Fancy spending your Christmas somewhere else this year? The best destinations for your festive celebrations.

Still enjoying the last of this year’s summer weather? Then the last thing you want to think about is winter and the prospect of colder weather. However, with only a few months of shopping days until Christmas, how about ringing the changes this year and treating yourselves to a Christmas break in Lapland or enjoying a festive barbie on the beach?

UK - Staycations are still very popular and with spectacular scenery in this country you can still enjoy a break without having to get on a plane. A cottage in the Cotswolds or a house in the highlands can be your home for a week or two to celebrate Christmas and the new year. London is a perfect place to be in December with a fantastic display of decorations and Christmas markets. After indulging in a shopping spree at iconic shops such as Harrods and Selfridges, enjoy an afternoon tea at one of the many traditional hotels.

Europe - If you’re a sun lover, then your favourite summer destination can also be your Christmas party place. Cyprus, La Palma and Gran Canaria see temperatures of 22 degrees during December. As in the UK, Christmas is an important time of the year on the islands, with festivals, nativity scenes and carol singing.

Fancy giving your children the ultimate Christmas treat? A pre-Christmas weekend break to Lapland, Finland will really build-up the excitement. Rovaniemi is known as the ‘official hometown of Santa Claus’ and is the perfect place to begin the Christmas festivities. You can enjoy lots of activities including playing with Rudolf, decorating cookies with Mrs Claus, Northern light hunting and husky rides.

US, Caribbean and the Middle East - If you’re happier to go further afield, then how Abu Dhabi? It features fantastic beaches, the world's fastest rollercoaster and Ferrari World. The Caribbean is still a firm favourite with guaranteed sunshine. Barbados and Anguilla have the best beaches. If the whole family is going with you, then how about hiring a villa? For the ultimate luxury book one with a cook, so you can relax and completely unwind.

If there’s just two of you, then New York is a perfect destination. Make sure you visit the Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center or go ice skating at Bryant Park or Rock Center. There are always fantastic window displays at Macy’s, Saks and Bergdorf’s. Or if all that sounds a little too busy, for complete relaxation book St Lucia. Enjoy the rum and cocoa plantations, windsurfing and sailing trips or just enjoy the locals relaxed laid back attitude.

New Zealand - Finally, how about that festive barbie? Very much in the long-haul category, New Zealand offers everything, sunshine as summer starts, uncrowded beaches and fantastic wildlife. Popular activities include dolphin watching, wine tasting and hiking.

Wherever you’re spending your Christmas this year, make sure you are fully covered with a tailored travel insurance policy from Direct Travel.