Hoping to escape this holiday season? Popular resorts in the Caribbean are reporting record bookings and good luck finding a room at Orlando's Disney World between Christmas and New Year's.

But don't despair -- there are options for people not interested in Christmas at home. Here are a few getaways you might not have considered:

• The American South. Take advantage of a great exchange rate and warmer temperatures...think San Diego on the West Coast, or the Southern charm of cities like Charleston and Savannah.

• Hit the big city. Business travellers are staying home over the holidays, which typically mean great hotel package deals in places such as Toronto, Montreal, New York and Chicago. Think museums, a wide range of restaurants and holiday festivities to suit every age.

• Ski. Unlike many ski resort destinations, winter is actually low season in Alberta's Banff National Park. Check out great ski hills like Lake Louise, Norquay and Sunshine and choose from a wide range of hotels and motels in Banff township. Package deals including accommodation, lift tickets and complimentary shuttles abound!

• Europe-bound. Low-season rates are particularly attractive in second-tier European cities such as Vienna, Florence and Amsterdam. Reasonable airfares on off-peak days like Christmas Eve and Christmas Day make a festive holiday on the continent even more appealing. Granted, it may not be the weather you are looking for, but the lack of crowds and holiday celebrations in Europe can be truly magical. Try the Christmas markets in German and Austrian towns ... nothing quite like drinking a steaming cup of mulled wine on the streets!

• Still want the sun? Well, it is still possible to get a few deals over the Christmas holidays as long as you aren't too specific on your destination. Check out last-minute vacation deals on websites like selloffvacations.com and itravel2000.com. Think about leaving on Christmas Day itself and your stocking may still be full of surf, sand and sun.