It’s that time of the year.
Whenever December rolls around, most school children go on winter break, making it an ideal time for families to take a trip.
Essa Al Shamsi, senior vice president of terminal operations at Dubai Airports, says there’s always an uplift a few days before the break as residents look to extend their leave.
“Departures peak two to three days ahead of the [Eid Al Etihad] holiday, while arrivals are more evenly spread as residents return at their own pace or continue travelling into the festive season,” he says. “In 2024, the National Day weekend saw guest volume rise by roughly a quarter compared to the November–December average, placing it just behind the major December holiday peak.”
As temperatures cool, tropical destinations often rise to the top of the list.
Thailand, more specifically Phuket, is the most popular search for December travel on Expedia.ae, with a 165 per cent rise compared to search in the same period last year.
Whether it’s the scenic surrounds of Krabi or a laid-back island trip to Koh Samui, the country continues to appeal to many. Rome follows with a 145 per cent jump, while Bangkok, Tokyo and London also make the list, reflecting travellers’ interest in a mix of beach escapes, cultural capitals and big-city adventures.
Some people also use the festive period to head to Europe to visit the Christmas markets. Think twinkling trees, snow-dusted chalets and cobblestones lined with vendors selling everything from roast goose to chimney cakes.
It’s a trend I understand well. A few years ago, I went on a solo trip to Austria and Germany to experience the Christmas magic I’d always heard about. Despite the frigid climes, it lived up to expectations.
But for the ultimate winter adventure, there’s one destination that always sits near the top of many wish lists: Lapland. A vast Arctic wilderness, it offers idyllic experiences such as the northern lights and, more thematically, the Santa Claus Village in its capital, Rovaniemi.
That said, whether it’s a day trip, road trip or staycation, there are also plenty of places to explore closer to home.
Road trips to Oman remain popular thanks to the five-hour drive, with options ranging from cultural visits to Muscat to serene stays in Jebel Akhdar and adventures in the wadis.
A quick 75-minute flight to Bahrain is also an option, as my colleague Hayley Kadrou recently found out during a culture-filled 48-hour weekend in the island country. AlUla in Saudi Arabia continues to grow in popularity, while Riyadh is another strong choice as the city is in the midst of Riyadh Season 2025, bringing a packed line-up of performances.
For those wanting to stay put in the UAE, there’s no shortage of standout hotels worth spending a couple of nights at.
One of the biggest openings this year was Ciel Dubai Marina, the world’s tallest hotel at 377 metres. Spread across 82 floors with 1,004 rooms and suites, it also breaks another record with the world’s highest infinity pool.
There are also options such as the luxurious St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort and adults-only Anantara Santorini in Abu Dhabi, or a road trip to Ras Al Khaimah, whether it’s to stay at the budget-friendly Rove Al Marjan Island or a retreat at The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert.
Until next time, safe travels.
The top 13 travel destinations for UAE residents in 2026
With new flight routes, major cultural events and a wave of hotels opening across the region and beyond, plus global trends shaping demand, 2026 is set to be a year of discovery for UAE travellers.
Europe remains popular, but tourists are exploring other corners of the continent. Asia continues to rise with its mix of affordability and culture. Closer to home, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are reinforcing the Gulf’s position as a travel hub with major cultural and hospitality investments, particularly with the Schengen-style Unified GCC Tourism Visa due to be launched soon. Katy Gillett reports more here.
Checking into Encore Boston Harbour
When I travel home to the US for a holiday, my trips usually revolve around family and friends, not five-star hotels. But with Wynn becoming a growing presence in the UAE, I was curious to see how its Boston property, which has brought a new type of luxury to the Massachusetts city, compares.
Encore Boston Harbor is in Everett, which is a 15-minute drive from downtown. Opened in 2019, it is the most recent property from Wynn Resorts – the operator behind Wynn Al Marjan Island, which is set to open in Ras Al Khaimah in March 2027. To know more about the hotel, read here.
My colleague Farah Andrews also has a preview of the extensive art collection that is expected in Wynn Al Marjan Island. Find out more here.
In the spotlight: Lucknow, India
At the end of October, Lucknow was designated a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy owing to its deep-rooted culinary traditions and vibrant food ecosystem.
The city's rich history has something to do with its unique take on North Indian cuisine. From being part of the kingdom of Kosala in the sixth century BC, to being ruled from 1350 onwards by the Mughals, the Nawabs of Awadh (a former kingdom that included Lucknow) and the British East India Company, the city has myriad influences to thank for its cuisine and culture. Read more from Reem Khokhar here.
Travel news this week
Top travel tip
When paying abroad, always choose to pay in the local currency. It’s a small habit that can save a surprising amount over the course of a trip, as card machines often apply unfavourable conversion rates when you opt for your home currency. Selecting the local option means your bank handles the exchange instead, which is almost always cheaper. It’s a quick decision at checkout, but one that adds up, especially if travelling through countries where card payments are the norm.
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