Rise in Christmas exodus
ABTA estimates that 4 million passengers will be heading overseas this Christmas and New Year period, slightly more than last year when the number totalled just under 4 million.
The peak travel days this year will be 20, 21 and 28 December, on the weekends either side of Christmas.
An estimated 1.7 million people will be flying from Heathrow, while Gatwick will handle 800,000 (up from 700,000 last year) and Stansted 430,000 (last year: 360,000). Around 380,000 will leave from Manchester, 160,000 from Birmingham and 50,000 from Leeds Bradford International.
Thousands of passengers will also be leaving the UK through Glasgow and Edinburgh airports as well as large numbers through other regional airports throughout the country.
Eurostar is expecting 250,000 passengers, with Paris, Disneyland Paris and the French Alps being the favourite destinations.
Many are also taking the opportunity to take a break in the UK, staying in a country cottage or a seaside resorts with Llandudno, Torquay and Brighton proving popular – and city breaks in London and York have also sold well.
ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer said: "The Christmas and New Year period is one of the busiest times of year for the travel industry with millions heading off to spend time with friends and family or taking advantage of bank holidays for a well-earned winter break. This year is no exception with holidaymakers looking for winter sun or a traditional Christmas experience.
"As always the roads and railways will be very busy so travellers should leave plenty of time to make their connections and check for engineering work before leaving home – as well as ensuring they take out an adequate insurance policy."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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