Growing numbers of Britons are heading abroad to complete their Christmas shopping, it has been claimed.

According to accommodation firm Alpharooms.com, more shoppers are travelling overseas to escape the busy crowds of the UK's high streets.

It cites Cologne, Berlin and Budapest - home to numerous festive markets - as being among the most popular destinations for this purpose, as well as more traditional options such as Paris and New York, the latter of which may prove attractive as a result of the favourable dollar-sterling exchange rate.

"Rather than being restricted to UK prices, people see that a real bargain can be had by going abroad and want to make the most of the opportunity to buy truly original gifts for their loved ones," commented Gareth Hockey, online marketing manager for Alpharooms.com.

Other popular locations for Christmas shopping at European markets include Vienna, Copenhagen and Hamburg.

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