Dubai: UAE residents are demonstrating a strong desire for extended, experience-driven international holidays for Eid Al Adha and the upcoming summer break, with a 40 per cent surge in Eid holiday inquiries compared to 2024, according to musafir.com. The online travel agency said this trend signals a growing appetite for premium, curated escapes.
“This year’s Eid travel trends reflect a deeper shift in how UAE residents view holidays — they want more than just a break; they’re looking for experiences,” said Raheesh Babu, COO of musafir.com. “We’re seeing demand split between bucket-list Europe trips and affordable, family-friendly Asian escapes — a clear sign that customers are prioritising value and meaning.”
He added, “While family-friendly and cultural experiences continue to lead the way, there’s also a noticeable rise in travellers seeking city vibes, retail therapy, and affordable luxury, especially in urban destinations across the Far East and Europe.”
Another notable trend is the increasing interest in “detour destinations,” according to Expedia’s Unpack ’25 report. UAE travellers seek less crowded gems, such as Abu Dhabi as an alternative to Dubai and Reims as a detour from Paris.
This reflects a desire for more unique and authentic experiences away from the usual tourist hotspots. Other trending detour destinations include Brescia (near Milan), Cozumel (near Cancun), and Girona (near Barcelona). According to Expedia, 49 per cent of UAE travellers will likely visit a “Detour Destination” on their next trip.
Where are UAE travellers going?
European getaways are highly favoured, with Switzerland, France, Italy, Germany, Latvia, and Budapest attracting significant interest due to their cooler climates, said travel agencies. These destinations and Japan are prime choices for once-in-a-lifetime holidays, ideal for travellers seeking to tick off bucket-list experiences.
The longer flight times and higher investment associated with these destinations drive travellers to opt for extended eight to ten-day itineraries, often combining multiple cities.
