Eid Al Fitr Travel Trends: UAE Residents Opt for Cultural and Budget-Friendly Destinations

As the holy month of Ramadan concludes, UAE residents are gearing up for the Eid Al Fitr holidays, which are expected to offer up to four days off. This year, travel trends indicate a significant shift towards family-oriented and experience-based vacations. According to travel experts, there is a growing preference for cultural, adventure, and nature-based experiences, particularly in regions that offer affordable luxury and easy visa access.

Rising Demand for Experience-Based Travel

Travel agencies have reported a notable increase in outbound travel during peak seasons such as Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and school breaks. Raheesh Babu, COO of Musafir.com, noted a steady annual growth of 20-25% in travel demand post-COVID. He emphasized that travel has become an integral part of life, with people valuing experiences and cherishing time spent with family and friends.

The trend towards experience-based travel is evident in the rising popularity of group travel. Families and friends are increasingly choosing to explore destinations together, seeking cultural and heritage-based experiences. Subair Thekepurathvalappil, a senior manager at Wisefox Tourism, highlighted the popularity of the Caucasus region, the Balkans, and Europe for experiential travel. Countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece are among the top choices, while cruise trips across the US, Europe, and Canada are also gaining traction.

Budget-Friendly and Visa-Free Destinations

With the surge in travel demand, airfares on popular routes have increased by 15-20%, and hotel rates have risen by 20-30% during peak travel periods. As a result, all-inclusive holiday packages have become a cost-effective option for travelers. Raheesh Babu pointed out that while the desire for travel has increased, travelers are now more mindful of staying within budget, leading to a rise in budget-friendly destinations and group travel packages.

Countries like Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia are among the top choices due to their visa-on-arrival and e-visa options. Additionally, Europe, Southeast Asia, and African destinations like South Africa, Kenya, and Zanzibar are in high demand for their unique cultural experiences and culinary journeys.

Planning Ahead for Visa-Dependent Destinations

While spontaneous travel remains popular, many UAE travelers are also planning in advance for visa-dependent destinations such as Europe and Japan. Subair advised that it is better to plan ahead for these destinations, as the visa processing time can take up to a week. He recommended applying at least 12 days before Eid Al Fitr for countries like Russia, China, Kenya, Zanzibar, Indonesia, and Singapore.

In conclusion, the Eid Al Fitr holidays present an opportunity for UAE residents to explore new destinations and create lasting memories with their loved ones. The shift towards cultural and budget-friendly travel reflects a broader trend of valuing experiences over material possessions.