As the year draws to a close, UAE residents planning their holiday getaways face a crucial decision: Should they travel during the National Day weekend or wait for the Christmas-New Year period? A detailed analysis of current airfares and travel packages reveals significant cost differences between the two holiday seasons. While National Day offers more affordable short-haul trips, Christmas travel, especially to long-haul destinations, is proving to be substantially more expensive. Travel industry executives highlight that short-haul destinations remain budget-friendly during National Day, with packages averaging around Dh2,700. Popular choices include the Caucasus, Southeast Asia, and newly accessible routes like Krabi in Thailand. In contrast, Christmas travel is dominated by long-haul trips to Europe and Scandinavia, with fares surging up to 90% in some sectors. For instance, a flight from Dubai to Helsinki jumps from Dh2,198 in late November to Dh4,000 during Christmas week. The demand for festive destinations like Finland’s Santa Claus Village is so high that bookings are made a year in advance. Travel agents emphasize that Christmas packages are at least 30% costlier than National Day deals, driven by extended family vacations and fixed school holidays. However, some destinations, such as Baku, offer cheaper flights during Christmas, while India-bound fares spike due to residents returning home. Hotel rates also vary, with Tbilisi offering cheaper nightly stays over Christmas compared to National Day, while Helsinki sees a significant increase. Visa-free and e-visa destinations like Georgia, Armenia, and Thailand remain attractive for quick escapes. To secure the best deals, agents recommend booking weekday flights and finalizing plans before official holiday announcements. In summary, National Day is ideal for short, spontaneous trips, while Christmas caters to those seeking festive experiences or family reunions, albeit at a higher cost.