Posted on Wednesday, 9 November 2016

For most of us, the idea of spending Christmas outside the UK is unthinkable – or at least that's what our mothers would have us believe. But an ex-UK Xmas is, perhaps, all the more enticing this year. For a start, Brexit is everywhere (including this blog), promising economical and political uncertainty for who-knows-how-long.

Then there are the trains: Network Rail will be carrying out more than 200 engineering works over the festive period, suggesting Christmas travel will be even trickier this year.

And of course, if you don't like the cold and the dark, no amount of twinkly Christmas tree lights and brandy-soaked puddings are going to help. Indeed, for some, the twinkly lights and puddings are part of the problem: 'the season to be merry' can be regarded as a massive misnomer.

If you did decide to give Santa the heave-ho this year, where should you go?

Morocco

If you fall into the Bah Humbug bracket, you could fly down to Morocco, a predominantly Muslim nation that has no interest in Father Christmas. Explore the dazzling souks of Marrakech or Essaouira and you probably won't espy a single scrap of tinsel. December temperatures in Morocco can reach a decent 20 degrees.

Thailand, Turkey & Russia

Other countries that don't celebrate Christmas include Thailand (although they will lay on a plastic tree or two to keep the tourists happy); Turkey (not many Christians); and Russia (they celebrate it on January 7 instead).

The Maldives

With a 99% Muslim population, The Maldives is another place where they don't hang stockings over their fireplaces. Indeed, with year-round temperatures of 25-30 degrees, fireplaces themselves are pretty thin on the ground. A non-Christmas visit here promises friendly locals, castor sugar beaches and incredible diving and snorkelling.

North Korea

OK, this would be quite an extreme way to avoid Christmas.

Others?

Other countries where the mention of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and requests for "eggnog" will inspire expressions of total incomprehension are:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Comoros, Congo, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Laos, Libya, Mauritania, Mongolia, Nepal, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Tajikistan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Turkmenistan and Yemen.

For Christmas Lovers

Of course, a lot of people do like Christmas. If you fall into this category, but don't fancy staying in the UK, then why not consider New York, Prague or Munich for some classic Christmas fun? The ski slopes of the Alps also present a wonderful setting for a festive getaway. They do, however, get rather pricey over Christmas.

Enjoy Peace of Mind While You're Away

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