If you’re contemplating a getaway before year’s end, a crucial question arises: Should you travel during the National Day weekend or hold off for the Christmas-New Year holidays?
Analyzing current airfares and travel packages reveals one period to be significantly pricier. Both offer festive escapes, with flights rapidly booking up and fares climbing.
According to travel industry experts, early checks indicate that short-haul destinations remain more affordable over the National Day weekend, while long-haul routes are tightening for Christmas, with prices soaring up to 90% on some routes.
Stay informed with the latest updates. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Last year, Khaleej Times analysis showed winter holiday fares jumping nearly 20% in mid-December compared to November. This season, the gap has widened, especially for families and travelers heading to Europe.
Short breaks for National Day
According to Khaleej Times’ analysis of Skyscanner’s live fare data, a direct return flight from Dubai to Tbilisi from November 29 to December 3 is approximately Dh2,595. The same route during Christmas week (December 21 – 28) costs Dh2,812.
Tickets to London increase from Dh3,032 during National Day to Dh3,900 around Christmas.
For Helsinki, the gateway to Finland’s snowy Santa Claus Village, the hike is steep — Dh2,198 in late November versus Dh4,000 during Christmas week.
“National Day holidays are ideal for short, impromptu getaways,” stated Mir Wasim Raja, manager at Galadari International Travel. “Packages for this period average around Dh2,700, and seats are filling up fast. Residents favor 4 or 5-day trips to the Caucasus, Singapore, Malaysia, Bali, and now Krabi or Phuket. The new Fly Dubai route to Krabi has suddenly made Thailand a popular choice.”
Christmas travelers plan early
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, planning months ahead is essential. “Christmas bookings started early this year due to fixed school holidays,” noted Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism.
“Families with children organize their leaves around this time. Many holding Schengen visas have already secured Europe trips or are finalizing packages.”
Travel agents report the highest demand for Europe and Scandinavian countries, especially Finland. “Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi is booked a year in advance. Many prefer Vietnam and Bali for warmer festive climates,” said Raja.
Agents explain that Christmas prices surge due to extended leaves and family travel. “National Day is a paid break for most, unlike Christmas,” he said. “This is why short-haul trips spike during National Day, and long-haul trips peak in December.”
Soaring demand
Travel agents warn that availability is rapidly diminishing. “Seats to many destinations are booking fast for both holidays,” said Raja. “Even travelers willing to pay higher fares may not find seats at the last minute.”
Agents have observed that Christmas and New Year packages are at least 30% costlier than National Day deals.
“At this stage, it’s nearly late for both seasons,” mentioned Subair. “Demand is strong, and prices are high, although some deals remain if you book before the National Day dates are officially announced.”
Raja added that the National Day holidays have not yet been announced. “Once announced, expect package rates, airfare, and hotel bookings to climb.”
Where the deals are
Not every destination is expensive in December. Flights from Dubai to Baku are an exception — Dh1,950 during National Day but only Dh1,211 over Christmas.
However, fares to India, particularly Kochi, tell a different story — Dh1,340 in November versus Dh2,545 during Christmas and New Year, a 90% surge due to residents returning home.
Uzbekistan remains a cost-effective packaged destination, starting from Dh2,499 on Holiday Factory for the National Day break, while trips to the Caucasus average Dh3,000. These packages increase by 30 to 40% as Christmas approaches.
Room rates rise in some cities, fall in others
On Booking.com, Tbilisi hotels average Dh780 for three nights during National Day (around Dh260 per night). Longer stays over Christmas are cheaper per night, about Dh1,200 for six nights (Dh200 per night).
In Helsinki, however, nightly rates rise from Dh1,800 to Dh2,200 in late November to Dh3,000 to Dh4,000 during Christmas for a six-night stay.
Across most cities, centrally located hotels are 40 to 50% more expensive than those on the outskirts.
‘Visa-free countries are alternative’
Visa-free and e-visa destinations continue to attract travelers from the UAE. “New UAE residents prefer easy-visa countries like Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Thailand,” said Subair. “Long-term residents are exploring East Asia and Europe.”
Tips to find value
Agents advise that significant savings can now be achieved with weekday departures not overlapping with public holidays. “Weekday flights are usually cheaper; just ensure they’re not on official holidays,” said Raja.
“Book now, before National Day dates are announced. Once announced, remaining seats may disappear.”
So which is cheaper?
If you seek quick, visa-free escapes, the National Day weekend still offers better value. Airfares are lower, packages abundant, and the weather in the Caucasus and Southeast Asia is ideal.
However, for those yearning for Europe’s festive lights or family reunions in India, Christmas will cost more and delaying may mean paying a premium or missing out.
