With more British travellers expected to spend Christmas overseas than ever before, it looks as though the lure of warm sunshine, luxury hotels and last-minute winter breaks, is more appealing than Santa, Turkey and re-runs of Only Fools and Horses.

As someone who has spent the last 18 Christmases away from the UK, I can certainly understand why people would rather spend their Christmas budget on a holiday, but as I have conceded to spend the festive season in good old Blighty this year, I will be one of the many dreaming about these Top 5 Christmas Hot Spots!

Her name was Lola… she was a showgirl… Oh, what I wouldn’t give to switch my eggnog for a chilled Caipirinha on Copacabana Beach this Christmas. Rio de Janeiro is hotting up nicely, and now is the calm before the Carnaval storm arrives!

They might be experiencing some turbulent weather in this region of the world, but I would still take my chances on a Christmas break to the Fiji Islands!  An island-hoppers paradise, Fiji has some of the most beautiful beaches on planet earth, and I so wish I could dip my toes in the Pacific…

The sea might be a bit too chilly to swim in, but with daily temperatures reaching 30 degrees, now is a great time to head down to Walker Bay in South Africa.  Here you can spend Christmas Day whale watching, Shark cage-diving or quaffing wine in one of the many beautiful wineries in the region – bliss.

With mile upon mile of white sandy beaches and delicious dining venues, Perth in Western Australia is a perfect destination for your Christmas Holiday.  The weather forecast for Christmas Day is sunshine and 29° degrees…

My top pick for a Christmas break would have to be the Caribbean Island of Anguilla.  A week in a luxury hotel on Shoal Bay Beach would make my Christmas very merry indeed…

If you are heading away somewhere warm and exotic this Christmas, let us know, we won’t be jealous… honest!