Wego, an online travel marketplace in Mena , has identified key travel trends shaping outbound travel from Kuwait ahead of the upcoming Eid Al Adha holiday in May.

Based on recent search and booking patterns on Wego, travellers from Kuwait are planning longer, more intentional trips, with a strong focus on family travel, religious journeys, and destinations that offer a mix of relaxation and cultural experiences.

Short-Haul and Visa-Easy Destinations Lead Eid Travel Planning

Short-haul travel continues to dominate Eid Al Adha planning, particularly for families seeking convenient and flexible itineraries.

Dubai, Istanbul, Tbilisi, and Baku have emerged as top choices, supported by flight durations under 4 hours and visa-friendly entry requirements.

Average return airfares to these destinations are currently starting from approximately KWD 107.7 ($349.59), with peak departures expected between May 25 and May 26.

Beach Destinations See Strong Demand for Longer Holidays

With Eid Al Adha typically offering a longer break, travellers are increasingly opting for extended stays in beach destinations.

Phuket, Bali, and the Maldives are trending among Kuwaiti travellers seeking resort-led experiences, while Salalah is gaining traction as a closer alternative offering cooler weather and natural landscapes during this period.

Searches for those top beach destinations show average trip durations between them extending to 11 days, reflecting a shift toward more immersive holiday planning.

Cooler Climate Destinations Gain Momentum

As temperatures rise across the Gulf, destinations known for their cooler climates and natural scenery are seeing growing interest.

Georgia, Armenia, Bosnia, and Turkey are increasingly preferred by travellers looking for mountain landscapes, outdoor activities, and more relaxed itineraries.

These destinations have all recorded YoY airfare increases, ranging from 14.10% to 71.56%.

Hajj Combined with Leisure Remains a Key Travel Pattern

Eid Al Adha remains a significant period for religious travel, with many travellers choosing to perform Hajj while also incorporating leisure experiences into their trips.
Makkah and Madinah continue to see strong demand, while Jeddah and Taif are increasingly included in itineraries for their coastal and highland offerings.

Searches for Hajj-related travel with combined religious and leisure itineraries account for 46% of total Saudi Arabia-bound searches from Kuwait. On average, travellers started their pilgrimage-related planning on Wego more than two weeks ahead of their intended travel time.  -TradeArabia News Service