How to escape Christmas
For most, Christmas is a time of joy. Spending time with friends and family and getting away from everyday work life. But for others, they just want to get away from the hustle and bustle. So where are the best places to escape Christmas? Writes Tracy Hargreaves
Before you book anything, think about what it is you want to do. Adventure, solitude, snow, sun? Once you know that it will be easier to look for the right type of holiday. One thing to remember is that prices do go up over the festive period, so either try and book as far in advance as possible, or perhaps look for somewhere that doesn’t celebrate Christmas.
If you want to stay in the UK, then why not look for a rustic cottage in the depths of the countryside. Roaring fires, local walks and just you and nature. It’s a chance to switch off and relax. Take a look at the National Trust website nationaltrust.org.uk for self-catering cottages in some beautiful parts of the country.
If you are looking for something further away, then Thailand is a good place to visit. Take in a tour of northern Thailand and combine with a break in Bangkok. You won’t be short of things to do and instead of turkey and Christmas pud, you’ll be feasting on noodle soups, spicy curries and grilled meat skewers.
Fancy some solo sunshine? A trip to Sri Lanka is a good way to escape the colder weather. With temperatures regularly reaching over 30 degrees and long daylight hours, it’s a good place to soak up the sun. If you are going it alone, there are travel agents that specifically offer deals for single travellers and will even work out your itinerary for you so you can do as little or as much as you like.
Bahrain in the Middle East is a place full of history, culture and all year-round sun. It has three UNESCO world heritage sites, white sandy beaches, amazing wildlife and of course the Formula 1 Grand Prix. Flights from Manchester are around £300-£400 and because of the wide choice of things to do, is an ideal destination for the family.
Another popular choice during Christmas is a ski holiday. There’s no better way to enjoy the snow than with a pair of skis whizzing down the slopes. There are plenty of designations such as Switzerland, Italy, France and Andorra. Or for a more affordable ski resort, try Bulgaria. Bansko and Borovets. Enjoy a day on the slopes then celebrate in style in the evening with the Apres Ski.
