New York and the Caribbean are likely to be very popular with British holidaymakers over the coming winter season, according to the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).
Christmas shopping in the trendy US city will be “extremely popular” because of the current favourable exchange rate, ABTA spokesperson Frances Tuke said.
“I think we might well see a great number of people going over in November,” she said.
“There are sales in the States after Thanksgiving, which tends to be the end of November, so the end of November and beginning of December will be extremely popular this year.”
Airlines operating flights to New York from London include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and American Airlines, as well as the business class-only carriers such as MAXjet that offer more comfort for a relatively cheap price.
Next year, when a new “Open Skies” agreement comes into place allowing more airlines to fly transatlantic routes, economy fares are expected to fall by around ten per cent.
Meanwhile, many people looking to escape the cold weather in Britain this winter will opt for the likes of the Caribbean, the Canary Islands and mid-haul destinations such as Egypt and Cyprus.
“The Caribbean is very big over the winter,” she noted. “Increasingly you are finding African nations [are popular] – Kenya, Gambia, Tanzania.”
Ms Tuke added that the Christmas period is one of the busiest times of the year and advised travellers to book well in advance.
