ABTA: More than five million head overseas on festive holidays
ABTA is forecasting over five million people will jet off on holiday over the Christmas and New Year period (19 December to 4 January).
Today, 19 December is set to be the busiest day for departures.
Christmas Day will be the quietest.
It is particularly popular for young families with the two week school break.
It says ABTA members have reported strong sales for mainland Spain, the Canary Islands, Portugal and Turkey.
Dubai and Sharm El Sheik have also sold well.
Travellers on Christmas market breaks re heading to Tallin, Gdansk, Vienna and Cologne, while ski holidays to France, Austria, Switzerland and Scandinavia lead the way.
Top New Year party break destinations include Amsterdam, Barcelona, Budapest, Dublin, Geneva, Milan, Paris, Prague and Rome.
London Heathrow is expecting its busiest December and Christmas Day ever.
Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive said: “Christmas and New Year is always one of the busiest times of year and some airports are reporting record numbers travelling overseas.”
“ABTA members will be working hard to help people’s plans go as smoothly as possible. We’re encouraging travellers to be mindful that the roads will be very busy, so leave plenty of time to arrive at your departure port.”
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