Global travel marketplace, Skyscanner has unveiled its latest report on the top family travel destinations to visit this summer, complete with recommendations for the most affordable car rentals with savings of up to 14%.
With the travel season in full swing, families can now plan their perfect vacation without breaking the bank.
Skyscanner’s latest research, in association with OnePoll, reveals that out of the 48% of UAE residents who have already booked their summer holidays this year, only 53% have hit the book button on their car hire (in contrast to the 97% who have already booked their flights).
The UAE travellers’ advanced planning approach to car rentals are reflected in Skyscanner booking behaviours with 84% of residents booking their car rentals less than 4 weeks before departure and 31% booking on the day before or day of travel.
Five cheapest travel destinations
Skyscanner has rounded up five of the cheapest destinations for families seeking adventure, cultural exploration and relaxation. From sun-soaked beaches to rich cultural experiences, these destinations promise unforgettable memories and budget-friendly car rental options.
Jordan
For families seeking a mix of adventure, culture and history, Jordan offers an array of attractions such as the ancient city of Petra, the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, and the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea. Explore affordable car hires starting from an average daily rental price of Dhs101, and ensure a hassle-free exploration of this Middle Eastern gem, providing flexibility to discover Jordan’s rich cultural and natural wonders.
Flights to Jordan starting from Dhs850 return.
Cyprus
Rich in history, culture and it’s alluring crystal clear waters, Cyprus offers a perfect blend of ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and charming villages. Families can enjoy the freedom of exploring this Mediterranean gem with cost-effective car rentals with an average daily rental rate of Dhs 117, making it easy to visit iconic sites such as the Tombs of the Kings and the picturesque Troodos Mountains.
Flights to Cyprus starting from Dhs 865 return.
Mauritius
A tropical paradise known for its stunning sparkling beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs, Mauritius is a dream destination for families. Discover the island’s natural beauty with affordable car hires starting at an average daily cost of Dhs 121. This allows you the freedom to explore attractions like Black River Gorges National Park and Chamarel Waterfall at your own pace.
Flights to Mauritius starting from Dhs 3,537 return.
Portugal
From the golden beaches of the Algarve to the historic streets of Lisbon and Porto, Portugal offers a diverse and family-friendly experience. With budget-friendly daily car rental options starting from Dhs 124, exploring the country’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage has never been easier. Discover UNESCO-listed sites such as Sintra and the Douro Valley region, all at your own convenience.
Flights to Portugal starting from Dhs 3,217 return.
Spain
Spain’s rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and vibrant festivals make it an ideal family vacation spot. With best-value car hire options starting from an average daily rate of Dhs 141, families can easily travel between bustling cities like Barcelona and Madrid, as well as serene coastal towns and scenic countryside. Don’t miss out on attractions like the Alhambra in Granada and the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
Flights to Spain starting from Dhs 3,480 return.
Car hire travel tips
To further help travellers save big this summer, Skyscanner shares car hire travel hacks to ensure UAE residents get the best-value for their bucks
- Get insurance in advance to make some big car rental savings.
- Check your credit card fine print for a quick car rental hack.
- Look at multiple locations to find the most affordable car hire. For example, in Milan, renting a car from the airport terminal costs Dhs 128, while off-airport rentals are even cheaper at Dhs 87. Similarly, in Frankfurt, the off-airport option is only Dhs 98, providing significant savings compared to city centre rates. In Los Angeles, airport rentals are Dhs 178, while off-airport options are more affordable at Dhs 176. Exploring different rental locations can lead to substantial savings and better options.
- Tweaking your pick-up time forward by an hour can lead to significant savings. For instance, in Los Angeles, moving your pick-up time from 6am to 7am can save you 37%, reducing the price from Dhs 329 to Dhs 196. In Milan, adjusting your pick-up from 4pm to 5pm offers a 13% saving, lowering the cost from Dhs 115 to Dhs 108. Similarly, in Ibiza, shifting from 8pm to 9pm can save you 21%, bringing the price down from Dhs 120 to Dhs 108. In Frankfurt, an hour shift results in a 26% savings, changing the cost from Dhs 221 to Dhs 168. Finally, in London, adjusting from 11am to 12pm can save you 8%, lowering the price from Dhs 177 to Dhs 160.
- Save money (and the planet) by choosing an electric vehicle.
Skyscanner Travel Expert, Ayoub El Mamoun shares: “At Skyscanner, we understand the importance of best-value destinations and travel options, especially for families. Our curated list of destinations not only offers incredible experiences but also ensures that families can make the most of their summer vacations without breaking the bank on car rentals to explore cities.”
He further added “Renting a car on holiday gives you the freedom to travel on your own terms. Skyscanner’s car hire guide and data help travellers save on their car rental every single time. From the car hire destinations seeing the biggest price drops this summer to the best time to book your car hire for the most popular destinations this summer, Skyscanner has got you covered.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
