Tuesday 4th November 2025
Brits swap tinsel for tan lines: overseas Christmas holidays surge 20%
Canaries top the list as Egypt sees biggest festive booking boost (136% year-on-year)
Seven-night package holidays available from just £177 per person
More Brits are choosing sand over snow this Christmas, with new data from online travel agency Thomas Cook showing a 20% year-on-year rise in overseas holidays departing during Christmas week.
The Canary Islands are the nation’s favourite escape, while Egypt has seen the biggest jump in demand - up an impressive 136% year-on-year. Sun seekers are also flocking to Malta and Morocco, where bookings are up 25% and 20% respectively.
City breaks still remain a popular choice for some - with the Czech Republic seeing an 88% uplift as holidaymakers look for festive breaks with a difference.
The trend reflects a growing appetite for experience-led gifting, with Brits choosing to celebrate Christmas somewhere warm - or simply somewhere new.
Based on total booking numbers, Thomas Cook’s most popular Christmas getaways for 2025 are:
Nicholas Smith, Holidays Digital Director at Thomas Cook, said:
"Christmas is such a magical time for so many, and what better way to experience the magic than on holiday? We’re intrigued to find that more and more Brits are swapping presents under the tree for memories abroad, and the Canaries remain the firm favourite for some festive winter sun.”
Book with Thomas Cook:
- Take seven nights with Thomas Cook at the 4 star SBH Costa Calma Beach Resort in Fuerteventura on an All-Inclusive basis from £719 per person including flights from Bristol on 22 December 2025
- Take seven nights with Thomas Cook at the 5 star The V Luxury Resort Sahl Hasheesh in Hurghada on an All-Inclusive basis from £1,192 per person including flights from London Luton on 22 December 2025
- Take seven nights with Thomas Cook at the 3 star BLUESEA Costa Teguise Gardens in Lanzarote on an All-Inclusive basis from £709 per person including flights from Edinburgh on 22 December 2025
- Take seven nights with Thomas Cook at the 4 star Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort in Florida on a Room-Only basis from £1,049 per person including flights from London Gatwick on 22 December 2025
- Take seven nights with Thomas Cook at the 4 star Canifor Hotel in Qawra on a Room-Only basis from £217 per person including flights from Newcastle International on 22 December 2025
- Take seven nights with Thomas Cook at the 5 star Riad Clé De Sol in Marrakech on a Bed & Breakfast basis from £449 per person including flights from Edinburgh on 22 December 2025
- Take three nights with Thomas Cook at the 4 star Dublin One Hotel in Dublin on a Room-Only basis from £190 per person including flights from Birmingham International on 23 December 2025
- Take three nights with Thomas Cook at the 4 star Comfort Hotel Prague City East in Prague on a Bed & Breakfast basis from £250 per person including flights from Manchester on 23 December 2025
- Take seven nights with Thomas Cook at the 4 star Symbola Ölüdeniz Beach Hotel in Fethiye on a Bed & Breakfast basis from £324 per person including flights from London Stansted on 22 December 2025
- Take seven nights with Thomas Cook at the 3 star Studio 17 Atlantichotels in the Algarve on a Room-Only basis from £177 per person including flights from Birmingham International on 22 December 2025
-ENDS-
Notes to editors
For media enquiries please contact the Thomas Cook press office on +447457413467 or email pressoffice@thomascook.com.
About Thomas Cook UK
In September 2020, Thomas Cook, one of the most recognisable names in travel, returned as an online-only travel business. It is now part of the Polish-based travel company eSky Group, which owns and operates brands like eSky and eDestinos in 50 markets across the globe.
With ATOL-protected holidays and city breaks, the new Thomas Cook allows customers to design their own trip according to their budget, needs, and specifications. Customers can fly from all major UK airports with direct flights from all major carriers, thousands of hotels to choose from, and add-ons including car hire, insurance, and attractions.