Your holiday getaway is still possible

TRAVEL AGENTS REVEAL TWEAKS TO UNLOCK AFFORDABLE FARES FOR THOSE FLYING OUT THIS MONTH

- BY DHANUSHA GOKULAN

Christmas or New Year getaway may still be within reach for UAE residents — even at the last minute — provided travellers are willing to be flexible on routes, airlines and departure points, travel agents say.

However, this year, due to an early school closure (November 28), many families departed for their holidays in late November and early December (during the national day holidays, explained TP Sudheesh, general manager of Deira Travels.

While direct, peak-date flights from Dubai to popular holiday destinations have surged sharply in price, 40 to 60 per cent in some cases, industry insiders say alternative airports, indirect routings and date tweaks can still unlock comparatively affordable fares for those flying out after Christmas and returning in early January.