With soaring temperatures across the UAE, residents are still on the lookout for refreshing escapes. As the summer enters its final stretch, many UAE travelers are making spontaneous bookings to cooler destinations, serene beach resorts, and iconic cities. According to dnata Travel, flight bookings from the UAE have jumped by 12% compared to last year.
If you’re still planning your vacation, here’s a complete guide to the top trending travel destinations this season, offering cheap flight tickets, easy booking options, and unforgettable experiences.
🇫🇷 1. France: Paris and Beyond
France continues to be the top choice among UAE travelers. From the romantic streets of Paris to the quiet charm of the French countryside, the country promises a perfect balance of culture, comfort, and cooler weather.
Why visit? Paris’ scenic avenues, iconic landmarks, and open-air cafés offer a magical experience during late summer.
Top spots: Paris, Chamonix (Alps), French Riviera.
Flight tips: Affordable flights to France are widely available, especially for flexible travelers.
Pro tip: Book in advance to lock in the best flight deals to Paris or Lyon.
🇲🇻 2. Maldives: The Island Getaway That Never Gets Old
Just a short flight from the UAE, the Maldives remains a top destination for couples, families, and luxury seekers. With its turquoise waters, private overwater villas, and serene vibes, it’s the ultimate escape from daily life.
Best for: Honeymoons, wellness retreats, family beach holidays.
Why now? Cheap flight tickets and a variety of airline options make booking seamless.
New trend: Mystery getaways like Secret Stays Maldives, where you book without knowing the exact resort.
🇹🇭🇹🇷 3. Phuket & Istanbul: Culture Meets Comfort
Both Phuket in Thailand and Istanbul in Turkey are surging in popularity. Travelers love their mix of affordability, vibrant local culture, and beautiful scenery.
Phuket: Ideal for affordable beachfront luxury, water activities, and tropical food.
Istanbul: Offers a unique blend of Europe and Asia, with stunning mosques, historical sites, and busy markets.
Whether you’re craving spicy street food or sunset boat rides, these destinations won’t disappoint—and they’re very budget-friendly.
🇦🇹 4. Austria: The Cool Alternative
Austria has emerged as a surprise favorite among UAE travelers looking for cooler weather and alpine views.
Where to go: Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck.
Activities: Mountain hikes, music festivals, lakeside relaxation.
Bonus: Less crowded than other European countries during August.
With scenic beauty and a chill atmosphere, Austria is ideal for nature lovers and quiet travelers.
✈️ Last-Minute Bookings on the Rise
A growing trend this year is the shift towards spontaneous travel. While many plan months in advance, a surprising number of travelers are now booking trips just 2–3 weeks before departure.
Why? Greater flexibility, last-minute deals, and the desire to escape the heat quickly.
How to save: Use price alerts and flexible dates to grab last-minute flight discounts.
🏝️ Secret Getaways: The Rise of Adventure Travel
To cater to this adventurous crowd, dnata Travel has introduced Secret Stays Maldives—luxury trips where your resort is only revealed after booking.
Perfect for: Explorers, couples, and digital nomads looking for exciting, surprise-filled trips.
Benefit: Premium experiences at unbeatable prices.
Mystery travel is now one of the fastest-growing vacation styles for UAE residents.
🌍 Emerging Hotspots: Greece, Czechia, Japan & Canada
While Paris and Phuket dominate, other destinations are making waves:
Greece: Athens and Santorini for Mediterranean charm.
Czech Republic: Prague’s medieval beauty and vibrant culture.
Japan: Tokyo’s energy, technology, and tradition.
Canada: Ideal for cool summer weather and outdoor exploration.
Flight deals to these destinations are becoming increasingly competitive, with many offering affordable travel packages for August and September.
🏙️ City Escapes Are Trending
A major shift this year is the preference for short, immersive city getaways over longer family beach vacations.
Why cities? Culture, food, shopping, and history—packed into 3–5 day trips.
Top picks: Vienna, Tokyo, Prague, and Istanbul.
These mini escapes are perfect for busy professionals and students alike, offering high value without long itineraries.
🎒 Final Take: Plan Now, Travel Smart
The travel trend among UAE residents is clear: cooler climates, diverse experiences, spontaneous getaways, and affordable airline tickets. Whether you’re looking to relax on a beach, explore a cultural city, or try a surprise stay, this is your moment.
With the increased availability of cheap flight tickets, online booking tools, and flexible travel packages, planning your next summer escape has never been easier.
Don’t wait—book now and make the most of your summer vacation before the season ends!