The southernmost of the Caribbean islands, Tobago is located just seven miles from the South American mainland and offers an array of Christmas traditions with a South American touch. Couples can spend Christmas relaxing on the beach, take a walk in the oldest rainforest in the Western Hemisphere or experience a new treetop walk to see the hummingbirds at work. You can hang out, or 'lime', with the locals, eat delicious Christmas Pastelles (savouries filled with meat and spices) and drink traditional (and rum-infused) Christmas ponche-de-crème, while listening to traditional Tobagan Parang music. Kenwood Travel offers a seven-night B&B holiday at Coco Reef Resort from £2,625 per adult based on two sharing a Superior Garden Room and flying from Gatwick with BA on 21 December 2015.

When it comes to Christmas in the sun without the long-haul flight, the Canary Islands have your winter escape covered. With average December temperatures of 21C, Tenerife is a marvellous choice for families and Villa Maria Jacuzzi allows you to take advantage of hotel luxuries in your own private villa. Parents can celebrate Christmas Day with a Champagne breakfast at the restaurant and relax safe in the knowledge that all the cooking, cleaning and shopping is done for you. For the kids, there is a games room, playground and play room kitted out with toys and babysitters are also on hand. Tots to Travel offers a seven-night holiday for two adults and two children in a villa with private Jacuzzi on a B&B basis from 20 December starting at £2,800.

Head for the Caribbean to experience a lively mix of traditional Saint Lucian festivities this Christmas - from joining the Bamboo Bursting celebrations, to indulging in authentic cuisine washed down with the famous Caribbean Sorrel drink. At Capella Marigot Bay Resort and Marina, you can indulge in spa treatments without leaving the poolside and keep the children entertained by exploring some of the island’s native wildlife. The luxury resort offers lavish accommodation, a variety of restaurants - including an exclusive rum cave - and a brand new spa concept for guests who don't want to venture outside of their sanctuary. A six-night all-inclusive package costs from £4,109 per person based on two sharing from 21 to 27 December 2015. Flights not included.

A dreamy Sicilian retreat with easy access to Noto and the island’s best beaches, Villa Orizzonte Blue is wonderful for a family escape this Christmas. Sleeping eight people, the villa is superbly located in the Sicilian countryside, just a short drive from Baroque city Noto and some of Sicily's most attractive beaches for a Boxing Day walk. The four bedrooms are stylish and minimalistic, each with a view of the countryside or sea. The outside space is ideal for making the most of the Christmas sun. One week’s rental from 21 December 2015 costs from £2,035 with The Massimo Villa Collection. Flights extra.

If your plan is to swap the chilly UK for palm-fringed beaches, exotic food and tropical gardens, Thailand awaits, and at MANATHAI Koh Samui you can experience a stylish and affordable festive escape. By booking a three-night stay during Christmas, you will receive a complimentary four-course Christmas dinner at hotel restaurant The Waterline and a four-course set festive dinner at restaurant Pad Thai. A Christmas break at MANATHAI Koh Samui is all about the food, where pan-seared sea bass, lentils with braised pork belly and prawn ravioli with bisque are on offer. The boutique hotel combines boundless gardens with lush views of powder-white sands and turquoise waters. A Deluxe Double Room costs from £47 a night from 18 December and £126 from 25 December 2015.

This Christmas in Southern Spain, you can soak up the festive atmosphere, marvellous sunshine and stylish spa scene with a holiday at Finca Cortesin. The luxury hotel is hosting incredible feasts and revelries from dawn until dusk to mark the festive period, inviting guests to book one, three and five-night escapes. Choose from a sumptuous Japanese banquet or modern Spanish delicacies, with caviar, duck and roasted apple sauce featuring on the Christmas menus. Tuck in to festive afternoon tea fit for adults and children, before taking a Spanish siesta with a therapeutic massage from the Spa to rejuvenate ahead of the night’s festivities. Don't miss a trip to Spain’s only Snow Cave at the Spa for a guaranteed white Christmas! Christmas packages start from £645 for one night in a Junior Suite.

Travel to Dubai for Christmas to take advantage of the sunshine and sandy beaches while staying among the famous skyscrapers. Enjoy the whole of Christmas Day at the stylish, five-star Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach before departing late in the evening (flight departs at 2am) to avoid the increased Christmas prices with DialAFlight. You can laze in the infinity pool looking out at the Arabian Gulf or take a short stroll to the white sandy Jumeirah Beach (the hotel has direct access) and enjoy Christmas Day brunch. Four nights' B&B in a Superior Room costs from £895 per person including BA flights from Heathrow on 21 December 2015.