More British choosing presents over holidays

The number of people who would prefer to go on holiday than receive any Christmas presents has fallen since last year, according to a poll held in the UK.

A total of 44 per cent would prefer a getaway while 43 per cent would prefer gifts, with 13 per cent undecided, the survey by www.travelsupermarket.com found. A similar poll last year showed 51 per cent would prefer a holiday, with only 34 per cent opting for presents and 15 per cent undecided.

Of those opting for holidays over presents this year, 22 per cent fancied an all-inclusive break, 16 per cent would like a beach holiday, 11 per cent wanted a cruise and 10 per cent would go for a ski trip.

Only two per cent would choose to visit friends on holiday, compared with six per cent last year.

Just 36 per cent of those aged 18-24 would put a holiday over presents, while 54 per cent of those aged over 55 preferred holidays to gifts.

The big dip in those fancying trips to presents was among the Welsh, with only 31 per cent opting for a holiday this year rather than presents compared with 57 per cent putting holidays first last year.

Those most keen on a getaway rather than a gift this year were those from Northern Ireland, with 58 per cent wanting a holiday.