More Brits are jetting off on far-flung escapes this Christmas, trading turkey dinners and traditional festivities for sun, sand and international celebrations.
New analysis from online travel agent loveholidays reveals long haul bookings to beach destinations during the week of Christmas have soared by 50% compared to the same week last year.
Quintana Roo tops the list of long haul destinations holidaymakers are flocking to for Christmas, with bookings up 47% year-on-year, followed by Dubai (+36%), Florida (+75%), Phuket (+15%) and Sal (+23%).
Commenting on the analysis, Al Murray, Chief Marketing Officer at loveholidays, said: “Christmas is nearly upon us, and we’re seeing a fundamental shift in how holidaymakers are celebrating this year. Brits are increasingly prioritising relaxation and sunshine over tradition, seeking out destinations where they can experience Christmas in a completely new way.
“Whether it’s sampling traditional tamales in Cancun or watching light shows in Dubai, people want their Christmas break to feel like an escape, and the surge in bookings we’ve seen indicates they’re willing to travel further to get it.”
Each of the top five destinations offer their own take on the festive season, giving UK holidaymakers the chance to experience Christmas in a whole new way:
Quintana Roo’s’s festive flavour
Quintana Roo celebrates the festive season with Villa Navideña, a Christmas village based on Tajamar Boardwalk in Cancun. Holidaymakers can soak up average high temperatures of 28°C whilst sampling local holiday foods such as warm Ponche con Piquete (Mexican fruit punch), and traditional tamales filled with pineapple and pork.
Dubai’s desert wonderland
Each year Dubai is decked out with Christmas magic at Global Village, featuring a winter wonderland, cultural performances, and an array of world cuisine. Visitors can expect temperature highs of around 26°C, with other popular spots for festive cheer including Madinat Jumeirah and Christmas themed light and water shows at Dubai Festival City Mall.
Florida’s family friendly festivities
Visitors to central Florida can witness The Magic of Lights at Daytona International Speedway, a drive-through holiday light display with digital animation, or visit Stetson Mansion, featuring themed rooms decorated with nativity scenes from around the world. Iconic theme parks Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World also host family-friendly Christmas celebrations and activities whilst reaching temperature highs of 23°C.
Phuket’s tropical Christmas
December is one of the driest months on Thailand’s south west coast, where holidaymakers can bask in a tropical high temperature of 32°C. In Phuket, visitors can spend their Christmas enjoying brunches and pool parties at beach clubs such as Carpe Diem and Café del Mar. Those who wish to explore more of Thailand in December can take boat trips to the nearby Phi Phi islands, and Patong’s Bangla Road transforms into a neon-lit Christmas street party complete with music, costumes and dancing.
Sal’s beachside traditions
Cape Verdeans gather for beach parties, complete with morna and funana music and the country’s national dish, cachupa, for Christmas. The vibrant island of Sal reaches an average high of 26°C in December and boasts stretches of sandy dunes, energetic nightlife and a diverse dining scene, with local eateries serving up fresh catches-of-the-day.
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