December

December is a wonderful time to take the family to Kenya, especially in the iconic Masai Mara where sightings of predators and newborn plains game are at their peak. For the perfect bush and beach combination, pair the Mara with an overnight dhow cruise and private villa chill in Lamu.

For an amazing family adventure among rainforests, volcanoes and glorious beaches, and with conservation at its heart, few places beat Costa Rica in December. Search for tapirs and dolphin superpods, raft epic rivers and glide past jungle-clad archipelagoes in a luxury yacht as you explore this enchanting destination.

With its sunny weather and calm seas, southern Sri Lanka is at its best in December. This is the perfect time for a family beach break, interspersed with a leopard safari in Kumana National Park, soaking up Galle’s colonial charms or a trip out to sea in search of blue whales.

South Africa’s Western Cape is at its peak over Christmas and New Year. Beyond Cape Town’s myriad charms, why not try something a little different on a road trip that includes the magnificent adventure playground of the Cederberg and a chic West Coast beach villa in sun-drenched Paternoster.

From Krabi’s dramatic limestone peaks and gin-clear Andaman waters to Phuket’s tropical coves, Thailand’s beaches are simply world-class and at their best in December. Take the family and combine a stay at gorgeous Soneva Kiri with explorations into Thai cuisine, Buddhism and dazzling wildlife.