the foot of Table Mountain and is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can take the cable car up Table Mountain for panoramic views of the city, or explore the coastline on the Cape Peninsula and feel the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, Robben Island is an important symbol of history and you can visit the place where Mandela was imprisoned.
- Best Season to Visit: Summer (November to March) is the best season to visit, with warm weather for outdoor activities.
9.2 Must-try Cuisine
- Braai: A South African specialty barbecue that usually includes sausages, beef and chicken with local sauces.
- Bobotie: a traditional South African dish where the meat is covered in an aromatic mixture of eggs and milk.
- Bob (Biltong): an air-dried meat product with a distinctive flavor that is a popular local snack.
- South African Wine: The wineries around Cape Town produce famous wines and wine tasting is recommended.
9.3 Travel Preparation
- Sunscreen: The sun is strong in South Africa and sun protection is important, especially for outdoor activities.
- Lightweight summer clothing: Suitable for warm weather, but may be slightly cooler in the evenings, prepare a thin jacket.
- Comfortable hiking shoes: if planning a hike, the right shoes will enhance comfort.
- Water bottle: Stay hydrated, especially if you are outdoors, and it is recommended to carry a reusable water bottle.
- Camera: Record the beautiful scenery and precious moments in Cape Town.
9.4 Getting Around
Public transportation in Cape Town is relatively convenient, and we recommend using the MyCiTi bus system for easy access to major attractions. Renting a car is also a good option, giving you the freedom to explore the surrounding areas, such as the Garden Route.
9.5 Cultural Character
Cape Town is a multicultural city with a mix of Dutch, British and local indigenous cultures. You can visit museums and learn about South Africa's history and racial diversity while experiencing local music and art.
10. Interlaken-Switzerland
10.1 Travel Features
Interlaken is a skiing and winter sports paradise surrounded by the magnificent Alps. In winter Interlaken offers an abundance of skiing, snowboarding and snowshoe hiking activities for winter sports enthusiasts. In addition, you can take a cable car to the surrounding mountains and enjoy stunning snow-capped mountain scenery.
- Best Season: Winter (December to February) is the best time for skiing, while spring and fall are good for hiking and sightseeing.
10.2 Must-try Cuisine
- Swiss Cheese Fondue: Enjoy a classic cheese fondue with bread and vegetables at a local restaurant.
- Swiss Chocolate: Sample authentic Swiss chocolate, especially at local chocolatiers.
- Rösti: a traditional dish made with potatoes, similar to pancakes, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Sausage: Switzerland has a wide variety of sausages that are definitely worth trying.
10.3 Travel preparation
- Skiing equipment: If you plan to ski, make sure you bring ski clothes, skis and related equipment, or rent them in advance.
- Warm Clothing: Prepare thick coats, gloves and scarves to protect against the cold is necessary.
- Non-slip shoes: Non-slip shoes provide better stability when walking in the snow.
- Camera: Record beautiful snowy mountain scenery and skiing moments.
- Internet Preparation: It is recommended to travel to Switzerland Travel to be sure to prepare a travel esim. PhoneSIMGo has an esim package designed for travelers to Switzerland!
10.4 Transportation
Interlaken has a well-developed public transportation system, and the Swiss Travel Pass is recommended for easy access to major attractions, including trains, buses and boats.
10.5 Cultural features
Interlaken is a center for outdoor activities and is surrounded by many small towns and villages where you can experience traditional Swiss culture such as Alpine music and folk dancing. Each winter, Interlaken also hosts ski races and winter festivals that attract many visitors.
Travel Tips
- Plan ahead: Make sure you book your airfare and accommodation in advance to get better rates.
- Check Visa Requirements: Depending on the destination, know the visa policy and apply in advance.
- Prepare Proper Clothing: Prepare proper clothing and gears according to the weather of your destination.
- Maintaining good health: Find out about medical services at your destination and make sure you carry the necessary medication.
- Internet connection: When traveling abroad, make sure you have a stable internet connection. You can choose the eSIM package from PhoneSIMGo, which is specially designed to provide high-speed internet service for travelers abroad, to enjoy high-speed internet and say goodbye to roaming charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best places to visit in December?
What are the special winter events in Tokyo? Tokyo attracts visitors in December with sparkling illuminations and traditional New Year's celebrations, as well as a variety of food festivals to explore.
2. Which is the best country to visit in December?
What are the winter attractions in Cape Town? Known for its magnificent Table Mountain, beautiful beaches and a wealth of cultural activities, Cape Town is ideal for winter travel.
3. What are the top cities to travel to in December?
How is the winter experience in Paris? Paris is full of romance in December, you can shop at Christmas markets, ice skate, or enjoy a night by the river.
4. Where are the best places for families to travel in December?
What are the winter activities in Queenstown? Queenstown is a paradise for the adventurous, offering skiing, bungee jumping and spectacular natural beauty in the winter, making it a great place for families to visit.