Emirates have slashed their airfares for mid-December, so we rounded up the best pre-Christmas escapes around the region and further afield.
Any UAE expat will tell you that December usually spells eye-watering airfares with people clamouring to fly home for the holidays. And yes, if you want to fly at peak times (we’re talking over Christmas and New Year), you could be looking at a purse-propping price tag.
The good news is if you are able to squeeze in a break in early December before the crazy season is in full swing, you can bag yourself a bargain.
Here, we round up our pick of the best mid-month getaways – all for under Dhs4,000.
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Fort Lauderdale
Daily flights to Fort Lauderdale, Emirates’ 11th destination in the US, start on December 15 so now’s the time to explore Florida’s powdery beaches, swampy everglades and white-knuckle theme parks. Less than an hour’s drive from Miami, Fort Lauderdale – once the preserve of spring break students – is now home to some of the finest Latin American food and beverages the state has to offer (we’re talking fried chicken and shrimp – nom). An everglades airboat ride will take you within snapping distance of alligators, or soak up the carnival fever onboard a river boat cruise.
Price: A return flight leaving Dubai on December 15 costs around Dhs3,480.
Best for: Nature-loving foodies.
Munich
Nothing will give you seasonal feels quite like a trip to a traditional German Christmas market. Held in the city’s stunning Marienplatz Square, you can get into the festive spirit by shopping local crafts and foods to the heart-warming sounds of carol singers. Rug up and wander round nibbling all the weihnachtsplätzchen (cookies) and Christstollen cake you could ask for.
Price: A return flight leaving Dubai on December 15 costs around Dhs3,860.
Best for: Fans of all things festive.
Mumbai
Noisy, flashy and exotic, few cities can compare to Mumbai (or Bombay, as the locals still call it). At this time of year, the weather is pleasantly warm, so you can explore the bustling city on foot, taking in Gandhi’s museum, the Gateway to India and the famous fish market before rubbing shoulders with Bollywood glitterati in the upmarket bars and restaurants of Bandra, or take a stroll along the Marine Drive strip with views over the Arabian Sea.
Price: A return flight leaving Dubai on December 15 costs around Dhs2,770.
Best for: A vibrant city break.
Jakarta
The capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta is a must-visit for its unique mix of culture, history and super-friendly locals. The sprawling city is divided into districts: head to the central one for a culture hit at the National Museum of Indonesia . In the north, you’ll find Asia’s largest integrated tourism area, Ancol Bayfront City, which boasts theme parks, beachfront entertainment and markets. Meanwhile the thousand islands district is a top spot for diving.
Best for: A mini Asian odyssey.
Price: A return flight leaving Dubai on December 15 costs around Dhs3,380.
Bali
The smell of burning incense and hibiscus flower in the mountain town of Ubud will bring out your inner Zen faster than you can say Eat, Pray, Love (which was written here, FYI). Explore the lush rainforests, rice paddies and temples, or get your downward facing dog on at one of the region’s many luxe-boho yoga retreats. The stunning beaches at Seminyak and the bustling shops and bars of Kuta are also on the not-to-be-missed list.
Price: A return flight leaving Dubai on December 15 costs around Dhs2,770.
Best for: Spa-loving yogis.
Words: Aoife Stuart-Madge
Images: Getty
