ABTA estimates that more than 4.7 million passengers are heading abroad over the Christmas and New Year period (December 18 ?January 2), with the peak travel day predicted to be December 21, and Christmas Day expected to be the quietest day for travel.
Holidaymakers are either heading off for some much-needed winter sun or to colder climes to enjoy the snow. Winter sun lovers are expected to head short haul to the Canary Islands, Alicante and Egypt, while Dubai and India are long haul favourites.
For those looking for a traditional Christmas experience in a snowy destination, Tromso and Lapland are expected to be the most popular destinations, while Munich and Frankfurt are other winter destinations which are also selling well this year. Popular New Year?s Eve breaks include the cities of Amsterdam, Budapest and Berlin. Domestically London, Edinburgh and Dublin continue to lead the way.
Europe is the number one destination people plan to travel to next year. There have been assurances recently from the European Commission and UK government that, even in the event of a no-deal Brexit, flights will continue to fly between the UK and the EU and that UK visitors to EU countries won?t need a visa. ABTA is also providing practical advice to holidaymakers including on issues such as passports and driving licences via abta.com/Brexit.
