Travel plans among UAE residents continue apace as the hot summer months approach.
Online travel agency musafir.com has observed several key trends shaping vacation choices in August.
Europe, USA, UK, Salalah, Abha (Saudi Arabia), Almaty, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Greece, Kenya, and Zanzibar are popular this year.
“August is a dynamic month for travel enthusiasts in the UAE, with diverse trends reflecting a blend of cultural exploration, family bonding, and adventurous spirit. Our curated packages cater to these evolving preferences; ensuring travellers can enjoy memorable experiences tailored to their interests,” Raheesh Babu, COO, musafir.com said.
Holidays of 15 days or more with extensive itineraries remain in favour, the report said, adding that value and budget also impact decisions as travellers opt for higher value.
Moreover, families reunite overseas or spend time locally at theme and water parks. Solo trips witness growth areas like Latvia, Malta and Krabi.
Couples seek beaches and secluded spots such as Maldives, Thailand, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, while religious travel to Saudi Arabia increases.
Adventure activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, mountain biking, parasailing, sky-diving, bungee-jumping etc., lure male solo travellers. Women partake in girls-only road trips and beach/mountain getaways in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
Convenient services see increased usage, namely city check-ins and visa applications catering to busy schedules.