SOUTHAMPTON airport bosses are predicting some 20,000 passengers will have passed through the departure gates by Boxing Day as the great Christmas getaway gets underway.

The exodus started at the beginning of this week and by next week the airport estimates it will have dealt with tens of thousands of passengers - even though the terminal will be closed on Christmas Day.

A spokesman said: "There are all sorts of different destinations and a variety of reasons for travelling, including Christmas visits to family and friends."

Top of the hotspots for a sunshine Christmas are Malaga and Murcia in Spain while, with ski resorts starting to open up, Geneva in Switzerland, Saltzburg in Austria and Chambery in France are also popular destinations.

Meanwhile, the Post Office is warning Christmas holidaymakers planning to travel overseas to ensure they have a valid E111 form to cover their break.

People travelling on or after December 31, 2004, with an E111 issued before August 19 this year will not be covered for emergency medical treatment and could face hefty medical costs.

The E111 - valid in all 25 EU member countries - is a document that entitles the holder to medical treatment which becomes necessary while visiting a country that is part of the EU.

Under the new system each family member will now be required to have their own individual form that are available from any Post Office branch.