Best place to relax in December: travel tips

Tengrinews.kz – December is the perfect time to travel: some dream of beaches and warm sun, others crave a fairytale Christmas atmosphere, and still others head to the mountains with snowy slopes. We have compiled a list of countries that are worth visiting in the last month of the year.

Bloggers and seasoned travelers shared their top December holiday destinations, which included both hot sun and snowy landscapes. We added useful information about which countries can be visited without a visa, whether there are direct flights from Kazakhstan, and what expenses to expect.

Exotic and warm

A popular blogger with the nickname Cassandra has compiled a list of five places where you can enjoy the tropical sun in December and forget about the winter cold. The top includes Oman, Mauritius, Seychelles, Goa in India and Phu Quoc in Vietnam.

@cgrifo Replying to @whos amina? 5 destinations to visit in December 🤍 Oman 🤍 Mauritius 🤍 Seychelles 🤍 Goa, India 🤍 Phu Quoc, Vietnam #winterescape #wintersun #decemberdestinations #decembervacation #travelinspo #traveltiktok #travelideas #bestdestinations #topdestinations #bestdestination #travelinspiration #creatorsearchinsights ♬ Mwaki - Tiësto's VIP Mix - Zerb & Sofiya Nzau

1. Oman – a combination of deserts, mountains and azure sea. Here you can explore ancient forts, walk through oases and enjoy the beauty of the beaches.

• Visa for Kazakhstanis: no visa for up to 14 days.
• Direct flight: a flight from Almaty to Muscat is available.
• Ticket: from 86 thousand tenge one way.
• Hotel: the cost of accommodation in hotels and inns starts from 30 thousand tenge per night and can reach 200 thousand tenge.
• Expenses for food and transportation: on average, travelers spend about 15 000 - 20 000 tenge per day.
• What to see: Nizwa fortresses, Wahiba Sands desert, Muscat beaches.

2. Mauritius – a paradise for lovers of luxury holidays, scuba diving and white beaches.

• Visa for Kazakhstanis: upon arrival at the airport.
• Direct flight: no, transfer in Dubai.
• Ticket: from 200 tenge one way.
• Hotel: accommodation in hotels and inns starts from 30 thousand tenge per night and can reach 300 thousand tenge.
• Food and transportation costs: on average, travelers spend from 25,000 tenge per day.
• Feature: a paradise for diving and relaxing holidays.

3. Seychelles is an ideal place for romantic trips.

• Visa for Kazakhstanis: not required for up to 30 days.
• Direct flight: no, transfers via Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
• Ticket: from 150 thousand tenge one way.
• Hotel: accommodation in hotels and inns starts from 50 000 tenge per night and can reach 400 thousand tenge.
• Food and transport costs: on average, travelers spend about 20 000-30 000 tenge per day.
• Feature: suitable for beach lovers.

@cgrifo a week in seychelles 🐚 #seychelles #seychellestiktok🇸🇨 #seychellestiktok #seychellesisland #seychellesparadise #seychelles🇸🇨 #travelseychelles #seychellestravel ♬ sonido original - OURGRND

4. Goa – a region known for its rich cultural heritage, beach parties and Ayurvedic centers.

• Visa for Kazakhstanis: electronic.
• Direct flight: seasonal charters from Almaty and Astana.
• Ticket: from 115 thousand tenge one way.
• Hotel: the cost of accommodation in hotels and inns starts from 15 000 tenge per night and can reach 200 thousand tenge.
• Expenses for food and transportation: on average, travelers spend from 10 000 tenge per day.
• Recommendations: travelers recommend trying Indian spices, as well as visiting the beaches of Anjuna and Palolem.

@cgrifo Replying to @C Must visit hotel in Vietnam❤️ JW Marriott Phu Quoc 🪸🐠 #phuquoc #phuquocisland #phuquoctravel #phuquocvietnam #vietnam #vietnamtravel #vietnamhotel #vietnamphuquoc #vietnamtiktok ♬ original sound - 🎧

5. Phu Quoc – an island in Southeast Asia with crystal clear water, delicious food and untouched nature.

• Visa for Kazakhstanis: not required for up to 30 days.
• Direct flight: seasonal charters, as well as direct flights from Almaty and Astana.
• Ticket: from 150 thousand tenge one way.
• Hotel: the cost of accommodation in hotels and inns starts from 8000 tenge per night and can reach 200 thousand tenge.
• Expenses for food and transport: on average, travelers spend from 7 000 tenge per day.
• Recommendations: travelers recommend visiting the night markets and renting a moped to explore the island.

