A couple have vowed to ditch the UK every year to go abroad over Christmas to avoid the festive chaos.
Cathy Skelton, a 28 year old from Liverpool, has made a pact with her partner to spend every Christmas abroad, shunning the traditional UK festive celebrations for international adventures since 2022.
While many cherish the festive countdown, Cathy and her other half have chosen to escape the seasonal shopping frenzy, icy weather, and family tensions by jetting off to different countries each year, reports the Liverpool Echo.
She explained: “Having a trip booked gives you something to look forward to throughout the winter months and it meant we got to spend quality time together, whilst also doing what we love exploring and travelling.”
In their quest for a unique Christmas experience, last year saw the couple heading to the snowy landscapes of Iceland. Cathy shared: “I’ve always dreamed of going to a winter wonderland over the Christmas period.”
The travel-loving duo found Iceland to be the perfect destination, as Cathy revealed: “Both myself and my partner love to travel and experience new things, plus we are both outdoors-ey people, so figured where better to visit than Iceland.”
Cathy noted that being away in December brought a sense of calm to the usually hectic holiday season. “With both of our families based at different ends of the country, Christmas is usually a little chaotic, travelling backwards and forwards with lots of people to see.”
The festive season had a twist for Cathy and her other half; instead of the usual hustle of present-buying and family visits, they opted for adventure abroad. Cathy shared her experience: “Usually, I’m packing up presents and rushing around the shops, but last year was filled with planning excursions and exchanging currency. It was just what we needed after a busy period at work before starting the new year and doing it all over again.”
Eschewing traditional Christmas routines, the pair found joy in Reykjavik, embarking on daily trips from their base in the city. Cathy recounted: “We stayed in Reykjavik, as most tourists do, and travelled out of the city each day on excursions. This also meant we got to explore the Christmas markets which were spread across the city centre and are named as one of the best in Europe.”
Their Icelandic holiday reached its zenith with a visit to a remarkable spa, where natural geothermal waters provided pure relaxation. “We visited a natural lagoon which had been developed into a luxury spa. It had hot spring infinity pools, outside ice plunge pools and a sauna looking over an iceberg and it was the perfect way to round off the year.”
In line with increasing trends noted by luxury travel specialists Scott Dunn, Brits are now more than ever keen on jaunts abroad with 37% considering overseas escapades for Christmas, a considerable leap from just 11% in 2023.
According to figures from Scott Dunn, Finland attracted a bumper year-on-year bookings increase of 34% this December, while Switzerland enjoyed a 65% surge and Austria saw its December bookings grow by 35%.