by Tom Bastek
Last updated: 4:00 PM ET, Fri November 28, 2014
All of us have thought about it, and then the reality gets the better of us. Spending the holidays somewhere, anywhere that doesn't involve the family; which if brought up in discussion, would get you getting beaten worse than garlic mashed potatoes on Turkey Day. If you are lucky enough to have an understanding family however, where would you go? While the family back home is up to their eyeballs in arguments and overindulgence, here are a few great escapes that are sure to keep you laid back and relaxed.
Take a cruise
I know couples that cruise almost every year for the holidays. Some of them have been doing it for so long that their families don't even flinch anymore. Cruises are a great way to get away from everything; the country, technology (yes, no cell phone going off) and of course the kid who just loves to throw up all over you.
You can book your cruise well ahead of time, in case you need to give you in-laws some time to digest the fact that, "Little Susie isn't going to be able to open up her gifts on Christmas Day for the first time in 44 years." Or you can just wait till last minute and book something that comes down in price the closer that you get to the date of departure.
Believe it or not, Christmas cruises are quite popular and you may not want to wait until the last minute, especially if you want something more than an inside stateroom.
Rent a cabin
If you don't mind the snow or if you are a skiing/snowboarding aficionado, you might want to think about renting a cabin. Cabin rentals can be the ultimate in convenience or really getting back to nature if that is what you desire. Truthfully, if headed to the mountains, you probably won't have much in the way of cell phone coverage anyway, although now-a-days almost every cabin is ready to go with Wi-Fi.
The Tennessee and North Carolina Mountains are beautiful year round and if you happen to be in the Asheville area and consider yourself a beer fan, you are in for a real treat. Asheville is known as the beer capital of the southeast and has dubbed itself "Beer City USA."
READ ON: Drinking Across Dixie: Craft Beer Cities of the South
The skiing isn't going to be anywhere near as good as out in the Rocky Mountains, and if you really want to do something special, think about a catered chalet. They are the all-inclusive equivalent for ski cabins and, le'ts be honest, you may want a nice meal on Christmas and not want to cook it.
READ ON: Catered Chalets 101: The Only Way to Ski
Las Vegas
If you have never been to Las Vegas, than you may want to think about your first trip going for the holidays. This truly is the city that never sleeps, with food, drink, and resorts open 24/7/365. All of the resorts offer up spectacular meals for the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, and you can bet that the casino floors, the bars and the dance clubs will all be open and more than ready to take your money. If you get away from the strip there are some great places to see Christmas decorations and the holiday shopping in Las Vegas is epic.
READ ON: Tip Well, Hydrate and Look Sharp: The 15 Rules for Vegas Virgins
There you go: just three of the endless possibilities available to you without your family. And without the hangovers (unless you induce them for fun), headaches (unless they are from the fun-induced hangovers), and humbug that goes with going home for the holidays.
Happy Holidays!
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
