Get in the spirit with Christmas shopping and New Year breaks

The festive season is fast approaching, so whether you’re looking for a stylish shopping trip, traditional Christmas market or just a winter escape, look no further than Hays Travel.

Each year it seems to get harder and harder to find unique presents for our friends and family, but one good way of avoiding the usual culprits is to head overseas in search of surprise treats. There’s nothing better than soaking up the festive atmosphere and enjoying some Christmas shopping in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Or what about something a bit more exotic this year?

Marrakech is an exciting, mysterious and unique city break destination. It feels far-flung but it actually only takes around three hours to fly there from the UK. With its charming narrow streets, bustling main square and vibrant colours, this place has loads of atmosphere. Haggle in the world-famous souks for beautiful lanterns, textiles and ceramics and come back laden with a case full of gorgeous bargain Christmas presents. You can also sample local specialities like cous cous, falafel and mint tea, and even take a day trip to the breathtaking Atlas Mountains.

One of the most wonderful things about a holiday in Marrakech is the accommodation. Rather than staying in a modern hotel, experience authentic Morocco by staying in a traditional riad. Each of these little hideaways is unique and they usually only have a handful of guest rooms. Most riads are built around a central courtyard, designed to be a haven of peace away from the chaos of the city. Many have rooftop terraces and the design of every room is individual, usually incorporating local arts and crafts.

And what about New Year? Why not make your start to 2011 unforgettable with a trip abroad? Times Square, New York. Dam Square, Amsterdam. Shopping. Culture. Sun. Stunning architecture. Great food and nightlife. Romance. Whatever it is you’re looking for, we have a range of chic city breaks that won’t break the bank this winter.

City breaks can offer great value for money and right now we have some incredibly cheap deals to a whole host of European and worldwide destinations. Whether it’s shopping in Barcelona, romance in Rome or fun-filled adventures in Amsterdam, there’s something for everyone at prices you’ll love.

Hays Travel has been established for 30 years and is the UK's largest independently-owned travel agency.

Hays Travel have thousands of Christmas and New Year deals to a huge range of destinations. To be the first to know about what's on offer, click the 'like' button on Hays Travel Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/haystravel