Over the Christmas and new year break, many people can feel divided over what they wish to do and often they head abroad in search of a spot of winter sun, one sector commentator has claimed.

Frances Tuke, spokesperson for The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), explained that one of the closest popular getaway spots to guarantee a little heat during the cold UK winter months was Tenerife.

Three million people are preparing to jet off and enjoy a little sun or winter sports this Christmas, it has been revealed.

According to research by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), skiers and snowboarders are heading to the peaks, while those looking for a little festive sun are off to destinations including Tenerife to enjoy a seasonal break with a twist.

Families planning to hit the slopes for some ski and snowboarding fun this winter should take care to pre-plan all aspects of the trip before they set off in order to reduce potential stress, it has been noted.

Shannon Luthy, the family editor of OnTheSnow.com, said that one tip may be by booking transportation to and from the airport which could leave mums and dads time to relax and spend with their kids.

The rate of exchange is becoming an increasingly important factor for people choosing where they will travel to for a holiday this year, one sector commentator has claimed.

Julian Neal, global marketing director at Travelex, said he predicted that two long-haul destinations that were likely to see healthy visitor numbers were Australia and South Africa, as these were both countries where the pound had been performing well.

As the festive season fast approaches, many Britons may be contemplating a Christmas with a difference this year.

Such individuals may be pleased to hear that a trip for a traditional US Christmas in New York will afford them a whole host of different ice-skating events to take part in - whether they are wobbly on their feet or a Torvill and Dean-style pro.

Britons are feeling more and more stressed and run-down and may be in need of a well-earned vacation, it has been suggested.

According to PR Log, the research by Friends Provident revealed that 61 per cent of people feel under pressure and are now more prone to illness.

Low-cost airlines and budget travel brands are performing well during the ongoing credit crunch, new figures have revealed.

Data compiled by Hitwise have shown that amid the public's rising concerns about the recession, internet traffic to value travel company websites has increased by 5.3 per cent.

Regional UK airlines should be able to cope better during the current economic climate than the larger operators, one sector commentator has claimed.

Stewart Cordner, deputy vice-president of sales and marketing and asset management at BAE Systems, said that such airlines offered holidaymakers more well-travelled routes and also provided more business flights.

Despite the ongoing credit crunch and the global financial crisis, people will continue to travel, according to one sector commentator.

Francesco Frangialli, secretary-general of the UN World Tourism Organisation, said that the economic situation may cut down on individuals' leisure spending but that many would not forgo their vacation plans.

Many people could be looking for cheap flights to Majorca in light of the island's continued popularity among holidaymakers.

The Travel Trade Gazette (TTG) notes that Majorca remains high on the list for bookings with accommodation-only operators.