Travellers are splitting into two groups this season: those chasing short regional escapes and those booking longer winter holidays across Europe. Recent Expedia insights add useful context, revealing which destinations are trending and how travellers can time trips for better value.
Short-haul breaks favourites
Residents planning quick trips are sticking to destinations that offer culture, winter-friendly weather and easy access. Atlys identifies three favourites leading demand.
Egypt stays firmly in the spotlight. Travellers are choosing Cairo, Luxor and Red Sea resorts for warm weather and iconic sites without long flights. Georgia follows closely, appealing to visitors who want a real winter setting.
Tbilisi’s old town, cosy cafés and trips to Gudauri give travellers a complete seasonal experience. Morocco rounds out the list with its cool climate, energetic souks, Atlas Mountain landscapes and desert adventures that fit both weekend breaks and activity-heavy trips.
Atlys’ CEO Mohak Nahta revealed the motivations behind these choices:
“The UAE’s population represents one of the world’s most diverse communities, and travel aspirations are equally varied… Winter is a meaningful season when people seek connection, exploration, and celebration.”
Longer holidays gain traction
Travellers taking extended winter breaks are shifting toward destinations that shine during the colder months. The United Kingdom remains a top choice.
Residents are drawn to London’s festive lights and shopping districts, Edinburgh’s celebrations and quieter countryside stays. Schengen destinations also see strong demand as travellers combine multiple stops across Europe’s seasonal highlights, from Christmas markets to winter sports.
Expedia’s earlier Winter Travel Outlook supports this trend, showing sharp increases in searches for European cultural hubs. Madrid jumped 165% and Amsterdam 155%, fuelled by interest in winter markets and off-peak cultural experiences.
Cold-weather favourites such as Prague (+50%) and Toronto (+35%) also saw notable growth. Alpine demand rose as well, with St. Moritz searches up 125% as travellers looked for snow-focused getaways.
As an Expedia spokesperson noted: “This winter, UAE travelers are embracing variety like never before, from tropical escapes in Thailand, festive European cities in Madrid and Amsterdam to ski adventures in St. Moritz.”
Seasonal timing drives planning
Expedia’s data highlights key dates shaping budgets and crowd levels. Travellers will find the lowest rates on February 3 and 15, while January 3 and 4 stand out as the quietest days to travel. The most expensive dates fall on December 21 and January 2, with peak traffic expected on December 22 and 28.
Atlys’ new trends and Expedia’s earlier booking patterns reveal a winter marked by variety. Residents are blending quick cultural breaks with extended European holidays, choosing destinations that offer strong value, memorable experiences and better seasonal timing.
Justin is a personal finance author and seasoned business journalist with over a decade of experience. He makes it his mission to break down complex financial topics and make them clear, relatable, and relevant—helping everyday readers navigate today’s economy with confidence.
Before returning to his Middle Eastern roots, where he was born and raised, Justin worked as a Business Correspondent at Reuters, reporting on equities and economic trends across both the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.
