MORE than half (56 per cent) of Oxford residents are taking a festive break this year almost double compared to last year when just 29 per cent of locals went away in the Christmas holidays.

This year, one in eight Oxonians is taking a 'Crimbocation' in the UK, with 14 per cent taking a trip abroad, according to research by budget UK hotel chain Travelodge.

The average festive trip is around three days and will cost on average £471, the researchers said.

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Travelodge said 56 per cent of people in the UK are taking a festive break which is more than double than last year when just 27 per cent of British adults went away during the Christmas holidays.

Collectively the 2019 festive get away will boost the British economy by £14 billion, it estimated.

Although more than double the number of Britons is taking a Crimbocation this year, the average cost of the festive break is considerably down on last year.

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In 2018, Britons on average splashed £678 on their Crimbocation whilst this year it is £471.

Other 'key findings' revealed 50 per cent of people from Oxford are taking a Crimbocation as part of their annual trip to see family and friends.

Just over 50 per cent of people from Oxford are planning to stay in a hotel whilst visiting loved ones this festive season, Travelodge said.