Posted on 20 November 2019

Are you not a 'Christmas person'? This year, to save you from tears, why not go on holiday somewhere special?

If nodding off in front of the Queen's speech while suffering the ill-effects of sprouts is no longer your cup of egg-nog, perhaps it's time to give Christmas the heave-ho-ho-ho?

And if the tinsel and enforced-secret santa planning hasn't got to you yet - it just might by the time December 25 swings round.

Thankfully, there are lots of amazing destinations where people won't try and make you eat sprouts.

Here are a few of our favourite...

Nepal

That's right, the Nepalese don't do Christmas, which makes their beautiful country perfect for the Scrooge-sympathisers among us. What's more, this is low season, which means hotel prices are even cheaper than usual. And if you fancy a spot of trekking - one of the most amazing things to do in Nepal - you'll find the guides have also dropped their prices, and the skies are often clearer than in high season. Whatever your ability level, there is a trek for you: from gentle, low-level rambles to lofty adventures on the legendary Annapurna circuit.

Thailand

Did you really need another excuse to visit Thailand? If you did, you can use the 'I don't do Christmas' one. It's also a lot cooler this time of year, at around 26 degrees instead of 30+ in June and July. While the pound doesn't buy as many baht as it once did, you can still bag a bargain by avoiding the big resorts and hunkering down on one of the more remote islands: grab a beachside hut and a hammock, and wait until all this Christmas business blows over.

Morocco

Cultural, warm and just 3.5 hours from London, in Morocco we can guarantee you won't feel Christmassy at all. You won't hear a single instance of George Michael's "Last Christmas" in the souks of Marrakech; you won't hear Chris Rea's "Driving Home for Christmas" while bussing into the Atlas Mountains; and you certainly won't hear Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas is You" while on a camel train in the Sahara Desert. At least, we're pretty sure you won't.

Turkey

In Istanbul, the shops are open during Christmas - because they don't do Christmas (mostly). If you want to get some late pressies for the folks you left behind over Christmas, try the Grand Bazaar. For architectural wonders, don't miss the TopKapi Palace or the Blue Mosque. Further afield, witness the other-worldly landscapes of Cappadocia in Turkey's centre, or the incredible ruined city of Ephesus, near Izmir. The FCO does warn there is currently a risk of terrorism in the country.

Mauritius

Christmas is a non-starter in Mauritius, where most folks are Hindu. Pre-Xmas is also a cheaper time to visit this tropical paradise - but do make sure you're back in Blighty before December 31 - because hotel prices soar. This island is quite small - and can be explored in a day with a hire car. Highlights include the stunning Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens, and the beautiful castor sugar beaches of the north coast. Christmas has never been this, er, un-Christmassy.

China

OK, as with many Asian countries, the dazzling colours and lights of Christmas have been adopted by China's vast consumer class. But if you stay away from the shopping malls, you'll experience a country where Ebenezer Scrooge would feel right at home. It's a long way to go to avoid Christmas, but you'll be rewarded with attractions such as the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace in Beijing, not to mention the Great Wall of China. Be aware, however, while you'll largely escape Christmas, you won't escape the winter: Temperatures average 4 degrees in the capital in December!

Kerala, India

If you're planning a longer ‘Christmas avoidance sabbatical' this year, consider the balmy beaches of Kerala, India, where temperatures reach around 32 degrees in December. Why not book one of the many charming houseboats and avoid Christmas in style. For a dash of excitement, check out the carnival in Kochi, which runs until 31 December.

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