Plan your summer vacation the smart way

Travel apps like TripAdvisor have made vacation planning easier.

Summer in the UAE is one of the most-awaited seasons of the year. With semester exams almost over and school gates closed for about two months, it is an attractive time for families to plan trips to foreign lands to beat the heat.
According to the latest survey revealed by research group YouGov ME this year, more families from the Middle East are jetting off to new destinations and contributing towards tourism figures. Around 64 per cent of 2,000 respondents said they have travelled with their children in the last 12 months.
Families tend to take about two trips per year, more often with children aged 12 years and under. However, adolescents have a greater influence on booking decisions with strong focus on all-inclusive privileges, flight times and shopping options.
Besides getting away from the UAE's scorching temperatures, results also show that around 29 per cent of people take this as an opportunity to visit family and friends, while nine per cent dedicate their time to religious tourism. Other reasons for flying abroad include Eid travel, city breaks, sightseeing, nature and resort holidays.
Technology has further enhanced the vacation planning experience. The Internet contains a wealth of information ranging from best hotels and restaurants to lists of activities categorised by interest and age. Individuals can also easily filter and compare costs, reserve tours, and book other special activities well in advance.
Dependency on smartphones has given rise to mobile apps that help residents get a sneak peek into their destination of choice with features including interactive maps, image and video logs, schedule of events and festivals, language learning options, and even information on local public transportation. This has further given rise to spontaneity among residents, who jet off on a whim to explore other countries.
While tech-savvy audiences opt for online services, others prefer traditional modes of booking to put their holiday plans into motion. The UAE is not short of travel agencies and consultants that offer assistance and customised packages for a hassle-free trip. These organisations help book flights, prepare visitor visas, prepare itineraries, arrange transportation, and even appoint a local guide at the destination.
With the country well on its way towards e-governance, a number of airports in the UAE have integrated smart technology to ease the travelling process. For instance, upon return to Dubai, residents can breeze through immigration using the UAE Smart Gates implemented by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai. UAE citizens and residents can simply scan their Emirates ID, machine-readable passport or E-Gate card, face the camera scanner for a few seconds, and then proceed directly to baggage claim.
So, what are you waiting for? Set your travel plans in motion this summer, the smart way.
farhana@khaleejtimes.com