Tag Archives: Skyscanner

UK, India, Thailand have secured as the most popular holiday choices this festive season according to the latest data collected by Skyscanner. For journeys departing between December 20 and December 31, travellers are favouring destinations that offer both seasonal festivities and opportunities for relaxation. London, Mumbai, and Bangkok have emerged as key favourites for bookings, showcasing their enduring appeal for family reunions and cultural exploration. The most popular departure dates fall between December 14 and 18, as travellers opt to extend their holiday breaks for maximum enjoyment. Round-trip bookings dominate, emphasising the importance of smooth travel experiences for UAE residents. Search data from September to early December reveals that travellers are gravitating toward a mix of destinations, with the United Kingdom, India, and Thailand among the most popular choices. City hotspots like London, Bangkok, and Istanbul continue to captivate UAE travellers, offering a blend of cultural experiences and festive charm. Alongside these bustling hubs, tranquil escapes such as the Maldives and Turkey’s coastal retreats have also seen a surge in demand. As the festive season is upon us, travellers across the UAE are eagerly awaiting their end-of-year escapes. Skyscanner’s latest data highlights the top destinations and trends shaping holiday travel plans, offering a glimpse into where UAE residents are heading to celebrate the season. For travellers still finalising plans, Skyscanner’s tools, such as price alerts and flexible booking options, provide the ideal solution to secure the best deals and make the most of their festive holidays.

Skyscanner revealed that 2025 will be the year of collective exploration and discovery.  They shared the latest trends shaping industry and traveller behaviour in its Travel Trends 2025 report. Built using Skyscanner’s proprietary search data, a specially commissioned traveller survey and trusted industry insights, Skyscanner revealed its top 10 trending destinations, 10 best-value destinations as well as the future of travel. While last year was all about cultural exploration, 2025 will build on this as the year of truly shared travel experiences, highlighting the power of collective exploration and discovery. When choosing where to go, cost still plays the most important part. Traveling from the UAE to exciting destinations has become more affordable due to recent airfare reductions. Bucharest, Romania, now offers a 35% price drop, making its historic charm and modern flair more accessible. Trabzon, Turkey, with a 31% fare reduction, is attractive for its natural landscapes and rich history. Beijing, China, has seen a 23% decrease, making ancient wonders like the Great Wall more budget-friendly. Tokyo, Japan, with a 22% drop, offers a blend of traditional culture and modern innovation. Lastly, Baku, Azerbaijan, with a 20% reduction, combines futuristic architecture with rich heritage. These reductions are due to expanded flight routes and increased airline competition, providing travellers with great opportunities to explore these destinations at lower costs. Collective exploration and discovery top the agenda in 2025 According to the report, travellers are increasingly seeking travel experiences that foster community and collective discovery, aiming for deeper connections and shared adventures.

Jordan takes number one spot on Skyscanner’s latest report on the top family travel destinations to visit this summer. It is complete with recommendations for the most affordable car rentals with savings of up to 14%*. With the travel season in full swing, families can now plan their perfect vacation without breaking the bank. Skyscanner’s latest research, in association with OnePoll, reveals that out of the 48% of UAE residents who have already booked their summer holidays this year, only 53% have hit the book button on their car hire (in contrast to the 97% who have already booked their flights).** UAE travellers’ advanced planning approach to car rentals are reflected in Skyscanner booking behaviours with 84% of residents booking their car rentals less than 4 weeks before departure and 31% booking on the day before or day of travel. Skyscanner has rounded up five of the cheapest destinations for families seeking adventure, cultural exploration and relaxation. From sun-soaked beaches to rich cultural experiences, these destinations promise unforgettable memories and budget-friendly car rental options. 1. Jordan For families seeking a mix of adventure, culture and history, Jordan offers an array of attractions such as the ancient city of Petra, the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, and the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea. Explore affordable car hires starting from an average daily rental price of AED 101, and ensure a hassle-free exploration of this Middle Eastern gem, providing flexibility to discover Jordan’s rich cultural and natural wonders. Flights to Jordan starting from AED 850 return 2. Cyprus Rich in history, culture and it’s alluring crystal clear waters, Cyprus offers a perfect blend of ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and charming villages. …

