The mass exodus will begin on Saturday. Four million people are heading out of the UK for Christmas and New Year on planes, boats and trains.
Travel association ABTA says peak travel days are December 20, 21 and 28 but people will be travelling away from tomorrow until January 3.
Holidaymakers are either heading off to gab some winter sun or to colder climes for snow, spa experiences and mountain activities. Winter sun lovers are heading to the Canary Islands such as Tenerife (above), Tunisia, Morocco and the Cape Verde Islands and for those flying long haul Dubai, Mexico, Cuba and Egypt.
Winter sports lovers are heading off to the continent with Switzerland, France, Austria and Italy the most popular destinations for those looking for a traditional festive experience in a snowy destination.
Popular for New Year’s Eve breaks are the cities of Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin and Dublin and, at home, Edinburgh and London lead the way.
Millions of people will fly from Heathrow where 1.7 million people are estimated to be leaving, Gatwick 800,000, Stansted 430,000,with around 380,000 jetting off from Manchester and 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 regional airports.
Hundreds of thousands of people will also travel across the English Channel by ferry or through the Channel Tunnel with 250,000 on Eurostar, with Paris, Disneyland Paris and the French Alps being the favourite destinations.
Many people are also taking 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.
Mark Tanzer ABTA Chief Executive, 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.”
