advice please: best place to get away from UK at Christmas - on a tight budget?

I live by myself and I'm on very limited means. Christmas for me is a pretty depressing time (everywhere's shut, everyone's visiting their families, etc) so this year I'm trying to save up to get away for about a week or so.

I'd like to go to a country that's warm enough to wander round in the daytime without being all wrapped up, and preferably, a country where everyday life still goes on around Christmas (shops and sights open, for instance).

Of course, the big problem is that so many Brits go abroad around Christmas, fares tend to be sky-high. so, has anyone here got any suggestions? (just one proviso: I can't face the thought of backpacking).

Thanks in advance.

What are your interests? Nowhere in Europe can promise the weather. Personally, we like Egypt (preferably south, e.g. Aswan) at that time of year. You can 'do' Christmas with the Euros who would certainly also be there in good seasonal spirit, or ignore it alongside the Egyptians! And don't dare complain about any lack of sightseeing! Once there, it's dirt cheap, too, whatever the flight might cost. That would be our choice. But the Costa Sharm would give the same advantages (but less Egyptian, maybe more pricey).

Spain? Portugal?

Spent a very pleasant new year in Barcelona recently. Shirt sleeve weather.

xiv

Tenerife or Madeira seem likely to be your best bet

Try Australia or New Zealand. Airfares will be the expensive part, New Zealand is the cheapest place for accommodation. Also look at Fiji.

We do actually celebrate Christmas in Australia! Like everywhere else, we now seem to be starting the madness in October!

The Reids extrapolated from data available...

I would encourage Europeans to look at the US for potential bargains....

Flying on Christmas Day (either departure or return)....almost no one aboard, reasonable customer service from employees - at least on Western Airlines - who believe you wouldn't be there unless you were getting screwed. Award tickets are plentiful! With numerous empty seats, even 'coach' can be semi-comfortable.

Big city hotels in the Continental US are almost empty and have been known to provide high end accommodations at low end rates. Many essentially shut down all but the concierge floors in the week bertween Christams and New Year's Day.

Depending upon the religiosity of the community, some cities actually have numerous open restaurants (and a few shops), San Francisco being one such.

Avoiding Florida, and traveling on Christams Day (or even on Christams Eve if it's on Sunday) - doing the Christams bit on the Eve, we have spent truly enjoyable days in San Francisco, New York and New Orleans - where the odds on decent weather are better than even. Just don't count on tourist attractions which require entering....

Best hidden holidays in US, Albuquerque, NM with a rental car, easy day trips to Santa Fe and Taos (where the hotels will likely be full of tourists), yet plenty of choices in ABQ hotels likely to bargain for occupants.

In the Southern US, Christams day and the day after are ideal days for long road trips, no traffic, usually moderate weather, and uncroweded stops.

Viv Hughes...consider South Africa. Xmas is summertime there. Prices are great and the night life and dining is stunning in JoBurg, Durban and

Dear Viv

South Africa is the place. The fantastic sunny weather in December is what you are looking for. The ZAR in comarison with the Pound favours you immensely. Christmas in South Africa is fantastic and mostly spent eating outside by the pool or on the beach.

Send me your requirements to http://www.cybertonature.co.za and I will work out an affordable option for you.

Regards