The best places to escape Christmas crowd this year

One of the best parts of vacation is feeling like you’re getting away—from your work, your regular life, that 6 a.m. workout class that you're trying to avoid. But what about when you want to escape all that and the crowds? We’ve got you covered. Here, are a few destinations that are largely tourist-free, whether it’s a beach in the least-visited country on earth, or a mountainous microstate surrounded by Italy.

Northern lights in Arctic Norway:

Alta, Norway, offers that rare combo of relatively mild temps, thrilling winter activities, and the closest thing to a guarantee that you’ll see the Northern Lights. Unlike other parts of the Arctic circle, there’s no chance of you running into polar bears here, which means you can enjoy the other great gem of the Arctic circle – the Northern Lights, without worrying about parking up your car and setting your tripod in some remote location in the middle of the night.

Colorful culture in Colombia:

In Cartagena, the holidays bring music and parties everywhere. Lights are hung from the brightly colored colonial houses, café tables are pulled into the streets for celebratory dinners, and the Sofitel Santa Clara throws a spectacular New Year’s Eve party. Combine such city festivities with quiet time at plantations in the coffee country, in the rainforest, or on the beach.

Beach-and-desert fun in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman:

Well, it is hard to mark one country with the budget as you can actually do both of them low budget or spend a fortune – it all depends on your travel style…oh and it also helps if you change hotels for a wilderness camping under the starry sky – both countries allow it and it is also safe. There is no better combination in the world for short getaways into the warm sun and sand dunes and numerous activities. Oman speaks of culture and tradition and a unique cuisine that will be perfect for your Instagram upload. #foodporn

Sri Lanka:

Not only it is a feast for all the senses—with a rich culture, delectable food, and friendly people—but it was also less crowded and pricey than the Caribbean. In fact, it is the best Christmas abroad. Since Sri Lanka hasn’t been “discovered” yet by the tourist masses, but big-hotel construction is coming soon, now is the time to go.

Summer thrills in New Zealand:

December is the start of summer Down Under, so you’ll find temps in the 70s and daylight lasting past 9 p.m., for maximum sightseeing. Conditions are lovely for everything from wine tasting and caving on the North Island to jet-boating and heli-hiking on the South Island. Read our Insider’s Guides to The Best of New Zealand, Insider’s New Zealand, Queenstown, and the Bay of Islands.

One-of-a-kind New Year’s in Rio:

Rio de Janeiro has one of the world’s most spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations: Two million people dressed in white gather on Copacabana Beach to light candles and throw flowers into the sea, as an offering to the ocean goddess.

There are live Brazilian samba music and fireworks over the beach too. As for other Brazil locales, you might combine with Rio, get ideas from our Insider’s Guides to Trancoso, the Amazon, and Five-Star Brazil: Best Things to See and Do.

St. Helena:

Yes, I’m talking about the isolated island in the South Atlantic that until recently you could reach only by mailboat from Cape Town. That necessitated spending five or six days at sea—each way. You can dive to shipwrecks, swim with whale sharks, go on picturesque hikes to see some of the 500 endemic species of flora and fauna, and meet the local people—called “Saints”—who are known for their hospitality.