Dubai has proven to be the most popular spot for Brits spending Christmas abroad this year, according to booking data by travel company Southall Travel, with neighbouring Abu Dhabi coming in second place.
Research conducted by the firm suggests many British holidaymakers are in pursuit of a warm Christmas, with destinations across the UAE enjoying average temperatures in the mid 20s during December.
The Thai capital of Bangkok came in third as the most popular long-haul destination followed by the island nation of Mauritius.
New York was ranked number five while Mumbai, Goa, Phuket, Maldives and Delhi followed suit.
Mauritius also proved to be the fastest growing destination with bookings up a staggering 65% on the same period last year while Abu Dhabi was ranked the second fastest growing destination with bookings up 59%. Phuket followed by a bookings increase of 57%.
“We are seeing a significant surge of bookings for travel over the festive period which suggests more and more Brits are looking to experience an alternative Christmas in the sun,” said Jaymin Borkhatria, sales director at Southall Travel.
The company is one of the largest travel firms in the UK and is well-known for affordable travel deals in leisure and business travel. It offers a range of offers for budget flights and holidays, last minute trips, honeymoons and group travel.