UAE Summer Vacation: Save Dh280 Per Ticket by Choosing Specific Travel Dates

Did you know that the day you choose to travel could significantly impact your vacation budget? Experts reveal that you can save an average of Dh279.15 per ticket by flying on a Wednesday instead of a Sunday. The best time to find lower prices for airfares, accommodations, and tourist activities during summer is from late July to August, when airlines and hotels in the GCC often lower prices and offer promotions due to reduced demand caused by extreme weather conditions, according to Rikant Pittie, co-founder of EaseMyTrip. He added that the cheapest week to fly out is the last week of July, with airfares about 8 per cent cheaper than the average summer cost. Pittie noted that early weekdays, especially Tuesdays, tend to have lower airfares. Searching for flights on Tuesday around midnight can help save approximately 6 per cent on airfare.

However, a poll by SkyScanner in April revealed that while 56 per cent of UAE travellers are aware of cheaper travel days and weeks, only 3 per cent take advantage of this. The poll also showed that 53 per cent of EMEA travellers are choosing Europe for their summer holiday in 2024, up 4 per cent from last year, driven by a 4 per cent decline in North American travel due to the strong US dollar.

SkyScanner travel expert Ayoub El Mamoun advised being flexible with travel times to secure good deals, noting that cheap flights are less about the booking day and more about flight popularity. He said the most expensive times to book are related to the route and booking time, with international trips being cheapest 6 to 12 weeks out, particularly at 7 weeks.

El Mamoun also mentioned that airlines have 'fare classes,' and early booking can secure tickets at lower prices. For peak season travel (June to September), Pittie advised planning and booking at least 45 days in advance, with 4 to 6 months being ideal for significant savings through early booking discounts. He recommended booking well in advance, considering less popular destinations, and accumulating credit card points and travel rewards to save money.