With fares soaring for December, travel agents urge residents to book short-haul breaks now before National Day dates are announced and prices spike.
DUBAI: UAE residents face a stark financial choice for their year-end vacation, as a new analysis reveals that travelling over the Christmas period is dramatically more expensive than taking a break during the upcoming National Day weekend.
From European city breaks to trips back home to India, airfares and packages for the festive season are seeing massive premiums, with some routes costing nearly double.
The Staggering Cost Difference
A live fare check exposes the widening gap:
- A flight to Kochi, India, leaps from Dh1,340 in November to Dh2,545 in December.
- A festive trip to Helsinki for Christmas costs Dh4,000, compared to Dh2,198 just a few weeks earlier.
- Travel to long-haul destinations like London is also consistently higher during the Christmas week.
“Christmas bookings are for fixed school holidays and long-haul family trips, which always command a premium,” said Subair Thekepurathvalappil of Wisefox Tourism. “National Day, however, is for spontaneous, short getaways.”
Why Prices Are Sky-High for Christmas
Industry experts cite three key drivers for the December price surge:
- Fixed School Holidays: Families are locked into travel dates, creating concentrated demand.
- Long-Haul Demand: High pursuit of classic “white Christmas” destinations in Europe.
- Limited Availability: The best flights and hotels are selling out fast, leaving only costly options.
The Smart Traveler’s Playbook
For those seeking value, the National Day window is the clear winner. Travel agents highlight visa-free destinations like Georgia, Armenia, and Thailand as offering the best packages, averaging around Dh2,700.
Pro tip from Mir Wasim Raja of Galadari International Travel: “The biggest savings come from booking before the official National Day holiday announcement. Once dates are confirmed, a last-minute rush will drain remaining inventory and push prices up.”
The verdict is clear: for a budget-friendly escape, target the National Day weekend. For a traditional Christmas holiday, be prepared to pay a significant premium and book immediately to secure any remaining availability.
