The Christmas holiday travel trends for 2023 by TUI Belgium are highlighting the shift towards airplane vacations due to the rainy autumn. There’s a 12% increase in Christmas bookings compared to last year.

The favoured destinations are Spain, particularly the Canary Islands, followed by non-European countries such as Tunisia, Cape Verde, and the Dominican Republic.

Winter vacations are also synonymous with skiing; 16% plan ski trips, with the French Alps leading the pack.

City trips constitute 11% of travellers, with London regaining popularity after a Brexit dip, while New York enters the top 5 for the first time.

Around 12% opt for shorter getaways near home, like Belgium or Germany, especially for Christmas markets.

The average spending for plane vacations is €1892 per person, €693 for skiing, €437 for city trips, and €218 for nearby getaways.

The top destinations per category include Spain and Egypt for air travel, Tenerife and Gran Canaria for regions, France for skiing, and London for city trips.