All is not lost if you are a last-minute holiday-maker looking for December packages. A check with travel agencies on what is still available uncovers these more unusual destinations.
12D LET'S GO TUNISIA MUSLIM TOUR
What: Visit Carthage, a Unesco World Heritage Site, or the city of Kairouan, one of the holiest sites in Islam.
Check out the sandstone homes of Matmata, the camel markets of Douz and the spectacular Roman amphitheatres of El Jem. Price: From $2,888 (take $200 off per couple) Departure date: Dec 9 Contact: Call Chan Brothers Travel on 6212-9660
Matmata in Tunisia amazes with its soft sandstone caves. These cave homes consist of a labyrinth of small rooms for sleeping, grain storage and family gathering. The village was the setting of a scene from Star Wars.
8D-12D COLOURFUL GUIZHOU AND CHONGQING/YUNNAN/ZHANGJIAJIE TOURS
What: Enjoy a five-star cruise along the Yangtze River on the Three Gorges Dam tour. Interesting sights include the Huanggoushou Waterfall and Wanfeng Peak Forest. Price: From $698 Departure dates: Nov 27 and 28, Dec 6, 13 and 20 Contact: Call ASA Holidays on 6303-5333
A cruise along the Yangtze River takes you up close to the Three Gorges Dam.
10D CHARMS OF SOUTH AFRICA
What: Expect to see lions, elephants, rhinoceroses and leopards at a game reserve and catch a breathtaking safari sunset.
Visit the villages of the four largest tribes in South Africa and soak up a tribal experience at the Lesedi Cultural Village. Other activities include sightseeing around Cape Town, the oldest city of South Africa. Price: From $5,788 Departure dates: Nov 6, 13, 20 and 27, Dec 11 and 18 Contact: Call SA Tours on 6535-8911 or 6535-2611
A trip to Cape Town's Waterfront offers a view of Table Mountain in the distance.
5D-8D GOLDEN TRIANGLE AND KASHMIR
What: Embark on a historical journey to Delhi, India's capital. Attractions include the famous Taj Mahal, Amber Fort and City Palace.
Spend a night on a lake in a houseboat in Srinagar and catch the spectacular landscape of Kashmir Valley. Price: From $1,488 Departure dates: Nov 21 and Dec 19 Contact: Call SA Tours on 6535-8911 or 6535-2611
India's majestic Taj Mahal looks all the more striking with visitors carrying a colourful cloth to pray for world peace on its manicured grounds.
