By Kaitlin Reilly / For: Yahoo! Travel
There are plenty of great places to take a getaway in the last month of the year, including villages that go all-out for Christmas and cities that see plenty of sun in December.
'Tis the season for travel! December marks a busy time for travel within the United States: Last year, AAA projected that a record 122.4 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles from home during the year-end holiday period alone.
But while some people may be using their PTO to visit family for the celebrations, there are also plenty of places to visit if you want to squeeze in one last trip of the year, with or without your relatives in tow.
Of course, many of these destinations are worth visiting because of how they celebrate the season (think: Christmas markets and a holiday boat parade). But there are other reasons to check out some of these places too, such as cooler weather, which can make hiking trails in notoriously hot parts of the country much more enjoyable.
San Antonio, Texas
Go for: a beautiful river walk decorated for the holiday season.
This city in southern Texas is known for the San Antonio River Walk, a 15-mile stretch that includes a downtown section with shops and restaurants.
And December is a particularly special time to visit, thanks to holiday lights on the bald cypress trees that illuminate this public park. If you're really in the holiday spirit, consider caroling from one of the barges — an experience available on select days of the month. (Those on board are required to sing!) You can also listen to all that holiday cheer from one of the outdoor restaurants instead, perhaps with a margarita in hand.
While there are several hotels along this walk, the Spanish Colonial-inspired Omni La Mansión Del Rio is ideal for travelers seeking a luxurious experience to close out the year. Or, for a more budget-friendly option, consider the downtown Homewood Suites by Hilton, which has more affordable suite-style rooms ideal for families traveling together.
Though it's a bit off the river walk, history buffs may prefer to stay at the (supposedly haunted!) Menger Hotel, which is located right next to the Alamo, the former Spanish mission that was the site of the famed 1836 battle. You can take a tour of the site, and even check out a new augmented reality experience.