Scrooge Britons in festive dash abroad

THE BRITISH are turning their backs on a traditional Christmas at home in droves as they stage a festive dash abroad.

An estimated 750,000 Britons are travelling by rail, ferry and plane for beach, ski or city-break holidays over the Christmas holiday.

The English Tourist Board has taken a leaf out of Scrooge's book with their "Bah, Humbug Breaks". One of the breaks on offer is a three-day "Stuff the Turkey" break in the Lake District. But the Caribbean, Florida and the Canary Islands are among the favourite destinations, while skiers are heading mainly for Italy, France, Austria and Canada. The Association of British Travel Agents says that with Christmas Day falling on a Friday, holidaymakers have realised that taking only three days leave from work will actually lead to them getting a 10- day break. "As a result, many are choosing to travel further and stay a little longer," said an Abta spokesman. The Canary Islands, the Balearics and mainland Spain are the most popular choices for winter sunshine. Other hotspots include the Algarve, Florida, Jamaica and the Caribbean. Short-stay breaks over the Christmas and New Year period include Dublin, New York, Rome, Amsterdam and Paris, with Eurostar set to be busy. Many Britons aim for a traditional white Christmas, staying in ski resorts around the world. While France, Austria and Italy continue to be the favourite destinations in Europe, Canada and the US are most popular as the long-haul alternatives. But going on a cruise, the fastest-growing area of the travel industry, is now also proving popular. Abta says that Christmas package holidays are virtually sold out but those people anxious to get away from the festivities will still find some bargain deals for early January.

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