Christmas is that time of year when the whole family gets to come together and spend some quality time together. But even with the whole family there, it's so easy to forget a vacation if you spend it at a blah or cliché venue. Here are some great destinations where your family will definitely have a great time and spend what'll be one of the best Christmas vacations yet.

Keeping the Winter Blues Away in Mexico

For most people, winter isn't exactly the happiest time of the year. It's bleak for most of every day, and the snow makes it hard to move around. You'll have to keep shoveling it to boot! If you and your family prefer to be active even during the holiday season, the best Christmas vacation might be one in the tropics or in a warmer region.

The beaches of Mexico would be a good place to start looking. Exchange rates would be slightly in your favor, and the short distance keeps travel expenses from becoming too high. Many celebrities actually go to Mexico and nearby regions for peace and quiet. Your family will have a lot of space and privacy there.

Orient Ahoy!

Mexico and other vacation destinations, however, might still prove to be too close to the hustle and bustle you're trying to escape. If that's the case, the best Christmas vacation destination might be lying someplace a little farther away. Asia would be a great - not to mention affordable - place to consider.

One of the most interesting things about Asia is that most of the countries there preserve traditional beliefs and practices, so you'll be surrounded by a very different culture. It's going to be difficult to find all the novel sites and sounds anywhere near 'boring.' Don't forget to bring your camera when you go to Asia. You're bound to see a lot of unique things you can show off back home.

The weather will be on your side in much of the region, as most Asian countries have either winters without snow or no winters at all. Even better, nations that have great year-round weather also have fantastic beaches that rank among the world's best. Christmas vacations in countries like Malaysia and the Philippines will involve a lot of frolicking in the sun and sand.

A Holiday in the Sun in the Caribbean

Getting some comfort and pampering is only natural when you go on vacation. But if you're looking for more than the usual, the fun-and-comfort combination offered by the Caribbean might be the kind of vacation you're looking for.

The Caribbean might sound like an overcrowded, overhyped and overpriced destination, considering how often you hear it mentioned as a vacation venue. Although some of it is just hype, most of it is justified. The Caribbean, for all intents and purposes, is a fantastic place to go for several reasons.

Pampering is something you're sure to get at the Caribbean. Most of its economy is supported by tourism, and it shows with the number of resorts, hotels and other companies that exist simple for tourists. Accommodations there are fully equipped for anything you might want, from a simple beach holiday to a luxurious retreat complete with wine and the huge suite.

The whole idea of the 'best' Christmas vacation will vary from family to family, so the destination for your own family might not even be among the ones above. The important point is that the destination will be a critical factor in just how memorable the whole trip could be for your family.