According to Skyscanner Egypt, United Kingdom, Thailand, Turkey and Everywhere are the most popular searches by UAE travellers this summer. As residents begin planning their summer holidays, global travel marketplace, Skyscanner reveals the top destinations offering great price deals for UAE travellers. Findings also revealed that June is the most popular month for travel searches during the summer, in comparison to July and August. This summer, UAE residents are exploring a variety of captivating destinations that offer a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural enrichment. Whether you’re seeking a quick getaway or a longer vacation, these trending spots* promise unforgettable experiences. 1. Egypt Discover the magic of Egypt, a destination offering rich history, ancient treasures and a vibrant culture. This summer, explore the majestic pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, and the world’s longest river, Nile. Whether you’re a history buff, a beach lover or a foodie, Egypt promises an experience like no other. Prices starting from AED 329 2. United Kingdom Explore the allure of the United Kingdom, a trending destination for summer 2024. From the iconic landmarks of London, such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the vibrant West End, to the historic charm of Edinburgh with its majestic castle and the enchanting Royal Mile, the UK offers a blend of history, culture, and modern attractions. Enjoy world-class museums, quaint villages, and lively festivals that bring the streets to life. Prices starting from AED 376 3. Thailand Embark on an unforgettable journey to Thailand, and discover the country’s pristine beaches, lush forests, and vibrant cities. Thailand offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural discovery. Dive into the azure waters of the Andaman Sea or the …

72% of UAE travellers would attend concerts in a different country according to the latest research from Skyscanner. 38% of UAE travellers would fly short haul to see their favourite artist live. As the year begins, the travel trends are changing immensely. The terminology used is ‘Gig tripping’ which is one of the new travel vibes revealed. Catching their favourite artist abroad is the way forward in 2024. If international artists will not be playing in Dubai, the UAE travellers will opt to travel to whichever country the artist will perform. With some superstars announcing big international tours, there is more interest now in travelling abroad to catch a show.

Skyscanner data reveals the driving forces behind UAE travellers’ choices in 2023 with Manila claiming its spot as the most popular destination in 2023. Cairo was the second most popular destination for UAE travellers this year. Renowned for the Giza Pyramids, including the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the Sphinx, the city seamlessly blends ancient wonders with a vibrant modern atmosphere. The Capital city of Philippines, Manila, offers a blend of rich history, cultural attractions, and modern amenities. From its historical landmarks like the walled city of Intramuros, to it delicious street food options and lively nightlife and shopping scenes, UAE travellers cherished exploring the vibrant city that never rests. This year, more and more UAE travellers opted for alternative, budget-friendly destinations that still deliver on culture and cuisine. According to Skyscanner’s data, the capital city of Türkiye, Ankara, was one of the cheapest flight destinations with return flights costing just AED 491 on average in 2023. Showcasing historical and cultural treasures with panoramic views of the city, Ankara is renowned for its bustling markets, scrumptious Turkish cuisine, and nightlife. As revealed in the infographic, Skyscanner has also identified the cheapest destination to book per month for UAE travellers throughout 2023***, as well as the cheapest three-star hotel stay and city to hire a car in 2023:**** • After analysing prices across thousands of destinations globally, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India is revealed as the cheapest city for a three-star hotel stay, for those travelling from the UAE, costing approximately AED 92. • Bucharest comes out on top as the city with the cheapest car hire offering, with UAE travellers paying only AED 69 …

According to Skyscanner’s latest research in association with OnePoll, UAE residents embrace spontaneity in travel.  A whopping 80% of UAE respondents claim to be more spontaneous now than they were pre-pandemic. The whirlwind of recent events has clearly stirred up an irresistible desire for the unexpected, the unplanned, and the delightful surprises that only a spontaneous journey can deliver. In a world reshaped by a hunger for adventure, spontaneous holidays are becoming the new norm. Almost half (42%) of UAE travellers have arrived at the airport without a destination in mind and booked then and there, whilst a staggering 60% have booked a holiday less than a mere four days before departure. And if you’re stumped on an upcoming gift idea for your loved one or friend, a resounding 63% of UAE travellers said they would feel happy, followed by grateful (23%), if a loved one surprised them with a spontaneous holiday. Whilst most travellers would choose their spouse/partner for a spontaneous getaway, the study revealed that women are also leading this charge and emerging as twice as likely as their male counterparts to embark on a spontaneous solo escapade. It’s a symphony of last-minute getaways, unexpected joy, and fearless explorations that now compose the enchanting melody of travel in the modern age. Commenting on the findings, Skyscanner’s Travel Expert Ayoub El Mamoun says: “Embracing spontaneity isn’t just about shaking up our routines, it’s about the sheer joy of discovering new horizons or reuniting with family and friends at a moment’s notice that sends ripples of excitement and creates memories that last forever. As the world embarks on a renewed era of global travel, countless new flight routes connect us …

