About 3.5 million Britons will flock abroad for the festive period, according to one travel organisation.

The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) has predicted that a record number of holidaymakers will take the opportunity to head overseas in search of some winter sun or snow.

It said it expects the most popular sunshine destinations to include the Canary Islands, Egypt and Goa, while those flying long-haul will look to Dubai and New York.

Skiing enthusiasts will travel to the likes of France, Austria, Italy, the USA and Canada, with those hoping for a wintery city break looking set to head to Paris, Amsterdam and Dublin, ABTA predicted.

"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," commented Justin Fleming, president of ABTA.

Earlier this week, the association said that it believed Australia, China and Singapore will be among the most popular destinations for 2008.

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