LONDON, December 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

• Brits expected to travel abroad this Christmas and New Year

• Greece and Mexico expected to prove popular destinations

• Thomas Cook offer range of family holidays for winter travellers

Every festive season, more and more British residents are choosing to give up the annual turkey and fireworks. Instead, they're on the hunt for new experiences, customs and traditions that the world has to offer.

Travel professionals Thomas Cook have put together a list of the best Christmas and New Year's Eve destinations for winter travellers. So, whether you're searching for the ultimate New Year's Eve celebration or looking for a Christmas break that's all about family, here are three suggestions that are perfect for single trips, romantic breaks or family holidays.

Greece

Greece boasts one of the oldest civilisations in the world and for centuries the Greeks have been celebrating the importance of family during the festive season. What better way to show your kids the importance of family during the holiday season than by spending Christmas on a Crete, Kos or Skiathos holiday?

Be sure to take part in local traditions while you're here. Skip the Christmas tree and instead keep a fire burning day and night: a superstition that's used to keep the Kallikantzaroi, or Christmas goblins away.

Be sure to keep an eye out for Saint Nicholas but rather than the fat man in a red suit, the Greek Islanders celebrate him as the patron saint of sailors. This means he's often portrayed drenched in seawater from saving ships.

Skip the queues and steer clear of the dreary British weather. Opt instead for pristine secluded beaches, hilltop taverns and a taste of authentic island life.

Eastern adventures

For a winter wonderland Christmas with a difference, head to the Eastern countries of Europe. Not only do locations like Prague, Germany and Poland get behind the festive season with gusto, there are also countless deals, packages and cheap holidays abroad for you to choose from thanks to Thomas Cook.

Head to the Czech Republic to enjoy mulled wine and trdelnik pastries fresh from the Prague Christmas markets and be sure to place a cherry tree cutting in some water to see if your family is due some good fortune in the New Year.

Mexico for New Year

For anyone searching for the ultimate party experience on New Year's Eve, look no further than Mexico. All year round holidays to Cancun promise a non-stop, unabashed party break.

Matched with stunning beaches, affordable prices and a beautiful fishing village environment, New Years in Mexico is an experience like no other.

SOURCE Thomas Cook