More than 12 million people are due to take a winter holiday with similar numbers still considering their plans to getting away, research out today (Thursday) shows.
Around one in five (19%) people are planning a winter holiday with nearlya quarter (23%) still undecided.
Winter sun is the most popular option with 43% of people planning this option, according to the study by Abta.
A further 18% 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.
While city breaks have overtaken beach holidays to be the most popular type of holiday throughout the year, they take second spot for winter holidays.
People aged 25-34 are the most likely to take a winter holiday with more than a quarter (27%) saying they will take one. This age group is followed by people over 65 (24%), suggesting that winter breaks are most popular with people who more likely to able to holiday off-peak.
Popular winter sun destinations include the Canary Islands and North African countries including Tunisia and Morocco. Antigua, the Maldives, Mexico and Thailand are among the most popular long haul winter sun destinations.
City breaks are often combined with a Christmas market trip. Top European destinations including Berlin, Frankfurt, Paris and Vienna. London, Edinburgh and the Frankfurt Market in Birmingham are all popular in the UK.
Winter sports holidays are the top choice with younger travellers. People aged 16-24 are over twice as likely to be taking one, while 39% of 16-24 year olds planning a winter holiday will take a winter sports holiday. 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.
Abta chief executive 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.”