As UAE residents gear up for the surprise additional day off during the extended UAE National Day weekend, those looking to seize the opportunity for a quick getaway face hefty price tags for flights and hotel stays.
Airfares to popular destinations during the holidays have surged by almost 300%, prompting travelers to dig deep into their pockets for the coveted break.
Flight Frenzy: Price Peaks and Popular Destinations:
- Flights to Armenia and Georgia: One-way tickets start at Dh529 during the holidays, compared to Dh120 to Dh160.
- India Bound: Travelers flying to Mumbai may spend about Dh745, while Bangalore flights are priced at Dh1,200, a substantial increase from average rates in January (Dh391 and Dh504, respectively).
- Pakistan’s Karachi: Direct flights commence at Dh455, reflecting a surge from the usual Dh335 in January.
- London Calling: A trip to London could set travelers back by Dh1,659, compared to the January rate of Dh1,200.
- Istanbul Travels: Flights to Istanbul start at Dh456, contrasting with Dh330 in January.
Booking Strategies and Staycation Trends:
- Flight Variability: Experts note that airfares can change rapidly, with travelers often holding bookings for a few hours to secure favorable rates.
- Staycation Demand: High demand for staycations has caused prices to spike, with five-star properties charging up to Dh2,300 for a two-night stay during the National Day holiday, compared to regular rates starting at Dh1,200.
Insights from Travel Experts:
- Subair Thekepurathvalappil (Senior Manager, Inbound and Outbound Operations, Regal Tours Worldwide): Long weekends witness significant travel demand among UAE residents.
- Geoffrey Salatan (President and CEO, Geoffrey Travels): Travelers hold bookings for a few hours to lock in favorable airfare, as prices may vary rapidly.
- Shilpa Mahtani (CBO, name Holiday Homes): Unprecedented demand for staycations impacts accommodation offerings, with notable price increases for 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units.
As the excitement for the extended National Day weekend intensifies, travelers face the challenge of navigating surging prices in their quest for a memorable getaway.
