Why your holiday planning needs to start now, plus 8 destinations to check out

We're basically halfway through the year. It's wild to even think that because it feels like yesterday I was sipping mulled wine at a Christmas Bar near Union Square thinking about everything I wanted this year to look like. (OK, the thinking part isn't entirely true. The mulled wine part is. I wrote about it here if you want the full backstory.)

I know it feels a little premature to be talking about December travel when we haven't even hit Memorial Day. But my travel advisor brain is popping off, so ...

If you want to travel for the holidays this year, you need to start planning now.

"OK, Diana, but it's not even Memorial Day yet…"

I hear you.

But, December is one of the most in-demand travel windows on the entire planet. And the best trips aren't the last-minute ones unless that's your sort of thing.

So, I'm going to walk you through exactly when to book holiday travel, why early planning matters, and eight December destinations to keep in mind.

Let's get into it.

Why you need to book December 2026 travel by summer

Too many travelers wait until October to start thinking about a December trip. By then, the best options are gone and a lot of what remains are overpriced and probably not as nice.

Holiday flight prices peak after October

For Christmas flights, the recommendation is to book 4 –10 months in advance to lock in the best pricing. Travelers who start searching 4 – 8 months ahead of the holidays can find major savings, while prices typically peak from mid-December to early January. Translation: May, June, and July are when you want to be booking — not October. GoingGoing

Luxury and boutique hotels sell out months in advance

Boutique hotels, beachfront villas, fully vegan properties, and small-group safari camps don't operate on the same scale as a Hilton. There are a finite number of suites, and they go fast for December dates.

Restaurant reservations are their own logistics puzzle

If your dream holiday includes a dinner at a Michelin-starred plant-based restaurant in Vienna, or a tasting menu in Tokyo, or even a buzzy cocktail bar, you're not walking in on December 22 without a reservation. And, you're definitely not calling one in the day of.

Last-minute holiday planning means compromising on what matters

If you can't get the hotel you want, the reservations you want, the activities you want, there's a chance that your trip that you took leave for, bought flights for, and are going on, won't be what you wanted and it won't be in alignment. Which means your travel experience isn't leaving you feeling as fulfilled as it could be.

So, best to plan in advance so you get the full impact from travel versus a momentary dopamine hit that putters out when you get the hotel room with double beds, even though wanted a king.

8 vegan-friendly destinations for December 20206

Austria or Switzerland - European winter at its finest

This is a classic winter showdown. When it comes to a true winter wonderland itinerary, you really can't go wrong with Europe (goodness knows, I used to make an annual trek to panto in London and would bop somewhere when I could), and these destinations are plucked straight out of a Hallmark Christmas movie.

Vienna, Austria

Was Vienna designed for this time of year? I'd say so. Picture wandering iconic Christmas markets with mulled wine in hand while live music drifts through the squares. When it comes to vegan dining, there are high-end options like the Michelin starred Tian (vegetarian/vegan) and Jola (Michelin and Green Star). You can also get traditional Austrian dishes like bratwurst veganized at select sausage stands around the city. Perfect for: couples, festive first-timers, and culture aficionados who want a slower-paced trip.

Switzerland (Zermatt, Lucerne, or St. Moritz)

Snowy cinematic landscapes? Check.

Cozy alpine villages with twinkle lights that look suspiciously like your grandma's Christmas décor? Check.

Vegan options at every destination? Also check.

Add in world-class skiing and scenic train rides, and suddenly winter feels like the main event of the year. Perfect for: families, skiers, and travelers who want the full winter wonderland experience.

St. Lucia and Costa Rica - Vitamin C and sea

A warm-weather escape in the middle of winter is a no-brainer. You just need to decide if you want to completely unplug, or keep things a little more active?

St. Lucia

Towering Pitons, lush green hills, and your pick of resorts either beachfront or tucked into the rainforest await you here. Your busy day looks like morning coffee with a view, an afternoon in a hammock, and a relaxed dinner paired with tropical drinks. If you want to stay somewhere with a fully vegan restaurant on-site, Anse Chastanet is where to check in. Perfect for: honeymooners, couples, and anyone craving a full DND escape.

