Shoppers take their Christmas lists abroad

Record numbers of Brits will be doing their Christmas shopping abroad this year to find unusual gifts and soak up the festive atmosphere in some of the world’s most stunning cities.

Alpharooms.com – one of the UK’s leading providers of discount holiday accommodation – has noted an increasing trend for customers escaping heaving crowds of shoppers in the UK by getting away for a short break abroad.

The most popular shopping spots for Brits include up-and-coming European destinations such as Cologne, Berlin and Budapest, famous for their spectacular Christmas markets, as well as more traditionally popular choices such as New York and Paris.

Gareth Hockey, Alpharooms.com’s online marketing manager, said: “With great deals to be had on flights and accommodation, a December break is now more affordable than ever and people relish the opportunity to escape the frantic shopping centres in this country.

“This year we’ve seen a huge 170 per cent increase in bookings to New York for example, presumably as a direct effect of the strong British pound and the great deals on offer for flights and accommodation.

“European destinations such as Berlin have also received over twice as many bookings as last year, proving that traditional European market destinations are still a festive favourite for Christmas shoppers.

“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.”

Alpharooms.com offers 23,000 hotels and apartments in city break, beach and ski destinations world-wide.

It has a secure, easy-to-use website which is backed up by a UK call centre.

If you’d like some ideas on the best destinations for your Christmas shopping this year, log onto Alpharooms.com.