Family package holidays to Dubai and Egypt are cheaper this summer than last year as tour operators lower prices to attract travelers. On July 8, 2026, data from TravelSupermarket indicated that the average all-inclusive seven-night family stay in the United Arab Emirates has decreased by 25% compared to last August, while trips to Egypt are 8% cheaper.
Price Trends for Popular Destinations
As tourists shift their focus from the Middle East due to ongoing conflicts, prices for package deals to European destinations have increased. Specifically, trips to Spain, Portugal, and Greece have seen a rise of 3-5%. The data shows that the average all-inclusive seven-night family holiday to Spain is now up by 4% to £155 per person.
Travelers are now paying up to £160 more for a family of four to vacation in Spain this year compared to last, totaling as much as £4,340. The price hikes for European holidays continue, despite a notable drop in costs for Middle Eastern locations.
Shifting Travel Preferences Amid Concerns
With the current geopolitical climate, many UK families are opting for alternative destinations. Tim Harris from Swansea shared his experience of canceling a Dubai holiday due to the Iran war, stating, "We did manage to find a package for £6,400 for all-inclusive in Mexico which we’ve booked."
Travel experts suggest that families are more hesitant about traveling to the Middle East, with concerns about safety and logistics. Travel agent Mollie Hitchen noted, "People will ask questions, but we just reassure people that there are absolutely no problems with those destinations." This sentiment reflects a growing trend where families are prioritizing safety and cost-effectiveness when planning vacations.
Emerging Trends in Holiday Bookings
As travel dynamics change, Richard Slater, managing director of Henbury Travel Limited, observed a surge in bookings after a ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran. He reported, "Over the last week, we’ve done about a month’s worth of bookings, mixing last-minute Mediterranean trips and significant cruise bookings."
Additionally, families are adapting by shortening their trips. Where two-week vacations were once standard, many are now booking 8-10 nights and adding short city breaks. Destinations like Montenegro, Malta, and Madeira are also gaining popularity as travelers seek better value.
- Average all-inclusive holiday price changes:
- Dubai: down 25%
- Egypt: down 8%
- Spain: up 4%
- Portugal: up 3%
- Greece: up 5%
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC Business. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
