UAE Eid holiday travel: How to find affordable travel bookings, early bird offers

Dubai: Looking for a cheap travel deal for the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holidays? According to the latest insights from travel aggregator Skyscanner, UAE travellers plan and book their trips earlier than last year. This year, travellers began booking their international or domestic trips 3 days in advance as compared to 2024.

This trend is especially noticeable for domestic travel, where booking lead times have doubled to 42 and 52 days for two-week trips and 47 days for a month or more extended trip. This indicates a more cautious and financial mindset as travellers seek value for money, explained Ayoub El Mamoun, Travel Expert at Skyscanner.

That’s one way to get the best deals for the upcoming break – book early. However, here are some other trips.

Use travel comparison websites

Platforms like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak allow travellers to compare ticket prices across multiple airlines. Setting up price alerts for preferred destinations can help track fluctuations and secure tickets at the lowest possible price. Additionally, booking flights on less popular days—such as midweek departures—can result in significant savings.

Consider less-travelled spots

Popular Eid getaway spots like the Maldives, Istanbul, and London tend to see skyrocketing prices. Opting for less conventional destinations, such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, or Sri Lanka, can offer budget-friendly travel options with fewer crowds. Exploring visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations can also reduce travel expenses and hassle.

Bundle flights and hotels

Many travel agencies and online platforms offer package deals that bundle flights, accommodation, and sometimes even activities. These packages can be more cost-effective than booking each component separately. Websites like Expedia and Booking.com frequently offer discounts for package deals.

Maximize credit card rewards, loyalty programmes

Frequent travellers can benefit from airline loyalty programs, earning miles that can be redeemed for flight discounts or upgrades. Many UAE banks also offer travel credit cards with perks like free travel insurance, airport lounge access, and cashback on flight bookings. Using these rewards strategically can help cut down travel costs.

Look out for Eid-specific promos

Hotels and resorts, particularly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, often offer Eid holiday promotions, including discounts, complimentary meals, and free stays for children. Checking directly with hotels or through travel aggregators can reveal exclusive Eid deals.

Stay flexible with travel dates

Adjusting travel dates by a day or two can significantly affect ticket prices. Travelling a few days before or after peak holiday dates can help avoid the highest fares. Also, choosing early or late-night flights can sometimes save costs.