Travelers who last-minute book trips should be ready for more costs, too; prices for hotels, flights, and lodging generally rise by 15 to 20 percent during this busy season. Contributing elements include the location, availability of visas, and growing demand for winter holidays.

School holidays and the festive season cause a natural price increase between mid-December and early January; residents travel overseas for Christmas and New Year's celebrations. Travel brokers say there is strong demand for last-minute getaways this Christmas season, despite the higher expenses.

Premium Prices for Last-Minute Bookings

Vice President of Operations at Musafir.com, Rashida Zahid, emphasized the difficulties last-minute visitors experience, She said, "As demand approaches the travel dates, airfares, hotel rates, and activities usually escalate, Depending on their destination and other restrictions, last-minute bookings may pay 15 to 20 percent more than those made beforehand, Zahid said that last-minute winter trips are still very sought after despite these rates.

European Travel Destinations Under Demand

For UAE citizens, Europe remains their first option; places like Switzerland, France, and Germany attract constant demand, Zahid saw a winter ticket price increase for certain European locations of 10–12 percent. Furthermore becoming more and more famous are nations like Finland, Austria , and the Balkan countries for their gorgeous winter scenery and festive mood.

Travelers also like locations where visa application is simple. Among the most often chosen are Georgia, Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia , which provide a mix of adventure and leisure for quick visits, Furthermore appealing for their proximity and cultural experiences are GCC nations such Saudi Arabia , Qatar, and Oman.

Reasonable Alternatives and Pre-Booked Plans

Many residents are looking to reasonably priced locations and pre-booked trip packages in order to offset excessive expenditures. Zahid noted an increasing curiosity with places such Armenia, Georgia, and Indonesia. With availability until late December and return dates in early January, fixed-departure European trips—including excursions to France, Germany, and the Netherlands—are also much in demand.

Managing Director of TravelzMind Lakshmii Annand underlined the part alternate travel plans play in reducing expenses. To cut costs, many tourists are choosing transit planes and other paths. Annand also pointed out that demand for European locations is rising by 35–40 percent, hence total travel bookings this season show a notable 60–65 percent growth. India stays a perennial favorite among UAE visitors, with a consistent 25–30 percent increase in bookings.

Drawn by chances for adventure, leisure, and festive celebrations, UAE citizens are maximizing the winter season despite growing expenses, Affordable regional vacations combined with classic European appeal guarantees that last-minute travel stays a practical and appealing choice even at a cost. Travel experts suggest, wherever feasible, prior planning to guarantee better rates and reduce the cost impact of holiday travel.

UAE Travelers See Up to 20% Price Surge for Last-Minute Winter getaways

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