Brits will celebrate Christmas on the beach

A new survey by leading travel search engine Kayak.co.uk reveals that despite predicted job losses of 300,000, skyrocketing fuel and food prices and the plunging pound, a staggering 60% of polled Brits will not hold back on their winter travel plans and are instead opting for a Christmas break abroad.

Almost half (45%) of respondents are kicking aside their inner scrooge to jet off somewhere warm this December and more than a third (37%) are willing to travel more than ten hours to reach their dream Christmas destination. The ‘bah humbug’ weather that has plagued this year’s Great British Summer combined with a ‘now or never’ outlook are thought to be the two most prominent factors underpinning the winter exodus.

Understandably, when asked about the perfect winter getaway almost half (41%) of respondents chose a beach holiday, followed by nearly a quarter (23%) opting for a romantic break in a European city. Very few respondents cared to be pampered like Posh, with only 16% showing interest in a spa retreat. EuroDisney is safe from a British invasion as a paltry 2% intend on holidaying in a theme park.

When asked what type of trip they would most like to go on this festive season, nearly half (40%) chose a holiday with immediate family – and specifically without any crazy in-laws in tow. Noel newlyweds and romantic rendezvous abroad came in a popular second place (30%). Only a tiny 2% of respondents would prefer a single sex lads holiday or girls getaway this December, proving that Christmas really is a time for close family and significant others.

Annie Wilson, Business Development Director of Kayak.co.uk commented on the survey results, “Christmas is still a traditional time to be with family, but we’re seeing a huge shift in how and where people are choosing to celebrate. The British Christmas culture is evolving from a homebound ‘Winter Wonderland’ into a nomadic ‘Winter Wanderlust’ instead.”

Wilson continued, “It’s possible that this reflects a deeper change in attitude that Brits have towards Christmas. Nearly three quarters (70%) of respondents admitted they significantly disliked something about today’s Christmas experience – from the cost and aggravations of picking the perfect present (63%) to spending time with the in-laws (8%). But nearly all of us (90%) would be happy to travel abroad with our families and spend a meaningful and relaxing Christmas away from the holiday hustle and bustle.”

Families who are opting to stay home this winter are dreaming not of slopes or sandy beaches, but of celebrities to join their Christmas dinner. George Clooney (61%) topped the list of celebrities Brits would most like to bring home for that legendary meal, followed by the ever charming Kylie Minogue (42%). However, very few of us were happy to pull a cracker with Kate Middleton (16%), Girls Aloud (14%) or Amy Winehouse (11%).

Related link at DailyTravelNews