An estimated five million Brits are planning to escape the weather and family politics this Christmas by jetting off to sunnier places, based on a survey of 10,000 UK holidaymakers.
Research by insurance and travel specialist StaySure reveals that 68% of people put the weather at the top of their list of reasons for the great festive getaway, followed by avoiding having to cook Christmas dinner (30%). One in five are keen to skip the stress of hosting family and friends (20%) and steer clear of family politics (13%).
The survey also revealed the nation's top Christmas travel destinations for December 2015. The Canary Islands remain a firm favourite for short haul winter sun, while Florida, Sydney and New York top the list for long haul destinations.
For those staying home during the festive period, one in five cannot get away due to family obligations, while one in ten feel they must stay home to look after their pets.
Top 10 Christmas and New Year destinations:
1. Lanzarote
2. Gran Canaria
3. Algarve
4. Fuerteventura
5. Florida
6. Sydney
7. Malta
8. Barcelona
9. New York
10. Majorca
Top 10 reasons to get away over festive break:
1. Winter sun - escaping bad British weather
2. Avoiding having to cook Christmas dinner
3. Escaping stress of hosting family and friends
4. Escaping family politics
5. Escaping 'Christmas cheer'
6. I don't have a big family to spend Christmas with
7. You can get better deals during Christmas and New Year season
8. Avoiding difficult relatives
9. Escaping expense of buying presents for extended family
10. I don't celebrate Christmas
Chris Rolland, CEO from StaySure said "While the festive period can be a stressful time for many, more of us are taking advantage of the fantastic bargains to be had at this time of year to get away from it all. That said, the research suggests that UK holidaymakers are not afraid to splash out on extra special trips at this time of year, with 38 per cent planning to spend over £1,000 per person."
StaySure has some fantastic festive getaways available, from five nights in New York at the Lexington £1189 per person, or a three night Christmas market cruise for £249 per person. StaySure's 'Sure You Can!' campaign aims to empower and inspire over-50s to fulfil their dreams and aspirations at any age and help overcome perceived barriers to travel and adventure.
For the latest Christmas getaway deals, visit, please visit www.travel.staysure.co.uk.
Many Brits want to soak up the sun this festive season