December marks the true start of summer across Oceania, right as school holidays begin and the region's busiest season gets underway.
Australia and New Zealand both see a huge surge in domestic travel once school lets out, filling beaches and coastal towns well before Christmas arrives. Christmas itself falls in the middle of summer here, with backyard barbecues and beach days replacing the cold weather traditions found further north. Northern Australia stays deep in its wet season, with frequent storms and high humidity across the tropical north. Southern cities enjoy long, warm days, ideal for the outdoor lifestyle the region is known for. Booking ahead matters a lot this month, since much of the region is traveling at the same time as families head off for the summer.
The destinations on our list for Oceania reflect that same peak summer energy building across the region.