Costa Rica

This Central American country gives you beauty, like St. Lucia, but you're far more rustic. Here, you're blending beach with jungle and wildlife. And by wildlife, I mean listening to howler monkeys swinging through the trees and you, squealing with delight when you spot a sloth who hasn't moved since breakfast. Costa Rica also happens to be extremely vegan-friendly, with fully vegan properties like Mother Earth Vegan. Perfect for: families, active travelers, and anyone who wants a real balance between relaxation and adventure.

Antarctica or Australia - both start with "A"s and both a long way from home

Sometimes you want to get out of town. Like, really out of town. To the ends of the earth, even. May I interest you in a trip-of-a-lifetime to one of these?

Antarctica

It may be winter at home, but it's "summer" on the ice. (Please don't pack a bikini.) December is peak season here, giving you amazing expeditions, active penguin colonies, and some strong weather (definitely watch video of the Drake Passage before you book this). This is not your unwind-and-decompress trip. This is your I cannot believe this magical experience I'm going to talk about for the rest of my life to every single person I meet trip. The way to visit is by expedition vessel. Fortunately, there are expeditions that include fully plant-based dining, hybrid-powered tech, waste management systems, and certifications designed to protect the fragile environment because I'm very picky about what boats I recommend. Perfect for: seasoned travelers, milestone celebrations, and anyone chasing a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Sydney, Australia

Unlike Antarctica, this one drops you straight into summer. And yes, pack your bikini. Come for the kangaroos, stay for the incredible vegan food scene and nearby nature. Your December here is long, sun-filled days, beach time, and ringing in the new year somewhere warm. Perfect for: families, friend groups, and pretty much anyone.

New York City or Aspen - Close to home, but far enough away from real life

Don't feel like crossing a major ocean? Completely valid. These two only require a Real ID, and a willingness to bundle up.

New York City

The Rockefeller tree, ice skating in the middle of the city, pedicabs decked out for the season blaring Frank Sinatra, wildly creative window displays, and if you're lucky, a snow-dusted Central Park. Add in the iconic NYC everyone knows like Broadway, world-class vegan dining, and that incredible energy, and your holiday feels like Christmas card (coming from someone who lives here.) Perfect for: families, group trips, and people who want a short and sweet city break.

Aspen, Colorado

If your idea of the perfect gift is zigzagging down a mountain followed by an après scene, Aspen is where to head. There are even vegan eats on the mountain so you know you're taken care of. The "12 Days of Aspen" lineup is the perfect add-on for anyone wanting to chat with Santa or take a spin around the ice rink. Perfect for: families, ski lovers, and anyone wanting cozy winter perfection.

How to book your December 2026 trip the smart way

If you've made it this far, here's what I want you to do next:

1. Pick the vibe, not the destination. Do you want snowy, sunny, or somewhere in between?

2. Get clear on your what is important for the trip. Vegan dining? Ethical animal experiences? Sustainable property? Privacy?

3. Reach out to a travel advisor who shares your values. Booking through someone who already vets properties for vegan options, animal welfare, and sustainability saves you the months of research it would take to do it yourself. Hi, that's me.

4. Book it before summer ends. By August, the best properties for December are usually booked.

Frequently asked questions about booking holiday travel

When should I book December 2026 holiday travel?

For luxury and boutique properties, book 4 - 6 months in advance. For flights, it is the cheapest right after the start of they year, then they continue to rise until there's last minute availability.

What are the best vegan-friendly holiday destinations?

There are a ton of vegan-friendly holiday destinations. It just depends on what you want to experience. 

Is it worth working with a travel advisor for a holiday trip?

Yes. An advisor handles the logistics, vets the properties, has access to exclusive experience and special rates, and gets you into reservations and rooms that aren't available to the general public. For my clients specifically, I also vet every property for vegan dining, animal welfare standards, and sustainability practices.

Can I still book December travel if it's already October?

Yes, you probably can. But you'll have a fraction of the choices, pay significantly more, and likely compromise on everything from hotels to flight times.

Ready to plan your holiday getaway?

Don't wait until October to figure out where you're going. Get it done now so you can make sure you're getting the trip you want, not the one you maybe are kind of ok with.

I curate bespoke, fully vegan, values-aligned luxury travel for clients who want a holiday that aligns with them. From Antarctic expeditions to Vienna Christmas markets, every itinerary is built around what matters to you — and vetted for vegan dining, animal welfare, and sustainability.

Apply now to start planning your December 2026 getaway