Christmas atmosphere in Europe

For those who want to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Christmas markets and winter fairy tales, blogger Kelsey recommended the top 5 cities in Europe.

@kelseyinlondon

❄️ 5 places to visit in December ⬇️ in Europe ⁣ ⁣ These are the top European cities I recommend visiting in December for a magical trip where you can experience award-winning Christmas markets, stunning architecture, plenty of cosy cafes to warm up in and jawdropping museums, libraries & palaces to explore. ⁣ ⁣ 1. 🇭🇺 Budapest⁣ 2. 🇦🇹 Vienna⁣ 3. 🇬🇧 London⁣ 4. 🇨🇿 Prague⁣ 5. 🇫🇷 Paris⁣ ⁣ Which one are you picking? ⁣ ⁣ For recommendations on the best things to do in each of these destinations, head to my blog kelseyinlondon.com or DM me for a link 💗⁣ ⁣ Video edited with my video presets (link in bio) ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ © No reposts - DM for licensing. ⁣ ⁣ Places to visit in December. Places to visit in Europe Winter. Countries to visit in Europe. Countries to visit in December. City breaks in Europe. City breaks December. Best places to visit for Christmas markets

♬ Guilty as Sin x About You - molana_zhr

1. Budapest is a country famous for its thermal baths and Christmas markets with hot mulled wine.

• Visa: a Schengen visa is required.
• Direct flight: no, with transfers in Istanbul, Baku, Antalya and other cities.
• Ticket: from 80 000 tenge one way.
• Hotel: the cost of accommodation in hotels and inns starts from 15 000 tenge per night and can reach 200 thousand tenge.
• Expenses: on average, travelers spend about 25 000 tenge per day.
• What to see: Christmas markets, Szеchenyi Baths, Danube bridges.

2. Vienna is the capital of exquisite architecture, music and fairs with the aroma of gingerbread.

• Visa: a Schengen visa is required.
• Direct flight: no, with transfers in Istanbul, Ankara and other cities.
• Ticket: from 80 000 tenge one way.
• Hotel: the cost of accommodation in hotels and inns starts from 25 000 tenge per night and can reach 200 thousand tenge.
• Expenses: on average, travelers spend about 25 000 tenge per day.
• What to see: travelers recommend visiting Schonbrunn and the central Christmas market.

@takemyhearteverywhere Save this list for your Christmas trip to Vienna 🎄 Vienna is pure magic in December, with sparkling lights and festive cheer at every corner. Here are some must-visit spots for holiday vibes: 🎠 Rathausplatz: A dreamy Christmas market full of festive lights. ✨ Graben: Stroll under dazzling chandeliers on this famous street. 🛍️ Kohlmarkt: Shop under glittering lights in a luxurious setting. 🕯️ St. Stephen’s Cathedral: The heart of Vienna, beautifully lit for the season. 🍰 Hotel Sacher: Indulge in the iconic Sachertorte in an elegant atmosphere. ☕ Café Central: A classic spot for traditional Viennese treats. 📸 Ferstel Passage: An elegant arcade lit up for festive photos. 🏛️ Belvedere Palace: A stunning palace with a gorgeous Christmas market. Who would you explore this festive wonderland with? 😍 #vienna #christmas #christmascountdown ♬ It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas - Bing Crosby

3. London - a fairytale atmosphere of decorated streets and the largest Christmas skating rinks. The traveler also included this city in her top places to visit in December.

