ABTA estimates that a record 3.5 million will be heading overseas over the Christmas and New Year period [21 December - 2 January] for guaranteed sunshine or snow. Lucky holidaymakers will be swapping thermals for bikinis and turkey for curry or tapas, with the Canary Islands, Egypt and Goa topping the list. Many are also beating the Christmas sales rush by heading off to Dubai for cheap prices, great shopping and 5 star luxury.

After last year's woeful ski season, early snow conditions in Europe have been fantastic and France, Austria and Italy have sold well. More adventurous snow sports enthusiasts are heading off to the USA and Canada making the most of the weak dollar.

Not everyone wants to catch some rays or enjoy a glass of mulled wine and many are heading off on city breaks, especially over the New Year. Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin and New York once more top the list.

Saturday 22 December will be the busiest day for travel but 30 December will come a close second as people head off for New Year's Eve.

BAA estimate that 2.7 million people will be leaving through their seven airports, which include Heathrow 1.2 million, Gatwick 600,000, Stansted 360,000, Southampton 25,000 and the main Scottish airports, Glasgow 110,000, Edinburgh 110,000 and Aberdeen 42,000. In addition 270,00 will fly from Manchester, 170,000 from Luton and 130,000 from Birmingham.

Over 200,000 will travel away over or under the English Channel with over 150,000 on the Eurostar.

Justin Fleming, ABTA's President said: "This is always a peak time for travel as people make the most of the bank holidays and once again there are a record number travelling."