As the travel season heats up, families across the UAE plan their perfect summer getaways. Skyscanner has unveiled its latest report on this summer’s top family travel destinations, with recommendations for the most affordable car rentals, boasting savings of up to 14%*. With Skyscanner’s extensive research and partnership with OnePoll, families can explore new horizons without breaking the bank.
UAE Travel Trends: Booking Behaviors and Insights
Skyscanner’s research highlights key trends in UAE travel behaviors. Among the 48% of UAE residents who have already booked their summer holidays this year, only 53% have secured their car rentals, compared to 97% who have booked their flights**. This indicates a significant opportunity for families to optimize their travel plans by securing cost-effective car rentals closer to departure dates.
Further, Skyscanner’s booking data shows that 84% of UAE residents book their car rentals less than four weeks before departure, with 31% booking on the day before or the day of travel. This last-minute approach reflects a growing trend of spontaneous travel planning among UAE families.
Top Five Family Travel Destinations
Skyscanner has identified five budget-friendly destinations perfect for family adventures, cultural exploration, and relaxation. Each destination offers affordable car rentals, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
1. Jordan: A Blend of Adventure and History
Jordan is an ideal destination for families seeking a mix of adventure, culture, and history. Explore the ancient city of Petra, the stunning desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, and the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea. Affordable car rentals start from an average daily price of AED 101, providing the flexibility to discover Jordan’s rich cultural and natural wonders.
- Flights to Jordan: Starting from AED 850 return
2. Cyprus: Mediterranean Charm and History
Cyprus perfectly blends ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and charming villages. Families can explore this Mediterranean gem freely with cost-effective car rentals, with an average daily rate of AED 117. Key attractions include the Tombs of the Kings and the picturesque Troodos Mountains.
- Flights to Cyprus: Starting from AED 865 return
3. Mauritius: Tropical Paradise
Mauritius is renowned for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs. This tropical paradise is a dream destination for families. Affordable car rentals starting at AED 121 per day allow you to explore attractions like Black River Gorges National Park and Chamarel Waterfall at your own pace.
- Flights to Mauritius: Starting from AED 3,537 return
4. Portugal: Diverse Landscapes and Rich Culture
From the golden beaches of the Algarve to the historic streets of Lisbon and Porto, Portugal offers a diverse and family-friendly experience. Budget-friendly car rentals start from AED 124 per day, making exploring UNESCO-listed sites such as Sintra and the Douro Valley region easy.
- Flights to Portugal: Starting from AED 3,217 return
5. Spain: Cultural Riches and Vibrant Festivals
Spain’s rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and vibrant festivals make it an ideal family vacation spot. With best-value car hire options starting from AED 141 per day, families can easily travel between bustling cities like Barcelona and Madrid and serene coastal towns and scenic countryside. Don’t miss attractions like the Alhambra in Granada and the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
- Flights to Spain: Starting from AED 3,480 return
Skyscanner’s Car Hire Travel Hacks
To maximize savings on car rentals, Skyscanner offers several travel hacks:
- Advance Insurance Purchase: Secure insurance in advance for significant savings.
- Credit Card Perks: Check your credit card fine print for potential car rental benefits.
- Multiple Rental Locations: Compare prices across different rental locations. For instance, in Milan, airport terminal rentals cost AED 128, while off-airport rentals are AED 87. Similar savings can be found in Frankfurt and Los Angeles.
- Adjust Pickup Times: Tweaking your pickup time by an hour can lead to substantial savings. In Los Angeles, moving pickup from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. can save 37%, reducing costs from AED 329 to AED 196.
- Opt for Electric Vehicles: By choosing electric car rentals, save money and the environment.
Expert Tips from Skyscanner
Skyscanner Travel Expert Ayoub El Mamoun emphasizes the importance of value destinations and travel options, especially for families. He states, “At Skyscanner, we understand the need for budget-friendly destinations that offer incredible experiences. Our curated list ensures families can enjoy their summer vacations without overspending on car rentals.”
El Mamoun adds, “Renting a car on holiday gives you the freedom to travel on your terms. Skyscanner’s car hire guide and data help travelers save on car rentals every time. We’ve got you covered, from destinations with the biggest price drops to the best booking times.”
Skyscanner’s latest report provides invaluable insights and practical tips for families planning their summer vacations to ensure an unforgettable and affordable travel experience.
