2 flights, 3 countries, 4 nights, 20–24 Dec
PhuketKuala Lumpur4nPadang
Stay 4 nights in Kuala Lumpur, ending in Padang with no flight back. Kuala Lumpur is a capital. About 1,100 km of flying in all as the crow flies. Typical December highs are 31–32°C everywhere. Padang is usually very wet in December, about 470 mm of rain over the month. Flights work out at about €27 a night, with a cabin bag usually included.
Phuket
Thailand, Start, Sun 20 Dec
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia, 4 nights, 20–24 Dec
Malaysia's capital, a high-rise city of Malay, Chinese and Indian neighbourhoods known for the Petronas Towers, the Batu Caves temple, hawker food and late-night markets.
Typical December: highs of 32°C, very wetNo other city has fares in and out on these days.
Padang
Indonesia, Last stop, Thu 24 Dec
West Sumatra's coastal capital, home of Minangkabau cooking, and the base for the highlands around Bukittinggi and surf boats to the Mentawai Islands.
Typical December: highs of 31°C, very wetSwap at randomSwap Padang for…
Same days, the rest of the trip kept, only cities close in price. A swapped-in country may need a visa: check before you go.