12 million Brits to take winter break

winter break

More than 12 million Brits are planning to take a winter break with nearly half heading to a sunshine destination.

Travel association ABTA reveals today that 43 per cent of holidaymakers will opt for stretching out on a sunbed. The Canary Islands (above), where temperatures will be around 23c this weekend, and North African countries including Tunisia and Morocco are the most popular short-haul destinations. Antigua, The Maldives, Mexico and Thailand are top of the long-haul list.

Just over a third of holidaymakers will choose a city break such as to Berlin, Frankfurt, Paris and Vienna with London, Edinburgh and the Frankfurt Market in Birmingham all popular in the UK.

A further 18 per cent of people are planning a winter sports holiday with an increase in numbers since 2012 due in part to so-called ‘lapsed skiers’ planning a return to the slopes as the economy recovers. Resorts in France, Italy and Austria remain the most popular destinations but travellers will also be heading for emerging ski destinations in Poland, Slovenia and Bulgaria.

Brits aged 25-34 are the most likely to take a winter holiday followed by over 65s (24%).

ABTA boss Mark Tanzer said: “During the winter months, an incredible range of holidays are available to British holidaymakers so it’s no wonder that so many people will choose to take advantage of this and plan a winter break. We’ve seen a small increase in the number of people taking three or more holidays a year and it looks like lots of these people will be heading away this winter.”