Meeting Santa in Lapland, shopping in New York, and seeing the northern lights in Iceland, have topped a list of 20 dream Christmas travel experiences, research has revealed. The poll of 2,000 adults was, unsurprisingly, dominated by wintry destinations, such as the famous festive markets in Vienna, and skiing in the Alps.
But winter sun destinations were also popular, with Barbados, Florida, and Sydney featuring in the top 10.
Many would like to plan a trip a little closer to home, admiring the light-trail in Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Gardens, while others would love to enjoy a magical Christmas vacation to Disneyland Paris.
And a third would like to travel for Yuletide so they can experience the festive season in another culture, while 27 percent want to enjoy an elusive white Christmas.
Matt Richardson, from John Lewis Travel Money, which commissioned the study, said: “Discovering the magic of Christmas goes beyond our doorsteps.
“With our world becoming more interconnected, a rising number of travellers are choosing to celebrate the holidays overseas.
“This growing trend isn’t just about chasing snow – it’s a quest for diverse traditions, unique celebrations, and the joy of being together with friends and family wherever you are in the world.”
It also emerged 26 percent want to set sail at this time of year to chase some winter sun – as 67 percent of these are fed up with the cold weather.
Almost one in three (32 percent) have previously travelled abroad at Christmas, with 63 percent of these saying they are some of the celebrations they look back most fondly on.
And for these travellers, eight in 10 said it is important they have plenty of cash in the local currency to spend on the trip.
Meanwhile, of the 68 percent who haven’t yet had the opportunity to travel at Christmas, it is on the bucket list to do so for 38 percent – although 31 percent are worried that doing so could break family traditions they hold dearly.
The research, which was conducted via OnePoll.com, went on to find 44 percent plan to visit a Christmas market this year, either in the UK or abroad.
And 78 percent of these went on to say Christmas isn’t complete without visiting at least one – while the same number agreed you know the big day is coming when they start to pop up.
Six in 10 (60 percent) will make the effort to check out a market which isn’t on their doorstep, as shopping for handcrafted gifts, and sipping on hot chocolate and mulled wine, is high on the agenda.
Matt Richardson, from John Lewis Travel Money, added: “Christmas lovers are in their element when browsing the markets here in the UK, or abroad.
“We are lucky to have so many brilliant ones in this country, and hosted by our neighbours – and it’s clear from these findings, they are a quintessential part of our festive season.
“But when browsing the gifts and treats, it’s important not to be caught out without cash – especially overseas, as many of the stalls are not accepting card payment.”