As schools in the UAE gear up to conclude the final semester by July 1, marking a two-month break, numerous families are preparing for summer travel. An online marketplace reports that travelers are making advanced plans, especially in anticipation of the Eid Al Adha holidays and the subsequent summer break. Popular destinations for UAE residents this summer, according to Wego's data, include Egypt, India, Jordan, Morocco, Pakistan, Thailand, Lebanon, Turkey, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia. Mamoun Hmedan, Wego's Chief Business Officer, noted that this trend indicates a strong desire among travelers to visit friends and relatives in their home countries, many of which offer visa-free travel for GCC nationals. With airfares increasing during the summer, it's crucial to book early to secure the best deals. Wego has observed a significant rise in summer airfares to these destinations compared to earlier this year, though they remain cheaper compared to last summer. Destinations like Turkey and Thailand are emerging as favorites, highlighting travelers' interest in unique experiences and cultural exploration. Flight costs vary, with Turkey's Istanbul starting at Dh682 for the cheapest return flight and Dh2,995 for the fastest. Other destinations like Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Thailand, Pakistan, India, Lebanon, and Tunisia also offer varying flight prices. European destinations like the UK, Germany, and Italy are also popular choices, with the UK's new ETA system for GCC citizens enhancing its appeal. Mamoun highlighted that the summer season and school holidays are peak travel times, with Wego recording over two million flight searches from the UAE, anticipating a further increase as the school holidays approach.
Text: Lara Palmer
11.06.2024
Popular Destinations and Rising Airfares as Families Prepare for Summer Break