Over Five Million Brits Expected to Travel Abroad During Holiday Season

ABTA projects that more than five million individuals will travel abroad from December 19 to January 4, with December 19 expected to be the peak departure day.

ABTA, The Travel Association, estimates that more than five million people will travel internationally during the Christmas and New Year period, spanning from December 19 to January 4. December 19 is expected to be the busiest day for departures, while Christmas Day is predicted to be the least busy.

The holiday season is a popular time for international travel, particularly among families taking advantage of the school break. Destinations such as mainland Spain, the Canary Islands, Portugal, and Turkey are seeing strong sales, according to ABTA members. Other favored winter sun locations include Palma de Mallorca, Dubai, and Sharm El Sheik.

Travelers seeking festive experiences are opting for Christmas market trips to cities like Tallin, Gdansk, Vienna, and Cologne. For those desiring a traditional snowy holiday, ski resorts in France, Austria, Switzerland, and Scandinavia are leading choices. Popular city break destinations for New Year celebrations include Amsterdam, Barcelona, Budapest, Dublin, Geneva, Milan, Paris, Prague, and Rome.

Major UK airports are reporting high passenger numbers, with Stansted expecting 700,000 departures, Luton 400,000, Manchester 750,000, Birmingham 250,000, and Bristol 225,000. Heathrow anticipates its busiest December and Christmas Day on record. Scottish airports, including Edinburgh, are also experiencing significant traffic, with over 120,000 expected to depart during its peak days.

In addition to air travel, a substantial number of travelers are crossing the English Channel by ferry and through the Channel Tunnel, or embarking on cruises.

ABTA advises travelers to plan for busy roads and potential public transport disruptions, recommending that they allow extra time for travel to departure points. The association also emphasizes the importance of appropriate travel insurance for those heading to ski destinations.

For further travel planning and preparation advice, ABTA directs travelers to its website.