The Great Christmas and New Year getaway: Millions of Brits embark on festive journeys abroad

Thursday, December 21, 2023

The Travel Association anticipates that a considerable number of travelers will embark on international journeys during the Christmas and New Year period, spanning from December 22 to January 2.

This particular time of the year proves to be highly favored for global travel, especially among those with young families. Departures are expected to peak on December 22, marking the busiest day, while Christmas Day is projected to be the least hectic.

Vacationers are seeking either winter sun or a more traditional snowy Christmas experience. The Canary Islands, Cyprus, Dubai, Southern Spain, and Turkey emerge as the most sought-after destinations for those in pursuit of warmth and sunshine.

Alternatively, for those yearning for a conventional Christmas in a snowy setting, ski resorts in France, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy are leading choices. Notably, ABTA members have noted a substantial demand for an ultimate Christmas break – visiting Father Christmas in Lapland, with a prominent travel company having catered to nearly 40,000 customers in recent weeks.

For revelers desiring a stylish New Year celebration, popular overseas city break destinations this year encompass Dublin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Paris, and Vienna.

The Christmas travel statistics:

• Major airports are witnessing a surge in numbers, with 425,000 set to depart from Stansted, 253,000 from Luton, approximately 395,000 from Manchester, 335,000 from Birmingham, and 145,000 from Bristol. Both Gatwick and Heathrow anticipate significant activity, with over 6.5 million passengers expected to pass through Heathrow throughout December.
• Scottish airports will see hundreds of thousands of passengers, with 200,000 departing from Edinburgh alone, along with numerous departures from other regional airports.
• Additionally, a substantial number of people will traverse the English Channel, utilizing ferries or the Channel Tunnel for their journeys.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive said: 

“Christmas and New Year are always very busy times for travel and this year will be no exception, with large numbers heading overseas looking to spend quality time with loved ones. ABTA members are pleased to be able to make people’s Christmas holiday wishes come true – whether they’re seeking winter sun or guaranteed snow and the chance for everyone in the family to relax and enjoy the festivities to the full. 

“Roads and public transport will as always be very busy, so please leave a little extra time to get to your departure port and avoid unnecessary stress and worry. And if you are taking a winter sports break- make sure you have the right travel insurance –  it can be a costly mistake if you don’t.”

« Back to Page

• Unleash your wanderlust: travel inspiration with ABTA members

• Boost your Travel Business with Advanced Social Media Tactics: ABTA’s exclusive seminar

• Future travel coalition calls on industry participation in crucial survey to bolster lobbying efforts

• Generation T takes the lead: paving the way for overseas travel dominance in 2024

• Diverse strategies for industry’s response to climate change