Year 2025 is set to be an exciting year for budget-conscious travelers. A recent study released on friday by Skyscanner revealed Bucharest (Romania), Trabzon (Turkiye), and Beijing (China) as the cheapest cities to fly in coming year as fares are expected to see a significant drop of 35 per cent, 31 per cent, and 23 per cent, respectively.
As the world opens up more to travelers in 2025, UAE residents are looking for affordable yet exciting destinations. Whether you’re seeking vibrant cityscapes, serene nature escapes, or cultural experiences, these destinations offer something for everyone—all without stretching your budget too thin.
Bucharest, the vibrant capital of Romania, is gaining popularity as one of the top affordable destinations for UAE residents in 2025. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively arts scene, it offers a European experience without the heavy price tag and is now more accessible due to increased flight routes and competition among airlines.
Trabzon, located on the northeastern coast of Türkiye along the Black Sea, the region is famous for its natural beauty, including the stunning Uzungöl Lake, lush green mountains, and tea plantations. Perfect for nature lovers and hikers, Trabzon’s landscape offers serene escapes.The expansion of flight options and growing interest in this picturesque region have contributed to the lower prices.
Beijing, the vibrant capital of China, with its fascinating blend of ancient culture and contemporary life, combined with affordable travel options, Beijing offers an enriching experience that won’t strain your budget. Among other 7 cities are:
Tokyo, its high-tech image and bustling pace, is surprisingly budget-friendly when planned well. With affordable flights now available and reasonably priced accommodation options.
Baku, Just a short flight from the UAE, Baku combines affordability with adventure. Wander through the charming streets of the old city, explore modern architectural wonders like the Flame Towers, and enjoy local cuisine without emptying your wallet.
Seoul’s balance of history, culture, and trendy hot spots makes it a fantastic destination. While the USA is known for high costs, Seattle stands out for its rising availability of discounted flights and affordable travel packages. Istanbul continues to charm with its seamless fusion of East and West. You can enjoy its rich cultural heritage—from the Hagia Sophia to the Grand Bazaar—while keeping costs low. For nature lovers, Cape Town offers an exotic mix of landscapes at relatively low prices.
Ayoub El Mamoun, GCC travel expert at Skyscanner said: “There are two specific reasons for these cities to be the cheapest. Firstly, new routes are being added in those countries, which means more supply matching the demand. For example, Saudi Arabia opened six new routes in the last four years. Secondly, competition is heating up among airlines and travel agents. They are creating more packages that are affordable and attractive.”
The Travel Trends 2025 report of Skyscanner is based on the proportion of round-trip economy-class ticket prices that are cheaper when booked between January 1, 2024, and June 30, 2024, for travel in 2024, as opposed to the same period in 2023. The study discovered that travelers from the UAE are still prioritizing their travel expenses despite the present economic climate. Roughly 55% of travelers from the UAE expect to pay more on flights, 44% more on lodging, and 28% more on car rentals in 2025. For UAE citizens, the price of a hotel, a flight, and a visa are the most crucial considerations when selecting a vacation spot. These destinations offer UAE travelers a perfect mix of affordability and unique experiences, making them ideal choices for those seeking adventure without the high price tag.