December has a funny way of making people want to pack a suitcase. Maybe it’s the school holidays, the promise of warmer days, or simply the feeling that the year deserves to end somewhere different. If you’re sitting in Perth wondering about the best places to travel in december,where to travel with family, you’re certainly not alone.
The good news is that December gives families plenty of choices. You can chase sunshine in Australia, escape to Southeast Asia, explore a new city, or spend a few quiet days somewhere surrounded by nature. The trick is choosing a destination that works for everyone, especially when children, different budgets, and holiday crowds are involved.
For Perth families, travel planning can also mean checking school holiday dates, flight availability, and local commitments before heading overseas. Many people also have to fit their trip around work and everyday responsibilities. Even things like checking your home before leaving, including electricity arrangements with Synergy, can make the departure less stressful.
Why December Works So Well for a Family Holiday
December is one of those months where almost every family has a reason to travel. Children are generally out of school, workplaces start slowing down, and relatives often have more time available.
The biggest question is whether you want a relaxing break or a proper adventure.
A beach holiday sounds easy, but families often discover that a destination with a mixture of beaches, food, attractions, and day trips works better. Kids get bored faster than adults expect. Trust me, three days of “just relaxing” can feel very different when you’re travelling with energetic children.
For Australians, December is also a useful time to explore nearby destinations without spending an entire day travelling. Perth itself has plenty of options, from Fremantle and Rottnest Island to Margaret River and the Coral Coast. Still, if you’re ready to go farther, there are some excellent international options.
Australia Offers Easy December Escapes
You don’t always need a passport to have a memorable December holiday. Australia is enormous, and December is a good opportunity to see another part of it.
Queensland is a popular choice for families who want warm weather and plenty of activities. The Gold Coast has theme parks, beaches, restaurants, and accommodation for different budgets. Brisbane can work well for families who prefer a city break with parks, museums, and easy day trips.
Sydney is another option. Families can combine the harbour, beaches, wildlife experiences, and sightseeing without spending hours travelling between attractions.
For Western Australians, the Margaret River region is especially convenient. You can take a road trip, stop at beaches, explore caves, enjoy local food, and spend time in nature. It doesn’t need to be complicated.
If you’re comparing the best places to travel in december,where to travel with family, Australia often wins simply because the travel logistics are easier. No currency exchange, fewer visa concerns, and less jet lag can make a surprisingly big difference.
Bali and Singapore Keep Family Travel Simple
Bali is a familiar choice for Australian travellers, and there’s a reason families keep returning. Villas with pools, family-friendly resorts, restaurants, beaches, and cultural attractions give parents plenty of flexibility.
December falls within Bali’s wet season, so you should expect rain. That doesn’t necessarily mean your holiday will be a washout. A shower can arrive quickly and disappear just as fast, although weather can vary.
Singapore is another strong option, particularly for families who prefer an organised city environment. Public transport is straightforward, attractions are plentiful, and food choices are almost endless.
The city works nicely when family members have different interests. One person might want shopping, another might prefer gardens or museums, while children may be thinking about attractions and entertainment. Everyone gets something.
Honestly, that balance matters more than having a perfect Instagram location.
New Zealand Is Great for Families Who Love Nature
If your family prefers scenery over busy tourist streets, New Zealand deserves serious consideration. December brings summer weather, making it a good time for road trips and outdoor activities.
The North Island offers places such as Auckland and Rotorua, where families can experience wildlife, geothermal areas, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures.
The South Island is particularly appealing if your idea of a holiday involves mountains, lakes, scenic drives, and smaller towns. Queenstown can be exciting for older children and teenagers, while families with younger kids might prefer slower-paced locations nearby.
The reality is that New Zealand works best when you don’t try to cram too much into one trip. Driving for hours every day just to say you’ve “seen everything” isn’t really a holiday.
A slower itinerary usually gives families more time to enjoy the destination.
What Perth Families Should Check Before Booking
Finding the best places to travel in december,where to travel with family isn’t only about picking the most attractive destination. December is peak travel season in many parts of the world, so planning early can save both money and frustration.
Before confirming anything, think about:
- Flight schedules and baggage costs, especially if you’re travelling with young children.
- Accommodation location rather than simply choosing the cheapest room.
- Weather conditions and whether your planned activities will still operate.
- Travel insurance, passports, visas, and entry requirements.
- Your children’s interests, because a trip everyone enjoys is much easier.
Perth families may also need to plan around local school holidays and workplace schedules. If you’re running a household or business, small practical tasks can pile up before departure. Checking your electricity arrangements, home security, mail, and other essentials can help you leave without wondering what you’ve forgotten.
The same goes for families familiar with Perth suburbs such as Joondalup, Canning Vale, Subiaco, or Ellenbrook. Your travel plans may start at home, but the preparation matters just as much as the destination.
Some families also check relevant WA Government travel information before international trips. That’s a sensible habit, particularly when travelling with children.
Choosing the Right Destination for Your Family
There isn’t one perfect answer when searching for the best places to travel in december,where to travel with family. Your children’s ages, budget, preferred weather, flight tolerance, and travel style all change the answer.
For a short and easy break, staying within Australia may make the most sense. Bali can suit families wanting resorts and a different culture, while Singapore is excellent for a structured city holiday. New Zealand is a better match for families who enjoy road trips and outdoor scenery.
Parents often focus heavily on what the destination offers, but accommodation can make or break the trip. A central hotel might cost slightly more, yet saving an hour of transport each day can be worth it.
Think about your family’s rhythm, too. Some people like early starts and packed itineraries. Others need a slow breakfast and plenty of downtime. Neither approach is wrong.
The best places to travel in december,where to travel with family are ultimately the destinations that fit your family rather than the ones topping somebody else’s travel list.
Make December About Time Together
The best family holidays aren’t always the most expensive ones. Sometimes the memorable moments come from a road trip conversation, trying unfamiliar food, swimming somewhere new, or laughing because the day’s plan went completely sideways.
December can be busy, expensive, and crowded, so keep your expectations realistic. You don’t need to visit ten attractions in five days. Give everyone some breathing room.
Whether you’re leaving Perth for Bali, exploring New Zealand, visiting another Australian city, or simply taking a road trip across WA, choose a destination that gives your family time to actually enjoy being together.
After all, when people search for the best places to travel in december,where to travel with family, they’re usually looking for more than a location. They’re looking for a holiday everyone will remember for the right reasons.
