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19 April 2024

Eid Al Adha holidays: Last-minute getaways to fit all budgets

Published
By Bindu Suresh Rai

It is the holiday that most residents look forward to after the long summer break, especially when many have failed to take the sweltering months off and have sweat it out with the rising mercury in Dubai.

Eid Al Adha is around the corner, and while many have a one-day working week during October 13-17, there are others who have managed to bargain with the bosses to take the week off and travel away for seven nights to recharge the batteries before Christmas brings in a sigh of relief.

For those of you who have yet to book the break, don’t fret as Emirates 24|7 has some last minute deals here that can still be snapped up for a relaxing time.

Budget break

Start humming to the swing-style beats of The Four Lads and book a ticket for Istanbul (Not Constantinople) for the Eid Al Adha getaway on a budget.

Why is this our budget break winner, you ask?

Only because every travel agency and airline from the Middle East is offering a deal into this Turkish city with the competition so tough that only tourists like us can benefit in this price war.

We are loving this deal Al Naboodah Travels is offering on its website for just Dh1,505, inclusive of flights and stay.

Of course, this is subject to availability. But with Air Arabia, flydubai and Pegasus Air offering killer deals to this popular Turkish city, you cannot miss out on a budget break to Istanbul.

Price:Dh1,505 (subject to availability with Al Naboodah Travels)

What you get? Return economy class airfare on Gulf Air (via Bahrain), three nights accommodation, breakfast, half day city tour and shared transfers.

Deal Steal

La Dolce Vita beckons in all its glory, as you take in the sights and sounds of the very essence of Italy with an Eid break in the one-time capital of the world – Rome.

This deal steal on group buying site, Cobone.com, offers a dream vacation of a four-night stay, with flights, to Rome for as low as Dh3,199.

Even we were rubbing our eyes when we read this, but there are date options and extensions on your stay that will bump up the price, but for this bargain, we wouldn’t hesitate in snapping this up.

Price: Dh3,199 (Oct 13-17 for four nights); Dh3,699 (Oct 18-22 for four nights) and Dh4,599 (Oct 15-22 for seven nights).

What you get? Return economy class airfare on Alitalia (inclusive of taxes); accommodation at a four-star hotel in a standard room with daily breakfast and taxes; departure from Abu Dhabi with Dubai transfers. Deal is valid per person and needs to be booked by October 5.

Romantic indulgence

If romance is in the air, then an island retreat is just what Cupid has ordered for five days of serenity and bliss in the Mauritius.

Emirates Holidays is offering to transport you into this magical paradise, where you can indulge in driving through roads surrounded by mammoth sugar cane plantations on your way to your fabulous resort.

And then you arrive and your dreams have come true – you’ll need to pinch yourself to make sure you’re awake.

All resorts in Mauritius offer a host of water and land based activities – or you can simply chill out in the company of a loved one to celebrate in style.

Beautiful sun rises and sun sets will provide perfect book marks for each day which will provide a never to be forgotten Eid break for all.

Price: Dh12,330 (October 12-16)

What you get? Economy class return flights Dubai to Mauritius aboard Emirates, return airport transfers on private basis, four nights’ accommodation, Half Board (All Inclusive basis at Villas Caroline) and taxes included.

Pastures new

If you haven’t travelled towards the caucus states of East Europe then delay no further and cut a ticket for an Eid holiday in the lush green hills of Georgia.

Here you will find vintage charm, grape tours and snow-capped peaks to indulge in weather like no other.

Group buying website Groupon is offering an inclusive deal that will save you the hassle of planning it all.

Price:Dh2,449 (October 14-17)

What you get? Return ticket on Fly Georgia, stay, breakfast, tours. Need to book by October 10.

The staycation

If hopping on a plane is not on the cards, then try a helicopter instead to feel the Eid break with a long weekend at the super exclusive Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah Resort, which gives you the option to arrive by air or a limo.

Inspired by the palaces dotting the Arabian Peninsula, this recently opened luxury resort is located in the centre of Al Hamra Village, with a pristine white sandy beach and an 18-hole championship golf course and club.

With a luxurious spa and 10 restaurants and lounges to boot, this is one hideaway you may never want to leave.

Price: Dh2,295 per night (October 15-18) as per its official website

What you get? Sea view balcony room for two adults, with breakfast.