Due to forced annual leave and a severe case of cognitive dissonance if I stay home, I'm looking to book a fairly impromptu trip over NYE.

Due to forced annual leave and a severe case of cognitive dissonance if I stay home, I'm looking to book a fairly impromptu trip over NYE.

The criteria is <10 hours and warm, beach destination. Not Bali as I've recently returned from there and have a couple of trips in the pipeline. I've looked at booking last minute to places for trips this week, just as a test case. Has anyone done this over peak period? My inner Av-Geek loves the idea of waking up one morning and booking to head somewhere. Would it be better to book now and lock something in?

Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Fiji, Hawaii... take your pick.

Generally, prices over NYE will already be quite high so you'd be paying at flexible rates anyway no matter when you book. Availability will be hindered the later you book it though.

Fiji, New Caledonia, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tahiti and Vanuatu are all within easy reach.

Samoa, Savaii, pick the "Le Lagoto", and hire a car - absolutely fabulous!

Decide and book now. Then the worry is taken away. Where, really depends on what else you want apart from the beach ie sites, shops, fine dining or luxury hotel. Personally, Hawaii has always been good to us, especially Maui. if it is purely Beach you want, then why not go to somewhere like Hayman Island, even though it is on your doorstep or to a resort like Amanpuri in Phuket. Otherwise Fiji or Tahiti would be equally good options. In effect, you are spoilt for choice!

All flights are going to be expensive for that period and are only going to get more expensive. Book ASAP. I would avoid the Pacific islands as they are quite expensive (I went to Samoa last year). I would head to Thailand or Vietnam - they're much better value.