UAE travellers are setting their sights on diverse destinations for the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holiday and spring season, according to Expedia’s Spring Travel Outlook released this week.
The report indicates strong interest in both domestic and international travel during Eid Al Fitr, with Ras Al Khaimah showing a remarkable 240 percent increase in searches, followed by Dubai (+30 percent) and Abu Dhabi (+15 percent).
UAE travellers eye Maldives, Istanbul for Eid breaks, Expedia data reveals
For international Eid destinations, the Maldives leads with a 515 percent surge in searches, while other popular choices include Istanbul (+330 percent), London (+195 percent), Phuket (+175 percent), and Paris (+130 percent).
Tokyo has also seen increased interest (+215 percent), coinciding with the cherry blossom season expected to reach full bloom by 1 April.
Spring is a fantastic time for travel, and UAE travelers are embracing the season with trips to vibrant European cities and tranquil Indian Ocean islands. With Eid approaching, memorable experiences are top of mind, and tools like Expedia’s Price Tracking help travelers secure the best deals with confidence,” an Expedia spokesperson said.
The broader spring travel period from April to May shows continued demand for Japanese destinations, with Osaka emerging as a trending choice (+210 percent) as it prepares to host an international exhibition between April and October.
Baku (+165 percent) remains popular due to its proximity to the UAE and spring flowering season, while regional destinations Bahrain (+140 percent) and Cairo (+120 percent) attract weekend travellers.
Island destinations continue to draw UAE residents seeking beach holidays, with the Maldives (+140 percent), Phuket (+140 percent), Mauritius (+165 percent), and Seychelles (+110 percent) all showing strong interest.
Long-haul trips to US cities including New York, Boston, and Las Vegas all recorded 100 percent or higher increases in searches, while European destinations like Zürich (+95 percent), Paris (+80 percent), and Milan (+90 percent) round out the spring travel preferences.
Expedia data suggests May is generally the least busy time for spring stays, potentially offering cost savings and fewer crowds.
The platform identified April 1 and March 28 as peak travel days around Eid, while March 20 and April 12 may offer cheaper rates.
For travellers planning their spring getaways, Expedia recommends booking 6-12 days before travel to save up to 21 percent, choosing Tuesdays as travel days, and using the Price Tracking feature for flight deals.
The company is currently running its Annual Vacation Event until March 31, offering member discounts of 25 percent or more on select hotels for travel by September 8, 2025.
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