We don’t all jump for joy at the first hint of the Christmas season. In fact, some of us would rather let it pass by completely. For Scrooges, non-Christmas celebrators or the festively challenged, here are some of the best escapes that will leave you free from the annual wave of Yuletide cheer.
Marrakech, Morocco
Given that so many of its residents are Muslim, Marrakech is a great place for those who want to skip the holiday entirely. And with the city’s year-round sunny weather, you also couldn’t be farther from a white Christmas. For dinner? In lieu of turkey with all the trimmings, steamed lamb’s head is on the menu.
Bangkok, Thailand
Maybe you’re not a Scrooge but are just tired of the months-long Christmas onslaught. Consider a trip to the “Land of Smiles,” and immerse yourself in the frenetic pace of Bangkok. The Thai people are mostly Buddhists, and Bangkok also has the distinction of being one of the hottest cities in the world. It certainly won’t feel like Christmas during your trip, though we can’t promise you won’t long for a little snow by the end of your vacation.
St. Petersburg, Russia
On the Russian Orthodox calendar, Christmas doesn’t fall until Jan. 7, which makes St. Petersburg the perfect place to lay low for a couple of weeks while still enjoying some legitimately wintery weather. Running from Christmas? Hang out in one of St. Petersburg’s many theaters or museums.
Pokhara, Nepal
Remote and mountainous Nepal is the ideal escape for those looking for complete seclusion from the holiday, and Pokhara — Nepal’s third largest city — offers both culture and stunning views of Phewa Lake and the Annapurna Range of the Himalayas. Days can be spent fishing, hiking and mountain biking, with nary a Santa Claus in sight.
Istanbul, Turkey
While its name might inspire visions of Christmas feasts, Turkey can be a great place to avoid the holiday, especially since the majority of the city is Muslim in faith. Shopaholics can still do some browsing at the Grand Bazaar without the pressure of gifting.
Koh Rong, Cambodia
The relatively untouched Koh Rong, Cambodia’s second largest island, is in its dry season during December, making it the perfect location to escape Christmas and indulge in tropical paradise. A huge array of wildlife is present on Koh Rong because it is largely uninhabited by people. There are dense jungles to trek through, or maybe you’d prefer to just relax in a hammock and wait out the holiday rush.
(Main image: © haveseen/iStock/Thinkstock)
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose guides cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas
