Almost half a million Danes are expected to head for sunnier climes this Christmas rather than celebrating the festive period in their homeland.
A survey of more than 1,000 people buying holiday credit with travel agency Star Tours found that almost one in three (31 per cent) were doing so to avoid celebrating Christmas entirely. The company conducted the same poll in 2009, when they found 20 per cent of those questioned were travelling during the festive season for the same reason.
The new figures highlight a trend that is becoming increasingly popular. Star Tours managing director Stig Elling said that there isn’t a sudden spike, but there is a growing demand. He went on to say that as well as people travelling to avoid Christmas, many families choose to head overseas to ensure they spend more time together during the festive season.
Travel agency Expedia said its figures show a similar trend.
Meanwhile, family therapist Allan Holmgreen said that the trend may be down to travel being offered at lower prices as well as people seeing others doing it realizing it could be a good idea. He also noted that breaking the tradition of staying home can be beneficial for families.