If the thought of another traditional British Christmas of shopping, cooking and relatives fills you with despair, don't worry. Lesley Richardson checks out the alternatives

Christmas is traditionally a time of goodwill and cheer - not to mention enormous credit card bills, squabbling children and entertaining relatives you avoid the rest of the year.

Dreams of a white Christmas can end up with a grey, wintry day sporting granny's knitted gifts and watching the Queen's speech to the backing sound of a snoring, overfed grandfather.

While this picture of domestic bliss might appeal to some, many are opting to flee the country and escape the festive experience altogether, preferring a sunny beach, a snow-capped mountain or a jungle retreat.

Tom Hall, travel information manager for Lonely Planet guidebooks, says: ''Christmas is one of the few holidays families get time off together and they want it to be relaxing, not stressing over the turkey and entertaining.''

For anyone seriously contemplating jetting off to far-flung shores, it is essential to plan ahead to ensure the holiday meets all the family's requirements.

Take into account the budget available for flights, accommodation and spending money and decide on the kind of break - city, sun or ski.

Hall says: ''It depends what you want. If you want to escape the Christmas experience then avoid the Western world. Go to Morocco where it is not commercial and touristy.''

He adds: ''Show imagination wherever you go. If the popular places are too expensive or booked, then think again. There are so many options available - you don't have to limit yourself.''

The Canary Islands are popular amongst Brits for the mild, balmy climate. Hall advises visiting smaller, less touristy islands like El Hierro rather than Tenerife, Lanzarote or Gran Canaria.

Australia and New Zealand are also popular destinations for the Christmas break. The bonus of visiting this part of the world is that, as Britain braces the cold winter weather, these countries are basking in the sunshine at the height of summer.

Ray Dickinson, marketing manager for Advantage Travel Centres, says: ''Australia is the perfect place to escape European weather. You can combine it with stopovers in other countries.''

Holidays vary from city breaks in Sydney, taking in the Opera House and other cultural delights, soaking up the sun on Bondi beach, touring the outback in a camper van or joining an organised trip.

The fact that English is the first language makes it an easy country to explore, but Dickinson warns: ''People forget how big Australia is - you could drop the UK in there about 34 times. Don't try to cram in everything because it's physically impossible.''

Anyone dreaming of a white Christmas might consider a ski break in Europe or further afield in Canada. Dickinson explains the appeal: ''It's the romance of a white Christmas which you can't guarantee in the UK. Scotland doesn't always have good snow and it's usually packed on the slopes with massive queues for the lifts and the snow quickly becomes slushy.''

Trois Vallees in the French Alps calls itself the largest skiable area in the world. It is a massive interconnected ski region consisting of three main resorts - Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens - and eight villages in three valleys.

Many winter sports fans are venturing further afield to the US and Canada. Dickinson says: ''The restaurants and hotels in the States and Canada are different to Europe. Everything is much bigger, brasher, bolder and it's also much cheaper because there is so much more choice and competition which brings the prices down.

''In Europe sometimes the rooms may be smaller and more expensive but you have the distinct cultures and foods and different language to enjoy and it is also closer to home.''

More unusual destinations recommended by Dickinson include Dubai in the Middle East which has an amazing gold market, spice market, an internationally acclaimed golf course, golden beaches and big, plush hotels.

''It's very friendly and incredibly safe with a striking variety of cultures,'' he adds. ''It's a Muslim country so you have to be respectful to tradition and you can't drink alcohol in public places.

''It's the perfect place for a short break in the lap of luxury to pamper yourself and get some sun.''

South Africa is relatively close but there are a limited number of flights available which need to be booked in advance, especially over Christmas.

The strength of the pound guarantees value for money. Tourists can go on safari or take the Blue Train, an all-inclusive luxury rail cruise, and journey through South Africa's spectacular landscapes taking in Cape Town's Table Mountain and the Victoria Falls along the way.

Dickinson advises booking early wherever the final destination. He recommends taking a holiday outside the peak period of between December 22 and 30 if possible to get cheaper flights and increased availability.

But if Christmas Day elsewhere is the key to surviving the festive season shop around for the best value and ensure a very merry Christmas is had by all - whether it be toasting Santa in the sun or in the snow