It's a Costa del Christmas - Spain top destination for Christmas Week

Brits fleeing the UK for the Christmas holidays are opting for a festive fiesta over the traditional white Christmas, swapping mulled wine for sangria and Christmas pud for paella in the Costas.

Surprisingly, Spain has beaten traditional festive favourites across the globe, including shoppers’ paradise New York, snowy ski resorts in the Alps and family-friendly Florida to take the top spot.

Research conducted by my Travel Cash, a prepaid MasterCard currency card provider, found of those spending Christmas week abroad, 24% opted for Spain - a destination that can offer neither the snowy scenes that evoke the Yuletide spirit nor, with temperatures peaking at just 17°C, the temperatures that allow for sun, sea and sand.

Other high-ranking destinations for those escaping the frost, family-feuds and chaos of Christmas in the UK included the more likely locations of France and the USA, with 23% and 17% of British holidaymakers spending their Christmases here respectively.

Myles Stephenson, CEO of my Travel Cash commented on the findings: “While more and more Brits turn their backs on a customary Christmas spent at home, it seems that traditional Christmas destinations abroad are falling out of favour as well.

“While Spain may seem an unusual choice for Christmas, it is a destination that offers great value. With the pound holding its own against the Euro, Brits can secure a good rate, which will allow them to make their festive budget go even further. Currently, my Travel Cash prepaid Euro cardholders exchanging £500 will receive €602.

“The cards will also allow users to benefit from no ATM fees for withdrawals made abroad, no charges in purchases made in Euros and 1% unlimited cashback on all purchases – perfect for a bit of sales shopping come the 26th. Cardholders also have the option of donating their accrued cashback to children’s charity, When You Wish Upon A Star for an extra festive feel good factor.”

my Travel Cash offers prepaid currency cards in Euro, US Dollar or Multi-Currency denominations. Visit mytravelcash.com for information about terms, fees or to order a card by completing the short form. An Express Delivery option is available allowing cards to be delivered in just 1-3 working days.