Beyond the school holidays: Affordable and under-the-radar escapes for UAE travellers revealed
September return flights start from Dh607, while Budapest, Giza, Krabi and Zanzibar combine accessible summer fares with lower search interest
DUBAI – As schools return and the peak family holiday period draws to a close, younger travellers, couples and groups of friends who are not tied to the school calendar have another opportunity to plan a late-summer escape.
Skyscanner’s latest summer travel insights highlight a range of destinations offering comparatively accessible average return-flight prices from the UAE. The data also reveals where travellers could find value when travelling specifically in September, alongside less-searched destinations for those looking beyond the usual summer hotspots.
While lower search volumes do not necessarily mean fewer visitors, they can help inspire travellers to explore less obvious alternatives and consider places that may not have been at the top of their original list.
Summer return flights start from Dh672
Muscat leads Skyscanner’s list of the most affordable destinations across the summer, with average return flights from the UAE priced at approximately Dh672. Larnaca follows at Dh811, while Madinah offers average return fares of Dh982.
Travellers considering a European break can explore Baku from Dh1,174 and Budapest from Dh1,358. Meanwhile, Goa offers average return flights of Dh1,383.
Where UAE travellers can find value in September
For travellers planning a September trip, Skyscanner’s flight-price data shows that return fares to Riyadh average Dh607, making it the most affordable destination analysed for the month. Salalah follows closely at Dh648, while return flights to Mumbai average Dh748.
Istanbul offers another accessible option at Dh836, followed by Karachi at Dh944. Travellers can also find average return fares of close to Dh1,000 to destinations including New Delhi, Cairo, Madinah and Larnaca.
Looking beyond the usual summer hotspots
For travellers seeking a different experience, Skyscanner’s lowest-searched summer destinations provide inspiration beyond the most popular choices. The list spans European destinations including Krakow, Santorini and Faro, alongside Da Nang in Vietnam, Almaty in Kazakhstan and Tbilisi in Georgia.
Budapest, Giza, Krabi and Zanzibar present a particularly interesting opportunity. Each destination appears on both Skyscanner’s list of the 10 cheapest summer destinations and its under-the-radar list, combining comparatively accessible average flight prices with lower search interest among UAE travellers this summer.
Ayoub El Mamoun, Travel Expert at Skyscanner, said: “The return of the school season creates a different travel opportunity for those who are not tied to the academic calendar. Younger travellers, couples and groups of friends may have greater flexibility to compare a wider range of destinations and departure dates when planning a late-summer trip.
“Our data shows that value is not limited to the most familiar destinations. Looking at places with lower search interest can introduce travellers to options they may not have previously considered, while comparing live fares across different dates can help them find the trip that best suits their plans and budget.”
Flight prices can change based on availability and demand. Travellers are encouraged to compare live fares before booking and explore a wider range of dates and destinations to make informed decisions and find the best available option for their late-summer trip.