Skyscanner new research study reveals that 79% of UAE travellers are likely to hire a car during their next holiday.* The freedom to travel on your own terms combined with an increasing desire to explore off the beaten path destinations as 98% of UAE travellers are open to travelling to alternative or lesser-known destinations, where public transportation might be limited, has put road trips firmly back in the spotlight for 2023/2024 travel.**  With 84% of road trippers citing sustainability as an important factor when hiring a car, the interest in hybrid and electric cars is high. Almost half (41%) of UAE travellers surveyed have hired an electric or hybrid car during a recent holiday, whilst another 50% would consider it. Ayoub El Mamoun, Skyscanner Travel Expert said: “Our latest research shows that despite price being a key consideration for UAE travellers when hiring a car, only a third compare prices from different providers where significant savings can be made. Skyscanner is here to help, searching billions of prices every day from over 1200 providers in one place so that travellers can easily find and compare the best flight, car hire and hotel options to suit their travel needs and budget. “As well as saving on fuel, choosing an electric vehicle (EV) means you’ll also be exempt from low-emission zone charges in some cities, and enjoy free parking, provided they’re plugged in to a charging point. So whether you’re looking to reduce your traveller footprint or just looking for ways to save on your car hire, it’s easy to find cheap EV rentals with Skyscanner. Simply select, and tick Electric & Hybrid options under the ‘Low- Emissions Vehicle’ filter on the …

According to Skyscanner’s latest research, 87% of UAE travellers are planning to get away this anticipated Eid Al Adha holiday. Top 10 Searched Countries from the UAE for Eid Al Adha: UK, Philippines, India, Everywhere – According to Skyscanner’s latest survey, 55% of UAE travellers would like to travel somewhere they have never been before this Eid. (Everywhere search indicates that travellers don’t yet know where to go and are looking for inspiration and/or are being price conscious; this is a Skyscanner filter that orders destinations by cheapest price), Thailand, Italy, Turkey, USA, Indonesia and Maldives. Top 10 Searches (Cities) London, Manila, Bangkok, Colombo, Denpasar (Bali), Male, Istanbul, Rome, Tokyo and Singapore. Ayoub El Mamoun, Skyscanner Travel Expert said:  “In our latest polling, 65% of UAE travellers shared that price is very important factor in determining whether they would go on holiday during Eid al Adha. The good news is that even during busy periods like Eid or summer, which would normally be more expensive times to travel, prices are not rising on all routes, nor at the same rate, which means there are still competitive deals for travellers who remain flexible, are open to discovering new destinations and most importantly, know how to shop around and compare fares using sites like Skyscanner. As we approach Eid Al Adha, most travellers from the UAE are planning to travel with family (74%) and groups of friends (19%) during the public holiday, whilst the three most popular types of trips this Eid are visiting family and friends abroad, outdoor adventure, and relaxing beach getaways.”  

Global travel marketplace Skyscanner highlights the top searched destinations from the UAE during the week of half term holidays. According to the latest update, searches are up +185% compared to the previous year and booking windows for flights in February also see an increase compared to 2022, suggesting a return to pre-pandemic booking windows as consumer confidence continues to grow and travellers book flights earlier. Travel searches within the GCC – top 3: Saudi Arabia (+494% increase compared to previous year) Qatar (+626% increase compared to previous year) Oman (+231% increase compared to previous year)   International travel searches – top 10 India (+292% increase compared to previous year) Pakistan (+246% increase compared to previous year) United Kingdom (+178% increase compared to previous year) Egypt (+238% increase compared to previous year) Thailand (+522% increase compared to previous year) Philippines (-16% decrease compared to previous year) Maldives (+569% increase compared to previous year) Italy (+103% increase compared to previous year) Germany (+143% increase compared to previous year) United States (+162% increase compared to previous year) Flight bookings made more than 30 days before departure in February 2023 are up 7% compared to 2022, whilst flight bookings made less than 30 days before departure are down 6% from the previous year.