As the UAE National Day holidays approach, residents are already making travel plans, with some agencies reporting a 35% increase in bookings compared to last year. Online travel agency Musafir.com has observed significant shifts in booking trends.

"As customers are eager to explore, local tourism businesses are preparing to cater to various preferences, offering everything from all-inclusive relaxation packages to thrilling theme park adventures," said Raheesh Babu, COO of Musafir.com. His statement was echoed by other agencies in Dubai. "Last year, we blocked 600 spots for National Day holidays, but this year we have about 870 spots," said Safeer Mahamood, general manager at Smart Travels. "Additionally, we offer individual, customized packages, resulting in a 30 to 35% increase in bookings compared to last year."

This year's National Day holiday is extended, with December 2 and 3 falling on Monday and Tuesday, respectively. Combined with the weekend, this creates a four-day holiday. According to research by Musafir.com, many travelers are moving away from last-minute trips and opting to plan ahead. Currently, 30% of travelers are planning for destinations requiring visas, indicating a growing awareness of the benefits of early bookings.

"We encourage everyone to plan ahead, especially for popular destinations like Europe, America, Japan, and South Africa, where visa requirements may necessitate early arrangements," said Rahees. "For Schengen visas and group departures to Switzerland, Paris, Italy, and Latvia, we recommend travelers plan six to eight weeks in advance for a smooth travel experience."

More travelers are choosing unique and niche destinations, according to Safeer. "They don’t want the typical tourist packages," he said. He noted that many people prefer to travel to the Far East, Maldives, and European destinations, but they seek unique experiences. For example, when traveling to Malaysia, they explore places like Penang and Langkawi instead of the city.

Rahees also commented on the growing trend. "Currently, about 30% seek unique experiences that set their trips apart," he said. "The growing interest in destinations like Tunisia and Morocco highlights a trend toward authentic encounters, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in local lifestyles and traditions."

According to Safeer, a drop in ticket prices has also contributed to the increase in bookings. "Earlier, tickets to Southeast Asian destinations and the Maldives were expensive. However, now budget airlines like Whizz Air and Air Arabia offer cheaper tickets, making these destinations much more affordable."

Longer breaks seem to be more popular, with over 65% of travelers opting for extensive five to seven-day itineraries, allowing for deeper exploration, according to Rahees. He mentioned that popular choices for long breaks include Paris, Rome, Lisbon, and Budapest. Travelers are also booking combo packages, such as Switzerland-Paris and Switzerland-Italy.

Meanwhile, those preferring shorter breaks go to nearby destinations like Georgia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, and Azerbaijan. "These quick getaways allow travelers to recharge, experiencing new cultures and landscapes, making them ideal for families and professionals alike," said Rahees.

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