Searches for affordable holidays have surged on Skyscanner in the UAE as the extended weekend for Union Day approaches, according to data from the travel agency platform.
The term “everywhere” ranks as the most searched destination among residents, as the tool enables users to discover holiday spots sorted by the lowest price.
The top three searched-for countries are India, the UK, and the Philippines, followed by Thailand and Saudi Arabia. Pakistan, Turkey, Italy, Egypt, and the US complete the top 10.
This data echoes findings from Skyscanner’s Travel Trends report for 2024, highlighting that value for money, flight costs, and hotel expenses are crucial factors for UAE residents when deciding on travel destinations.
“Luxe-for-less” holiday experiences and affordable dining emerge as trends for the upcoming year. Staycations, regional getaways, and South-East Asian countries are also popular choices for the upcoming public holiday, as noted by travel representation company Gulf Reps.
For those seeking excellent deals, Skyscanner previously disclosed that Friday is the most economical day to fly out of the UAE. The platform analyzed millions of flight bookings from the previous year across its most popular destinations to derive these insights.
Prices vary depending on the destination. For example, travelers flying to Doha from Dubai may find cheaper flights departing on Wednesdays, while those traveling to Qatar from Sharjah may discover that Tuesday flights are more cost-effective.
The timing of your booking can also impact the cost. Travelers heading to the Maldives from Dubai in December will find cheaper fares on a Wednesday, whereas those going in April will secure the best fares on Thursdays.
