Is January the cheapest time to travel from Dubai?

Hello all January travellers. Here’s some good news for you – this may just be the best time to book cheap travel from Dubai and experience new things.

You won’t have to deal with the holiday rush, prices will become more affordable and in fact, you may end up saving rather than splurging on that dream vacation.

Here are three reasons why January is the best month for cheap travel from Dubai, plus six destinations to add to your must-visit list.

Discounted airline fares

Buy your tickets in January and you’ll probably get discounted fares. This is because most people have been travelling in December and are giving airport runs a break. As demand drops so exponentially in the first month of the year, airlines tend to drop their prices, too. That dream destination that seemed far away? This is probably the time to start googling for trips.

Fewer travellers = less crowds

Because you are going at a time when others are not, you won’t have to hustle to get the best views of trendy spots or stand in queues for hours. The experience will in fact probably be more authentic since crowd-pleasing activities will be swapped out for quieter, more genuine experiences.

Destinations are often cheaper

We are riding the trough of the wave now; the peak period’s over, which means hotels and resorts are likely to drop their prices as well. You might get a swanky room at that lux hotel you’ve always wanted to stay at for less. Or that experience you’ve always wanted for a more affordable price.

Are you sold on the idea of travel, but now wonder where you can take off to?

Here’s a look a six spots for affordable and awesome trips from Dubai.

Cairo, Egypt

The city which stands on the banks of the Nile has a rich history and it’s happy to tell you all about it. Visit Tahir Square and the Egyptian Museum, home to antiquities including the world-famous mummies. Don’t forget to travel to nearby Giza where you can take in the Pyramids and Great Sphinx, which date back centuries. There are plenty of bazaars in Cairo that will supply your fix of souvenirs, from perfumes to jewellery. Just don’t forget to haggle for a good price.

Mumbai, India

It may be the commercial capital of India, but there’s also a lot to do here for the casual visitor. Take a photograph at the Gateway of India stone arch, from where you’ll also see boats swimming into the harbour, try some street food and if you are a Bollywood fan, go home-hopping to see where the stars live. In the evening, stroll down to Juhu beach and you may bump into some of your favourite celebs.

Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu is perfect for the culture vulture in you. Visit Unesco world heritage sites Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple and the Bodhnath Stupa. While in Kathmandu be on the lookout for little hole-in-the-wall eateries, which will serve you steaming hot momos (dimsums) and hot thukpa (a broth-based noodle soup).

Istanbul, Turkey

Everything about Istanbul screams grand – whether it’s the monuments that date back generations, the food or the shopping. Spend a day getting to know the history of the city – there’s the Hagia Sophia to visit and the Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern, where the movie Angels & Demons, starring Tom Hanks, was shot. Stop by the Grand Bazaar for hot, sweet apple tea and some souvenirs.

Nairobi, Kenya

Kenya just launched visa-free travel for everyone – and this is the best time to experience the place. For wildlife experiences of a lifetime, this is the one to visit. There’s the giraffe centre and Nairobi National Park where you can see animals such as the rhino, the hippo, giraffes, lions and cheetahs and more.

Baku, Azerbaijan

For an interesting lesson in architecture, head to Baku, and to the Heydar Aliyev Centre, an interestingly wave-shaped building that’s home to art exhibitions and shows. There are also many ancient spots around the city, so you can meet your need for cultural consumption. There is, for example, the Maiden Tower, which dates back to the 12th century. Don’t forget to take a boat ride over in Mini Venice.