Travel trends for the year 2024 have been revealed, showing a shift in the preference of holidaymakers in the UAE. According to a survey conducted by travel website Booking.com, 70% of UAE residents are looking to reduce the cost of their vacation by choosing destinations that offer a more affordable day-to-day life compared to their home city or by opting for less far-flung places to avoid the expenses of long-haul flights.

One of the residents, Canadian expat Mila Beyrouti, expressed interest in the prospect of visiting Georgia, citing its cost-effectiveness and proximity to the UAE as appealing factors. This sentiment is echoed by Sarah, a South African expat, who highlighted cost as the top consideration for her family when choosing a travel destination.

The survey also indicated that many UAE residents are in favor of taking vacations outside peak seasons to reduce their holiday bills, with 56% planning to take their children out of school during the academic session in 2024 to make their travel budget go further.

Apart from cost considerations, the report also revealed that travellers are willing to pay for short-term luxury experiences upon their arrival at their destination. Additionally, 75% of UAE travellers prefer cooler climates when flying out, and nearly two-thirds (60%) are tech-savvy, trusting artificial intelligence to plan every aspect of their trip.

These trends are reflective of the changing preferences and priorities of holidaymakers in the UAE, as they seek more cost-effective and convenient travel options for the year 2024.