If the thought of Christmas in the cold and wet isn't very appealing, there is an unusual amount of late availability at good prices around this year as tour companies try to tempt holidaymakers back to the skies following the 11 September terrorist attacks in the United States.

Some of the most likely places to find a bargain are those that have suffered a downturn in the number of US visitors, such as the Caribbean.

For instance, Tropical Places (0800 083 6662; www.tropicalplaces.co.uk) has 13 nights' all-inclusive holidays in the four-star Couples Ocho Rios in Jamaica for £1,599 per person, a £1,000 saving on the normal price. Flights depart from Heathrow on 16 December.

Other opportunities exist in countries with a large Muslim population. Many have seen a huge downtown in bookings since the outbreak of the war in Afghanistan. Elegant Resorts (01244 897 888;www.elegantresorts.co.uk) still has availability in Dubai in a deluxe room at the Royal Mirage Hotel for £1,785 half-board over Christmas week. And Cox & Kings (020 7873 5000; www.coxandkings.co.uk) has four nights' bed and breakfast at a five-star hotel in Cairo for £645, down from £995.

The US also has good late availability. Jetsave (0870 444 0688) has two-week holidays in Florida with car hire leaving 13/14 December with savings of £100 per person at either the two-star Masters Inn in Kissimmee near Walt Disney World Resorts for £539 per person, or at the four-star Holiday Inn for £715 per person.

However, if you're looking for a bargain to New York, make sure you travel before 20 December - prices for flights after that more than double to £444 from 20-24 December with Virgin booked through Trailfinders (020 7937 5400; www.trailfinders.com). Departures either side of that period cost £155-£165.