05 Dec 2016
Posted by Barry Aldworth 
The weakness of sterling is probably the key factor behind an upsurge in shoppers planning a trip to Northern Ireland or Great Britain in advance of Christmas, according to the AA.
In an AA Membership poll of over 9,000 people, over a quarter of those surveyed (25.41%) said they intended on leaving the country between now and Christmas to shop. Northern Ireland and the UK were the top destinations with 12.07% planning a trip to Northern Ireland and a further 5.33% intending to visit Great Britain.
These figures represent a significant increase on last year. In a November 2015 AA poll of over 5,500 people 7.3% stated they were planning a trip to Northern Ireland.
“It is very likely that the currency is the key factor but it’s probably not the only one.” Says Director of Consumer Affairs Conor Faughnan. “There is also a bit more confidence around this year. Traffic volumes are up, employment is up and people are spending more generally. In AA Roadwatch we are expecting cities and city car parks to be very busy in December.”
Clothes top the wish list for those shopping abroad this year with 61.25% of those surveyed planning on buying clothing while shopping outside the state, followed by alcohol (35.81%) and food/grocers (33.89%). While the percentages of those planning to buy food and groceries abroad were similar between men and women, men are 6% more likely to buy alcohol with 38.97% of men planning to stock up during their trip this year compared to 32.75% of women.
If you’re planning a trip across the border check out our advice on loading your car to help prevent any Christmas nightmares. Planning a trip further afield than Northern Ireland? Check out the AA Ireland Travel Hub for tips on trips to Edinburgh, Berlin, and some of the top Christmas Markets across Europe.
Don’t forget that the fastest way to report a breakdown is through the AA app. Remember to bring your AA Membership card with you, too – it’s valid in Northern Ireland and in Britain
