Posted on Tuesday, 4 December 2018

Are you giddy with excitement about the forthcoming festive season? Have you already filled your stocking and circled your intended viewing pleasure in the TV guide? Did you have your plastic Christmas tree out of the loft and assembled by September 1st? Have you 'road-tested' a king-size tin of Quality Street and spent your lunch hours wondering what to give Trev from Accounts for his Secret Santa?

If so, then this blog is not for you.

But if you fancy escaping the festive shenanigans for a place where asking for an 'eggnog' will draw only quizzical expressions, read on.

Nepal

As a predominantly Buddhist nation, you won't find many Nepalese holding sprigs of mistletoe over your head (or at least we hope not). But what you will find are glorious mountains, amazing food - and a vibrant capital city - Kathmandu - completely bereft of men in red jumpsuits and beards (at least we hope so).

Japan

If you wander among the fluorescent lights of Shinjuku, Tokyo, for long enough, you're sure to bump into a robotic Santa - but apart from that, the Japanese are not really into Christmas. You can, however, enjoy the temples of Kyoto and Nara, or explore the futuristic cityscape that is Tokyo. You could also head into the mountains of Hokkaido for a spot of skiing, but there are probably too many Christmas trees up there…

Thailand

In the Kingdom of Thailand temperatures drop this time of year - but not low enough for snow (you'll be glad to hear). The Thais are also mostly Buddhist, so you won't be reminded of xmas as you explore the temples, islands and beaches of this fantastic country. Expect temperatures in the late 20s over Christmas - and surprisingly chilly nights.

China

With The Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, pandas and Hoisin duck among its many draws, why not visit China instead of having Christmas? The fact you'll be missing Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark on BBC1 on Christmas Day will barely register...

Jordon

Speaking of Indiana Jones, don't miss the incredible Petra if you're heading to Jordon, where the locals wouldn't look twice at a Christmas tree (well, they might). Other top picks include Dead Sea sun sets, swimming with turtles in the Red Sea and exploring the desert on camel-back - and sitting in taxis whose radios do not play 'Slade' every 20 minutes.

Zanzibar

This wondrous island offers a heady blend of African, Indian and Arabic cultures, none of which have any interest in the festive edition of Dr. Who. The birthplace of Freddie Mercury boasts some of the world's most incredible beaches - and bustling market places completely bereft of mince pie ingredients.

Democratic People's Republic of (North) Korea

We understand you probably don't want to avoid Christmas THIS much... but we had to think of seven.

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