While many families across the UK are settling in for a cosy Christmas Eve, tens of thousands of Brits are predicted to be making a very different kind of festive transaction: booking a holiday abroad. Travel experts are forecasting a massive spike in bookings at precisely 6.30pm today, 24 December, as people seek a last-minute Christmas miracle.
The Ultimate Last-Minute Christmas Save
According to research from the holiday company On The Beach, a significant number of Brits are turning to sunshine getaways as a panic-buying solution for forgotten or unsatisfactory gifts. Some 22 per cent of Brits have admitted to purchasing a holiday for someone on Christmas Eve as a present for the next day. Meanwhile, 17 per cent have used the occasion to treat themselves to a trip.
Zoe Harris, chief customer officer at On The Beach, described the tactic as the 'ultimate Christmas save'. She advised, 'If you've forgotten a present or suddenly realised what you've bought is a bit rubbish, don't panic, a holiday is the ultimate Christmas save. There's no awkward fake smile on Christmas morning and it beats a panic bought candle every time.'
Popular Booking Times and Top Destinations
This trend is not a one-off. The company notes it has been repeated over the last three years, with bookings steadily rising each festive season. The surge isn't confined to Christmas Eve either. Christmas Day itself sees thousands of bookings, with last year's peak time around 11am.
When it comes to destinations, classic sunshine spots continue to reign supreme. Last year's most-booked locations were Tenerife, Antalya, and Majorca, and On The Beach anticipates the same three could top the list again. However, there is a new contender rising in popularity. Bookings to Egypt have doubled compared to 2023, with Sharm El Sheikh breaking into the top seven most-booked locations for next year.
Spreading the Cost of Festive Cheer
The appeal of gifting a holiday is amplified by the flexible payment options available. 'You can secure a holiday with a £30 per person deposit, spread the cost over the months ahead, and still feel like you've absolutely smashed Christmas,' explained Zoe Harris. She added, 'I've never done it myself, but I love the idea of it, opening your presents, booking a holiday and then sitting down to Christmas dinner feeling smug as anything knowing next year's sunshine is already sorted. It's hard to top that festive feeling.'
With another busy day for bookings expected tomorrow on Christmas Day, it seems for many Brits, the perfect festive gift is not under the tree, but waiting on a sun lounger.
