As I (Rachel) am going away for Christmas this year to South East Asia, we thought it was fitting to do a post about where to visit if you fancy getting away from the rat race, and spend christmas in a hot country.
Australia
I flew to Australia in January, which is Australia’s summer. Christmas in Australia is always going to be a winner as its their summer from December to February, but it can be hot all year round. Imagine laying on Bondi Beach on Christmas day, wearing a santa hat followed by a barbie (BBQ) or spending the day surfing at Byron Bay, or visiting the huts on Brighton Beach (Melbourne). Christmas would certainly be a different affair on the otherside of the world. However if you venture to Australia, you are msotly likely going to want to spend NYE here too! It has always been a dream to see the New Year in and watching the epic fireworks over Sydney Habour Bridge.
Dubai
Dubai is pretty much hot all year round. In December temperatures reach on average 26 degrees. Imagine having bottomless brunch on Christmas morning at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah followed by a visit to the aquarium or water park in the afternoon at Atlantis, The Palm – not your traditional christmas.
Mexico (Cancun)
Imagine spending your Christmas break at luxury 5* hotel in Mexico. In Cancun the major celebration for the festive period is on Christmas Eve. The celebration is called Nochebuena and its traditionally spent with the family and can go onto the early hours of the morning. For this reason restaurants will not open til later on Christmas Day. Make sure you sample the Ponche con Piquete which is a hot alcoholic beverage made with cinnamon and fruits.
South Africa (Cape Town)
Cape Town will also be hot during the month of December. If you want to spend Christmas in Cape Town ensure you visit an outdoor carol concert or watch a film at the outdoor cinema – you can evendo thison Christmas Day! There are many hotels to visit which hosts many Christmas celebrations with an incrdible buffet lunch. Why not also fit in a Safari trip whislt you are hear. Imagine sleepign under the stars and seeing elephants, tigers, rhions in their natural habitat.
Thailand
We cant write this post without mentioning Thailand! Fancy spending your Christmas island hopping all the islands in Thailand, learning to Scuba Dive and enjoying BBQ dinners on the beach. There is a full moon party on 14th December or you can spend NYE on Koh Phangan with one of those famous “buckets” covered in neon paint if this takes your fancy! However Phuket is where you want to head for guaranteed sunshine at this time of year, with around 8 hours of sunshine a day and highs of 31 degrees.There is lots to do in Phuket from daily boat trips to cabaret shows, paddle boarding and scuba diving.
Jamaica
Finally Jamaica is somewhere I would LOVE to visit. Christmas is very special in Jamaica, even so some people will even paint their houses just for Christmas, and carols are played on every radio station. There is a special celebration called Junkanoo where people parade the streets in colourful costumes. Make sure you enjoy Gungo peas when visiting as they are a speciality in December, as they ripen this month.
Christmas and New Year Cruises
Now this is something you may not had thought of, but why not treat yourself. With all the bank holidays, so less days to take as holiday go all out and enjoy a Christmas and New Year Cruise. With a cruise you get to visit more than one place, so can tick a number of countries off your list! Plus you get to enjoy being on a luxury cruise ship in the sunshine. Many companies offer this, and they will always ensure you have the best possible time ever.
Where you recommend we go when we want to escape the cold weather at Christmas. I think I am a sun seeker!