Millions of Brits Poised for Festive Getaways

As many as five million people across the UK will be heading overseas for the Christmas and New Year period, ABTA – The Travel Association estimates. The busiest day for travel is expected to be 23 December, while perhaps unsurprisingly, Christmas Day itself is the quietest.

Demand is especially strong for winter sun destinations this year, with ABTA members seeing pent-up demand for Canary Islands and Southern Spain, while Turkey, Portugal and are also key destinations. Looking further afield. Jamaica, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Dubai and Mexico are high on travellers’ lists in 2022.

City break destinations are likewise in high demand, with trips to New York, Paris, Amsterdam and Dublin increasing over the coming days.

ABTA Chief Executive Mark Tanzer commented: “Christmas and New Year are always very busy times for travel and this year will be very special as millions have the first opportunity after travel restrictions have lifted to spend quality time with friends and family abroad over the festive period.

“We also know that once the immediate festivities are out of the way, many people will be thinking about their holidays for 2023. Early booking is always advisable to avoid disappointment, get the best prices and have something to look forward to, especially at busy times of year, and our Members are on hand to help people get the best value break.”

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