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.
Visa Policy
- For tourism purposes, UAE nationals can enter Romania without a visa for stays up to 90 days, as part of an agreement between the two nations. This allows visitors to explore Bucharest and other cities with ease. Other residents may need to apply for a Schengen visa, as Romania is in the process of joining the Schengen Area.
Travel by Bus
- Intercity: Services to neighboring cities start from AED 50, connecting Bucharest to places like Brasov.
- Intra-City: City buses are cheap, with fares around AED 2-3.
Low-Cost Airlines
- Wizz Air operates direct routes from Dubai to Bucharest, with fares starting at AED 200.
Air Arabia, Flydubai, Wizz Air
- Wizz Air has some of the most affordable flights to Bucharest, with frequent promotional fares.
Hotel Deals & Travel Packages
- Hotels.com and Expedia offer discounts on mid-range stays, starting from AED 150 per night. Full packages start at AED 1,800
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.
Visa Policy
- UAE passport holders can visit Turkey, including cities like Trabzon, visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Residents of the UAE with foreign passports can apply for an e-visa, which is straightforward and generally issued within minutes online
Travel by Bus
- Intercity: Buses from Istanbul to Trabzon cost between AED 80-150. Operators like Kamil Koç offer reliable services.
Low-Cost Airlines
- Pegasus Airlines frequently offers budget flights from Istanbul to Trabzon, starting at AED 100 one way.
Air Arabia, Flydubai, Wizz Air
- Flydubai provides direct flights to Istanbul, and from there, Pegasus connects to Trabzon.
Hotel Deals & Travel Packages
Budget accommodations start at AED 100 per night, and package deals from Dubai are available from AED 1,500, covering flights and hotels.
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.
Visa policy
- China does not currently offer visa-free access to UAE residents. A tourist visa must be applied for in advance, with different options available depending on the length of stay and type of travel (single or multiple entries).
Travel by Bus
- Intercity: Buses to nearby cities like Tianjin cost around AED 30-60.
- Intra-City: Beijing has a dense bus network with rides costing AED 3-5.
Low-Cost Airlines
- Spring Airlines operates affordable flights within China, with fares as low as AED 150.
Air Arabia, Flydubai, Wizz Air
- No direct routes currently, but connecting flights are available through partners.
Hotel Deals & Travel Packages
- Budget hotels can be found from AED 120 per night, and full packages (flights + 3-night stays) start from AED 2,000.
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.
Visa Policy
- Japan offers visa-free entry for UAE passport holders for up to 30 days. This policy makes it easy for residents to experience the mix of tradition and modernity in cities like Tokyo.
Travel by Bus
- Intercity: Tokyo is linked to cities like Osaka and Kyoto by buses from companies like Willer Express, with fares ranging from AED 100-250.
- Intra-City: Tokyo’s extensive bus network complements the subway, with rides costing around AED 6-10.
Low-Cost Airlines
- Peach Aviation and Jetstar Japan offer flights to regional destinations, with fares starting from AED 200.
Air Arabia, Flydubai, Wizz Air
- Currently, no direct flights, but connections through partner airlines are feasible.
Hotel Deals & Travel Packages
- Rakuten Travel offers deals on capsule hotels and budget stays starting at AED 150. Travel packages from Dubai, including accommodations and flights, start at AED 3,000.
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.
Visa Policy
- UAE nationals enjoy a visa-free entry to Azerbaijan for up to 90 days. For UAE residents holding foreign passports, there is a visa-on-arrival option, valid for a 30-day stay, or they can apply for an e-visa in advance. The e-visa costs around AED 92, while the on-arrival visa is slightly more expensive at AED 95.
`Travel by Bus
- Intercity: Baku has a strong bus network connecting other regions of Azerbaijan, with fares ranging from AED 20-50.
- Intra-City: Buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) are popular, costing around AED 1-2 per trip.
Low-Cost Airlines
- Wizz Air and Flydubai have budget flights from Dubai to Baku. Tickets can start as low as AED 300 for a round trip.
Air Arabia, Flydubai, Wizz Air
- Air Arabia and Flydubai both operate direct flights to Baku, with fares starting at around AED 400 round trip.
Hotel Deals & Travel Packages
- Budget accommodations are available from AED 150 per night, and packages including flights and 3-night hotel stays can start from AED 1,500.
Seoul’s balance of history, culture, and trendy hotspots makes it a fantastic destination.
Visa Policy
- UAE passport holders can travel to South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days.
Travel by Bus
- Intercity: Seoul has an excellent intercity bus network. Services like Kobus and Express Bus link Seoul to cities like Busan and Daegu, with fares from AED 50-150. Buses are comfortable, with options for economy and premium seats.
- Intra-City: Seoul’s city bus network is affordable and efficient, costing around AED 3-5 per ride.
Low-Cost Airlines
- Jeju Air and T’way Air offer budget flights to domestic and nearby international destinations, with fares starting at AED 200.
Air Arabia, Flydubai, Wizz Air
- Flydubai operates direct flights from Dubai to Seoul, with round-trip fares starting around AED 1,800 when booked in advance.
Hotel Deals & Travel Packages
- Agoda offers deals on budget hotels from AED 150 per night, while packages including flights and 3-night stays can start at AED 2,500.
Seattle stands out for its rising availability of discounted flights and affordable travel packages.
Visa policy
- UAE passport holders are eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP) under specific conditions, including pre-registration via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows them to stay for up to 90 days without a traditional visa. However, non-UAE passport holders residing in the UAE must apply for a standard visitor visa before their trip
Travel by Bus
- Intercity: Services like Greyhound and BoltBus connect Seattle to nearby cities like Portland and Vancouver, with ticket prices ranging from AED 100-200.
- Intra-City: Public buses are managed by King County Metro and provide affordable travel throughout the city, with day passes available.
Low-Cost Airlines
- Southwest Airlines offers budget flights within the US, connecting Seattle to cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Round trips start from AED 1,200.
Air Arabia, Flydubai, Wizz Air
- Currently, no direct flights from these airlines to Seattle, but connecting flights through partner airlines are available.
Hotel Deals & Travel Packages
- Expedia offers discounts on mid-range hotels starting at AED 300 per night. Packages from Dubai, including flights and accommodations, start around AED 4,000.
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.
Visa Policy
- UAE citizens can stay in Türkiye for up to 90 days without a visa, making it an easy destination to visit.
Transportation
- The extensive public transport system, including buses, trams, and ferries, provides affordable ways to navigate the city. Istanbulkart allows for unlimited travel at a low cost.
Airline Costs:
- Budget airlines like Fly Dubai and Air Arabia offer round-trip tickets ranging from AED 1,500 to AED 2,200, depending on the season.
Travel Packages
- Local travel agencies provide packages starting at around AED 2,500, which often include:
-Round-trip airfare
-5 nights in budget accommodations
-Daily breakfast
-City tours and airport transfers
For nature lovers, Cape Town offers an exotic mix of landscapes at relatively low prices.
Visa Policy
- UAE residents can enter South Africa without a visa for a period of 90 days, which facilitates longer vacation stays.
Travel by Bus
- Intercity: Buses from Johannesburg to Cape Town, such as those from Intercape, start around AED 120.
Low-Cost Airlines
- FlySafair and Kulula are budget carriers within South Africa, with fares starting at AED 150 for domestic routes.
Air Arabia, Flydubai, Wizz Air
- Flydubai provides indirect routes via partner airlines. No direct flights from the above carriers.
Hotel Deals & Travel Packages
- Budget hotels can be found from AED 200 per night. Packages from Dubai, including a 4-night stay and tours, start at AED 4,000.
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.