10 Ways to Spend Wisely on 2025 Holidays

71% of the UAE residents are willing to spend more (up to AED 18k per person) 2025 on vacations. Rising airfares, costly accommodations, and unexpected expenses might compel you to spend more. Despite higher fares and costly luxury stays, you can still manage your holiday expenses by spending wisely.

How?

This blog highlights ways you can spend wisely on your vacations in 2025. 

Ways to Spend Wisely on 2025 Holiday

Follow these tips for mindful spending in 2025: 

Book Flights and Accommodations in Advance  

Consider booking early a necessity. Flights and hotels typically offer the best rates several months before peak travel times. Airlines like Emirates and Etihad release promotional fares for early planners, often slashing ticket prices.  

Need to book accommodations? Get 12% off on hotels and vacation rentals on Agoda when you pay with the Letsgo Payit card. For flights, aim to book 2–3 months ahead for regional trips and 4–6 months for international ones. 

Plan Your Travel Before or After Peak Seasons  

Time matters as much as your travel location. Traveling right before or after peak seasons lets you save significantly on flights, hotels, and attractions. When are these periods? Usually outside school holidays and major festivals.  

Visiting popular destinations like Bali or Sri Lanka? You get better deals in their wet seasons, usually between October and April. Other benefits? Fewer crowds will make your experience more enjoyable.  

Utilize Public Transportation  

Transportation costs can shoot up faster than you think. You don’t need to rely on taxis or rent cars. Opt for public transport. Cities like London, Singapore, and Bangkok have efficient, affordable systems.  

You can explore the city at a fraction of the cost of a taxi. Many European cities offer travel cards that cover unlimited rides on buses, trains, and trams.  

Monitor Currency Exchange Rates  

Currency exchange can throw your international travel budget off balance. Watch for favorable rates before exchanging money. Avoid exchanging at airports. They often have the worst rates and hidden fees.  

Consider using apps that offer competitive rates, such as the Payit mobile wallet app. It offers the best currency exchange rate for international money transfers.  

Visit Visa-free Destinations  

Another way to spend wisely in 2025 is to save on your visa costs. You can plan your vacation in a visa-free destination like Georgia, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, etc. These countries allow visa-on-arrival to UAE residents. 

The advantage of visiting such destinations is that it eliminates a lot of pre-planning and simplifies the booking process. 

Dine Like a Local  

Skip the tourist spots. Find local flavors with street food. Small eateries serve authentic meals at prices far below those of high-end restaurants. 

Traveling to cities like Paris or Rome? There too, local bistros and bakeries offer delicious meals for a fraction of the cost of dining near major attractions.  

Visit Free Attractions  

Think every memorable experience comes with a hefty price tag? Not really. Many destinations have free or low-cost attractions that are just as rewarding. Cities like London offer free entry to world-class museums such as the British Museum and the National Gallery. In Rome, strolling through iconic landmarks like Piazza Navona or the Spanish Steps costs nothing. Parks, hiking trails, and public beaches usually cost nothing.  

Use Travel Discount Apps and Programs  

Travel discount apps can save you a small fortune. Platforms like The Entertainer and Groupon offer deals on dining, attractions, and activities across the UAE and abroad. Use the Letsgo Payit card to enjoy exclusive travel offers curated explicitly for the Letsgo Payit card users.  

Airlines like Emirates often have loyalty programs that offer discounts or perks like free baggage or seat upgrades. Use apps such as Skyscanner and Hopper. They help you find the cheapest flights and alert you when prices drop.  

Shop Smart for Souvenirs  

Souvenirs are a fabulous way to remember your trip, but overpaying for them? Nope. Tourist shops often mark up their prices. Instead, visit local markets or artisan stalls.  

Learn to bargain where culturally appropriate. Haggling is typical and expected in markets across the Middle East.   

Set a Daily Spend Budget 

Spending mindlessly? It could quickly derail your finances. Set a daily budget for your holidays to stay in control. Then, stick to it. Use apps like Trail Wallet or Wally to track your expenses. They help you pinpoint overspending areas. You can adjust your habits accordingly.  

Summing Up

Breaks are for creating memories, not breaking the bank. Plan a little in advance, follow these practical tips, and you will spend wisely on your holidays this year despite higher fares and costly bookings. 

FAQs

How many holidays are there in UAE each year?

The UAE typically observes 14 public holidays annually, though the exact number can vary slightly depending on lunar calendar alignments and government announcements.

How can I save on holiday spending?

Create a budget, shop sales, and use cashback or reward apps to cut costs on holiday spending.

What’s the best way to spend money on holiday?

Prioritise experiences, set a budget, and use travel deals or discounts for memorable yet cost-effective holidays.

How can we make holiday shopping better?

Plan early, compare prices online, and leverage loyalty programs or seasonal discounts for smarter holiday shopping.