Humbug Holidays: Where To Go To Get Away From Christmas
If the thought of sprouts, Christmas trees and Mariah’s All I Want For Christmas sends shivers down your spine rather than festive spirit, we’ve rounded up the best places to escape to this December. From long haul Japan (where they have the weirdest 25th December tradition we’ve ever heard of) to Morocco, a more convenient 3.5 hours away, here are our top picks for even the most humbug of holidayer.
Morocco
For a quick city break, Marrakesh is a great option thanks to the 3.5 hour flight time and one hour time difference. But it’s Morocco’s lesser-known spots that will really win over any Scrooges out there. Taghazout is a yogis and surfers’ paradise. The little fishing town sits on the rugged, clay-baked coast. Or, indulge your inner hippy and head along Morocco’s famous hippy trail and make like the rock stars and free lovers of the 1960s. Plus, if you’ve an aversion to turkey and Brussel sprouts, delve into delicious tajines and spiced keftas.
Where To Stay:
Japan
Spend your Christmas budget on wacky beauty products and tech gadgets (oh, and the flight to get there) this year and jet off to Japan. From the attack on the senses of Tokyo to the bamboo groves of Kyoto and Miyajima’s Itsukushima Shrine (so cult it even has its own emoji), this is a country swathed in culture and rich in diversity. Fun fact: in Tokyo, the Japanese like to go to KFC on Christmas Day. It’s so popular in fact, that you have to book in advance. We’re not even joking.
Where To Stay:
Vietnam
South East Asia is a popular choice for the Christmas holidays, but the likes of Thailand and Bali are so popular with Western tourists that you’re bound to see a few Christmas trees and baubles, you may even get a Christmas dinner on the beach. Vietnam, however, remains fairly untouched by Christmas spirit. From the pretty coloured lanterns of Hoi Ann to the famous train trail that connects the north and south and the sprawling palm tree-dotted beaches of the west coast, you could easily spend the entire festive season in Vietnam, providing you’ve got the annual leave left.
Where To Stay:
Saudi Arabia
The notoriously closed country has opened itself up to tourists for the first time in decades, so if you’re looking to swap candy canes for camels and jingle bells for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia makes for a great alternative Christmas. The kingdom is actively trying to modernise and become more tourist-friendly. Unmarried Western couples are now allowed to share rooms and a programme of liberalisation, especially towards women, has been introduced. Culture differences aside, the sheer natural beauty of the country is worth the plane ticket alone, from the Red Sea to the ‘empty quarter’ – the desert land that sprawls a third of the Arabian Peninsula.
Read more about Saudi’s new tourist route in our article, here.
Where To Stay:
Israel
While the Christmas story may have originated here, it isn’t widely celebrated in Israel as only 2.5% of the population are Christian. Tel Aviv is the place to go if you want to party and eat like a king. The foodie scene has gone big in recent years from the best street food falafel you’ll ever taste to Ottolenghi-style long lunches and inventive fine dining. The city has also become known for it’s buzzing party scene. Go for Christmas and you’ll want to stay until New Year.
Where To Stay:
