Xmas and new year 'to see record traveller numbers'

Record numbers of Brits are expected to jet off to holiday destinations all over the world during the Christmas and new year period.

According to the Association of British Travel Agents (Abta), some 3.5 million people will head overseas between December 21st and January 2nd, in search of guaranteed sunshine and snow.

The former weather type is expected to be the biggest lure, with the hotspots of the Canary Islands, Egypt and Goa set to top the list of desirable destinations.

Early snowfall in Europe has already drawn many winter sports enthusiasts to France, Austria, Italy and others, while the more adventurous are set to travel to the USA and Canada.

Some 2.7 million Christmas holidaymakers are forecast to leave Britain through BAA's seven UK hubs, with 1.2 million jetting off from Heathrow Airport.

Gatwick Airport is expecting 600,000 customers, while Stansted Airport is set to see 360,000 passengers.

Abta president Justin Fleming said: "This is always a peak time for travel as people make the most of the bank holidays and once again there are a record number travelling."