• Visa: required.
• Direct flight: a flight from Almaty is available.
• Ticket: from 200 000 tenge one way.
• Hotel: accommodation in hotels and inns starts from 40 000 tenge per night and can reach 500 thousand tenge.
• Expenses: on average, travelers spend about 30 000 tenge per day.
• What to see: the famous skating rinks near the Tower and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

4. Prague is a city with historical charm and cozy cafes for winter evenings.

• Visa: a Schengen visa is required.
• Direct flight: direct charter flights are available from Astana.
• Ticket: from 150 thousand tenge one way.
• Hotel: accommodation in hotels and inns starts from 20 000 tenge per night and can reach 300 thousand tenge.
• Expenses: On average, travelers spend about 25 000 tenge per day.
• What to see: travelers recommend enjoying cozy Christmas markets and historic streets.

@timeforprague Your Ultimate Prague Christmas Guide Below 🤫👇🏻 (Save this for later!) 🎄Christmas Markets with dates: Old Town Square: 30th November - 6th January Wenceslas Square: 30th November - 6th January Náměstí Republiky: 25th November - 24th December Náměstí Míru: 20th November - 24th December 🍫 Czech Christmas Food: Cukroví (Czech Christmas Cookies) Perníčky (Czech gingerbread cookies) Vánočka (Traditional Czech Christmas sweet bread) ✨ Christmas Decorations: Celetná Street Pařížská Street Národní Street Neruda Street 🎠 Attractions: Ice Skating at Wenceslas Square Boat Ride on Vlatava River Visit Petřín Tower and look at snowy Prague Horse ride though the city 💎 Hidden Gems: If you're planning on vising Prague this winter and you wanna: - Explore 200+ hidden gems - Save weeks from planning - Get secret discounts for your trip Then check out our 1-5 Day Prague Itineraries, link in bio! 🔗 #prague #christmas #winter #travelguide ♬ original sound - Time For Prague | Guides, Tips

5. Paris is a city of love and romance, in winter the atmosphere of the metropolis is felt in a special way.

• Visa: a Schengen visa is required.
• Direct flight: no, transfers via Istanbul, Frankfurt and other cities.
• Ticket: from 120 000 tenge one way.
• Hotel: the cost of accommodation in hotels and inns starts from 30 000 tenge per night and can reach 300 thousand tenge.
• Expenses: On average, travelers spend about 30 000 tenge per day.
• What to see: Christmas shop windows on the Champs Elysees, the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral.

Traveling in Kazakhstan

Winter is a great time to discover the amazing corners of Kazakhstan. Experienced traveler Askhat Sadykov, who has visited many cities in the country, shared with us his recommendations on where to go in December to get vivid impressions and recharge your batteries.

"You don't have to go abroad to enjoy a quality vacation. Kazakhstan is a country with great potential for winter tourism. The main thing is to choose a place to your liking and enjoy every moment," he emphasized.

1. Almaty and the Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains

"Almaty turns into a fairytale city in winter. And just 30 minutes from the city center are Shymbulak and Medeu. These places are definitely worth visiting. Take a day to climb the Big Almaty Lake. It is especially beautiful in winter, and the views around are breathtaking," Askhat noted.

• Shymbulak is the largest ski resort in Kazakhstan with slopes for beginners and professionals. The price of season tickets is from 4900 tenge per day.
• Medeu is a famous high-mountain skating rink where you can feel the spirit of winter and enjoy skating (entrance fee is from 1500 tenge).

2. Borovoe (Shchuchinsk-Borovskaya resort area)

"In winter, Borovoe is silence, fresh air and views that resemble a fairy tale. Try a winter picnic in nature - warm clothes, hot tea and fresh air will make it unforgettable," the traveler noted.

• Where to stay: hotels and sanatoriums are available from 15 000 tenge per night, you can choose cabins in the forest for complete privacy.
• What to do: skiing or sledding, walks around the lakes, visiting the Zhumbaktas rock.

3. East Kazakhstan: Ridder and Katon-Karagay

"If you love nature and active recreation, go to East Kazakhstan. Katon-Karagay is a real winter fairy tale," Askhat shared.

• Where to stay: Hotels and rental housing are available from 20 000 tenge per night, you can choose cottages and glamping sites outside the city.
• What to do: skiing in Ridder, walks through snowy forests, sledding and ice skating.

Previously, we compiled a list of countries that are best not to visit in 2025. The “No list” included Scotland, Bali, popular European cities, Koh Samui and Mount Everest.