Why You Should Start Planning Your December Holidays Now

December might feel far away when you’re still in the midst of school terms and work deadlines—but ask anyone who’s left their holiday plans to the last minute, and they’ll tell you: it creeps up quickly.

2.3min read

Published 19 June 2025

Sophie Baker

Guest Blogger

The festive season is the most popular time for South Africans to travel. It’s when families reunite, beaches buzz with holidaymakers, and travel demand skyrockets. Booking early is the smartest way to lock in the best deals, ensure availability, and avoid the year-end panic.

In this blog

The Benefits of Booking Your December Holiday Early
Where to Go in December: Popular and Perfect Picks
Pro Tips for December Travel

Here’s why early birds really do catch the best holidays—and where to go this December.

The Benefits of Booking Your December Holiday Early

School holidays and annual leave make December one of the busiest months for travel. If you're eyeing a specific hotel, cruise departure, or resort with family rooms or kids' clubs, early booking ensures you don't miss out.

Plus, early bookings often come with special rates, bonuses, or discounts. From reduced deposits to complimentary upgrades, you’ll find more options for less when you plan ahead.

And then there’s the stress element. Think of festive season holiday planning a bit like Christmas gift shopping. Planning in advance can save you a lot of stress and last-minute rushing when the date draws nearer. After all, no one wants to be hunting for flights or scrambling for accommodation while juggling year-end functions, school holidays, and the overall madness of December. Booking now gives you peace of mind and more time to look forward to your trip.

And did we mention that when you book early through Flight Centre, you might even be able to secure your holiday with a deposit and pay the balance later? It makes budgeting easier, especially for big-ticket family getaways.

View School Holidays Deals here

Where to Go in December: Popular and Perfect Picks

Now that you know you should plan and book your December holiday early, there’s still one big question left to answer: where should you go? Luckily, we have plenty of suggestions to help you find your perfect festive season getaway.

1. Mauritius – Always a firm festive favourite

Think white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxury resorts with all-inclusive options the whole family can enjoy. It’s no surprise that Mauritius is one of the best family holiday destinations over Christmas and New Year.

Flight Centre has a fantastic deals in Mauritius including return flights, seven nights’ accommodation, transfers, with meals and drinks. Book early to avoid disappointment. It’s great value, so these sell out fast.

Gearing up for December travel

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2. The Garden Route – Road trip ready

For local travel, few destinations match the magic of the Garden Route in December. There’s something for everything. Nature lovers get Knysna’s forests and lagoons. Beachgoers will loooove Plettenberg Bay’s Keurbooms beach, and for the outdoorsy types, there’s a host of adeventure activities around Tsitsikamma and Stormsrivier.

3. Thailand – Tropical paradise for every traveller

With warm weather, delicious food, and a great exchange rate so your Rand stretches further, Thailand remains a top pick for South Africans wanting an affordable overseas break. December is ideal for visiting the islands, weather-wise, or for mixing in cultural stops like Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Club Med Phuket deals include flights, transfers, and all-inclusive accommodation with kids’ clubs, making it perfect for families. Or opt for a romantic getaway in Koh Samui if you're planning an end-of-year escape as a couple. It’s where White Lotus was filmed so you know you’re guaranteed jaw-dropping views!

4. Cape Town – Peak summer at its best

Cape Town truly shines in December. From Camps Bay sunsets to family-friendly attractions like the Two Oceans Aquarium and Kirstenbosch concerts, it’s a city where holiday memories are made. Cape Town does get super busy over December, but the vibes and the weather always make it worthwhile. Just make sure you secure your flights and accommodation early, especially if you’re a big group.

5. Cruising from Durban – Easy, breezy, all-inclusive fun

Why not spend Christmas at sea? Cruises from Durban to Mozambique’s Portuguese Islands or Mauritius offer something for everyone: on-board entertainment, kids' clubs, lazy sea days, and stress-free travel where everything’s included.

Browse our cruise holidays or ask about festive season departures on MSC. Just know that cabins fill up quickly for peak dates, so be sure to get in touch if you want to secure that balcony cabin

Pro Tips for December Travel

Look out for public holiday overlaps: December is packed with long weekends. Secure your leave days early to stretch your time off.
Be flexible with dates if you can—flying on Christmas or New Year’s Day can sometimes save you money.
Book experiences and tours in advance: Scuba diving in Mauritius, family cooking classes in Thailand, and other popular activities all fill up early over peak times.

Ready to book? Great! Flight Centre has a December holiday package for everyone. Let our expert travel consultants help you find the perfect fit for your family, your style, and your budget.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Book your festive season getaway now and make this December one to remember.

Secure your December Holiday today! We are your Centre for Travel.