As the Eid Al Adha holidays draw near, travelers scrambling to secure last-minute vacation packages are encountering slim pickings and soaring prices.
Despite this, opportunities for affordable getaways still exist for those swift to act.
Numerous travel agencies have earmarked a limited number of packages for procrastinators seeking a quick escape. Packages to Georgia have emerged as a budget-friendly option, starting at Dh1,477, appealing to travelers arranging their own flights or preferring flexibility in travel plans.
Vishnu Gopal, a travel consultant at WalksofDubai, confirmed,
“Our packages to Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan are fully booked, but we have a few packages available excluding air travel, specifically reserved for last-minute bookings.”
Ahmed from Best Travel Agency highlighted the popularity of Caucasian destinations, offering packages starting at Dh2,699 inclusive of flights, amenities, and excursions. Packages to Armenia and Azerbaijan are priced at Dh3,150 and Dh2,830 respectively, with specific travel dates set from June 16 to June 19.
Industry insiders warn of diminishing availability and escalating prices as the holiday weekend approaches. Libin Varghese, sales head at Rooh Tourism, advised,
“Seats to Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan start at Dh2,299 inclusive, with limited availability remaining.”
In addition to these options, Varghese noted limited packages to Salalah via bus, emphasizing the high demand during the Khareef season.
Travel experts advocate comparing offers across multiple agencies and maintaining flexibility in travel dates and destinations to maximize chances of securing a suitable package.
Deepak Kaushik, operations head at Tours on Board, advised,
“Checking reviews and prices across various platforms can help in finding the best deal.”
With packages on Holiday Factory showing high demand, opportunities for travel during the long weekend include Turkey starting at Dh1,999, Georgia at Dh3,199, and Maldives at Dh3,899, with departures scheduled for June 14.
For travelers still on the hunt for a holiday deal, time is of the essence as remaining packages continue to dwindle amidst escalating demand and rising prices.
News Source: Khaleej Times
