When we think of the Christmas holidays, we think of snow, Christmas trees, large family dinners and lots of presents. Decorating the house, cooking a turkey and wrapping gifts has become part of our normal traditions, and we can’t imagine stepping away from them to celebrate the holidays somewhere else.

But for just one moment, imagine it. Imagine being free of the stresses and hassles of the holidays, and spending the time with your closest loved ones in a beautiful setting where someone else does all the work.

Here are four reasons to travel over Christmas – let the wheels of imagination start turning.

1)   Someone else will handle Christmas dinner - No more worrying about basting the turkey, making the stuffing, and making sure there’s something for picky Aunt Sue to eat. Let any restaurant at your destination of choice pamper you with a dinner you can cater to suit your needs. Most will offer turkey, but perhaps this year, you’d prefer pasta.  Go for it. 

2)   Eliminate Christmas Shopping - Many families agree to use gift-buying money to fund a family vacation instead. Not only does this minimize the amount of time you have to spend in crowded shopping malls buying things you’re not sure your loved ones will enjoy, but you know for sure the gift you give yourselves will be loved by everyone.

3)   Less Family Stress/More Family Time - Yes, Christmas is a time to spend with the ones you love – your nearest and dearest family and friends.  But let’s face it: during the holiday season, you will inevitably find yourself in a situation where you have to make small talk with your distant Uncle Jack, whom you only see at your slightly-less-distant Aunt Sue’s annual Christmas Eve brunch, where they always serve the smoked salmon you are allergic to. Going away with your closest family ensures that you not only get quality time with those you love most, but you minimize the time spent with those you don't.

4)   Avoid Decorating Disasters - We all love to see the Christmas decorations adorning the homes of others, but admit it – putting up and taking down all those lights, stars, angels and wreaths every year is arduous and exhausting. Going away on vacation for the holiday means you can minimize your decorating – or eliminate it all together. Let your destination do the decorating, while you simply sit back and enjoy.

If the holidays are starting to be more work than wonderment, spend them somewhere new, doing something new, with the ones you love. Let a new tradition evolve in your family – one that you will all enjoy for a long time to come.