Escaping the TV this Christmas: what are your options?

With another cold winter predicted for those staying in the UK this Christmas, and with the threat of even lower temperatures than experienced over the last festive break, it's no wonder that many people in the UK want to escape the British Isles in favour of a more comfortable location to celebrate Christmas or see in the New Year. Prices for such breaks may seem to escalate closer to the time, though you'll be surprised at just how great deals can be - especially via major travel outlets such as Teletext Holidays.

While people are still willing to take "staycations" over the coming year - for instance, Visit England recently claimed that seven in ten English people will take at least one break in their home nation - the competitive market in the recession is resulting in great package deals for eagle-eyed holidaymakers.

The 2012 Travel Trends Survey – now in its fifth year with TripAdvisor -found that our troubled economy was a "significant concern" for Britons, yet travel budgets continue to remain healthy. A whopping two-thirds (66 per cent) of Brits plan to take between two and four leisure trips in 2012, and average budgets for a main break span between £2,000 and £4,000.

Still, you can lower these budgets drastically by finding a late deal, whatever you want to do. Whether you decide to go somewhere warmer such as Australia, or would rather embrace the benefits of cold weather with a skiing holiday in the Alps, there are too many options and for great, low prices.

Many of the most popular resorts can be found closer to home. While you can always explore the UK Christmas markets for as little as £33 per person, those wanting to fork out just over £500 could land themselves on a five-star cruise down the Nile. An all-inclusive trip to Egypt may be something that appeals to you; four stars for £489 per person at the beautiful Sharm el Sheikh could be too hard to refuse.

Deals for old or young families to Orlando, Malta, the Algarve and other areas both near and far will also promise you a Christmas you won't forget. Even if you want to spend the big day at home, sub-£100 trips to European Christmas markets could help you score the presents you and your family deserve this December.

Naturally, late deals update almost continually but a traveller with a taste for adventure, an open mind and a modest budget can easily turn Christmas from a day in front of the telly to a fun-filled adventure.