Not sure where you want to be when you open your Christmas gifts? We asked family travel bloggers to share their favourite places to wake up on Christmas Day. 

Australia

Photo credit Getty/Manfred Gottschalk

Recommended by yTravel 

In Australia, you can’t beat experiencing a beach Christmas. It’s what we’re famous for. The best beach region we recommend for Christmas in Australia is the Margaret River area in Western Australia. The beaches are the most stunning in Australia, and unlike Bondi Beach in Sydney, you’ll have them almost to yourself. Plus, this area has some of the best wine (and craft beer) in Australia and lots of local gourmet food you can pack into your Christmas hamper. A few of the wineries also run movies under the stars and live music – all of which is kid-friendly. 

Thailand

Recommended by Flashpacker Family 

Thailand is a great spot to spend the holidays if you want to get away from the Christmas madness. Picture yourself relaxing on a beach, getting massages and eating delicious Thai food. The Thai people love children and welcome them everywhere. Start in Bangkok and then hit the beach. The Andaman (western) coast of Thailand gets perfect weather in December and January so head for Phuket, Krabi or Koh Lipe. 

United Kingdom

Photo credit Getty/Gonzalo Azumendi

Recommended by World Travel Family 

A London Christmas is extra special with twinkling lights, stunning shop windows and Christmas fairs that appear everywhere in the capital. Buy a paper bag of roast chestnuts from a street vendor and browse the Christmas markets or check out one of the seasonal open-air ice rinks. You may even have a white Christmas. 

Romania

Recommended by Exploramum 

Picture this: the lights of a brightly decorated Christmas tree sparkling magically as you enter the European Christmas Market in Bucharest for the first time. Children are excitedly waiting their turn to sit on Santa’s lap in the snowy white decorated town square. Mulled wine, chestnuts, hot sausage, cozonac, open fires, sleigh rides, sledding and snow fights all mingle together as a timeless Romanian tradition. Wouldn’t your family find this the most amazing Christmas ever?

Photo credit Getty/Sebastian Condrea

Dominican Republic

Recommended by Where’s Sharon 

The Dominican Republic is an unusual, yet delightful Christmas destination for families for many reasons. But primarily because it is a friendly, relaxed destination that offers a perfect climate in December and is primarily Christian – so Christmas is celebrated widely. It is easy to find a traditional Christmas lunch, there are Christmas decorations to get in a festive mood, and kids are warmly welcome everywhere. 

Finland

Photo credit Getty/Roberto Moiola

Recommended by Travel With Bender 

There are not many destinations that can beat Lapland as a Christmas destination, since it’s Santa’s official residence. Your family will enjoy the ultimate white Christmas with husky sledding, reindeer rides, a visit to Santa’s post office and to the jolly man himself and decorating real Christmas trees in the snow with the elves. This is any family’s ultimate dream Christmas. 

Travel Insurance

We all know that the good times can take a slight detour when travelling. When the going gets tough, Travel Insurance Direct policies aim to do the heavy lifting and may assist with travel insurance cover such as family travel insurance to help keep your trip moving in the right direction, so you can refocus on the fun.