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Already tired of the Christmas tunes playing on repeat? Can’t stand watching another Santa infused commercial? Don’t spend this holiday season stressed out by the normal holiday commercialism. Take a trip to an unlikely holiday destination where there isn’t a long line in front of Best Buy, or even a Best Buy at all. There are many places, all over the world that are affordable and fun getaways to escape the typical holiday cheer. Cross one of these amazing destinations off your list of places to see before the end of the year!

Marrakech, Morocco – Topping U.S. News Travel’s list of 8 Places to Escape Christmas, Marrakech might just be the escape you are looking for. Here, a majority of the population is Muslim, so you won’t find the traditional Christmas décor and hubbub. In fact, Christmas is just another day in the city. Sip on some mint tea and explore the beautiful mosques, as well as the main town square, Djemaa el-Fna, which boasts vendors selling souvenirs (for belated Christmas gifts).

Reykjavik, Iceland – You can find great airfare and cheap hotels in Iceland at this time of year. Hotels are generally 40-50 percent cheaper now than during the summer. Flights can even be found for as low as $650 round trip. Sure, it might be a bit cold, but it’s worth it to see the aurora borealis lights, which are visible from late fall to early spring.

Nassau, Bahamas – Though Christmas is definitely celebrated here, how can you not want to escape to the beach during the holidays? You might see an ironic Santa Claus in a Speedo, but you can also see the Junkanoo from Dec. 26 and Jan. 1 – a colorful festival of lights and nightly parade. The huge celebration, started by 17^th century slaves, fills the streets with vibrant costumed dancers.

Barcelona, Spain – This city is the best value for your money this month – in fact, you can find 3-star hotels for 36 percent less than what you would pay during the peak summer season. The city is way less crowded, as most of the tourists have gone home, which means free reign to wander attractions like Casa Mila and the Picasso Museum. Best of all, the weather is sunny, typically in the mid 50s.

St. Petersburg, Russia – You won’t find a Christmas Day celebration here. After all, most of the population is Russian Orthodox and they don’t celebrate Christmas until January 7. In the meantime, just strolling through the streets, you are sure to see astonishing architectural works and historical relics. Take a tour of Catherine the Great’s Winter Palace or bite into Russian holiday dishes like sauerkraut.

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Airlines have cancelled flights going to and from London’s Heathrow Airport this week in preparation for a planned worker strike on Wednesday. About two million public workers in Great Britain are expected to contribute to a one day walkout in retaliation over pension changes. Airlines that have cancelled are encouraging their passengers to make alternative travel plans for the week to avoid further confusion and chaos.

Public employees at Heathrow include the U.K. Border Agency, which checks passports. This means the strike is particularly disrupting to international travel. To make up for the striking employees, contractors and a civil service staff have been hired to fill the void.  BAA, Heathrow’s owner, has already warned travelers of possible 12 hour delays at the airport’s immigration halls.

Airlines from all over the world have canceled their flights, including companies from Greece and the Middle East. Etihad Airways confirmed on Monday that they have canceled two flights from Abu Dhabi to Heathrow to avoid their passengers’ added stress with immigration. Etihad will instead fly another flight in with about half the passenger capacity. Similarly, Greece’s Aegean Airlines, canceled a flight into Heathrow from Athens as well as a flight from Heathrow to Athens in the hopes of avoiding the expected delays. The company might also cancel more flights, including a flight to Cyprus.  Virgin Atlantic cut their passenger list by over 1,000 to avoid long lines, waiving the usual rebooking fees for their customers. British Airways has not canceled any flights yet, hoping to remain on schedule.

London’s other major airport, Gatwick, has also warned travelers of “significant disruption” at the immigration halls. It is also possible that London’s smaller airports, including Luton, City, and Stansted, could be affected by the impending strike. It’s predicted that it will most likely top the strikes of 1979, when tens of thousands of British workers went on strike against pay wages.

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With the beautiful fall weather here, it’s hard not to want to get away for a nice weekend. You don’t have to go far to enjoy the crisp autumn air and majestic colors of the season, nor do you have to hole up in a chain hotel conglomerate to do so. Here are a few towns known for their quaint bed and breakfasts that will leave you relaxed and feeling refreshed:

Savannah, Georgia – Though there are many small historical towns along the southeastern coast, Savannah is the mother of them all. Among its many bed and breakfasts is The Gastonian known for its luxurious southern charm. In this 19^th century mansion, you can stay in one of its 17 guestrooms and taste its delectable southern dishes, including poached eggs with grilled tomatoes, cheese grits, and country bacon.

Santa Barbara, California – A popular getaway for residents of Los Angeles and other nearby California cities, Santa Barbara is also home to a number of bed and breakfasts. Here you can find themed bed and breakfasts, ranging from Victorian inns to country homes to French cottages. The Simpson House Inn continually holds its own as one of the best bed and breakfasts in the country.

Annapolis, Maryland - The capital of Maryland may be famous for its Naval Academy, but it also has some of the best bed and breakfasts in the country. Situated along the eastern seaboard, the quaint town of Annapolis is always a fun place to visit. Check out the Annapolis Inn or Inn at Spa Creek in Eastport.

Duluth, Minnesota - Though you may think “freezing cold” when you hear the word “Minnesota,” Duluth is also known for its charming bed and breakfasts lining Lake Superior. The eight inns, in combination with the cobblestone streets and other historical trimmings, make for one memorable getaway destination. The Firelight Inn is known for its “bird-friendly” environment, while the Olcott House brings the southern charm to the north.

Yachats, Oregon – Located on Oregon’s beautiful coast, Yachats is a little paradise away from the commercialism of the outside world. Many tourists have yet to catch on to the simple nature of Yachats, making its beaches feel like your very own private hiding spot.  Stay in the See Vu Motel or Heceta Head Lighthouse’s Keeper’s House.