Eid Al Adha is just around the corner, and – although it’s not been officially declared – it’s expected that the UAE will have two days of public holidays to celebrate. Planning ahead, here’s a roundup of some of the most affordable destinations to jet off to this Eid. 

1. Zurich, Switzerland

How much: From Dhs1,728 with Oman Air (via Muscat)
Flight time: 10h20
Best for: A combination of an arty European city with a lively nightlife, balanced with a nature-lover’s haven, thanks to the Lake Zurich and mountain backdrop. 

A post shared by Alexia Paganini (@_apaganini) on Aug 14, 2017 at 1:25pm PDT

2. Muscat, Oman

How much: From Dhs789 with flydubai (direct)
Flight time: 1h
Best for: A city that feels a million miles away from the UAE, but is just a quick flight away! You can spend your time exploring the souqs and historic port in Old Muscat, or out at sea, for a day of dolphin watching, and you may even spot the odd turtle or flamingo along the way.

3. Amritsar, India

How much: From Dhs843 with Spice Jet (direct)
Flight time: 3h10
Best for: The city in the north-western Indian state of Punjab is best known for its sacred Golden Temple – a must visit in the region. 

Daily From Golden Temple

A post shared by Daily From Golden Temple (@daily_amritsar) on Aug 14, 2017 at 10:56pm PDT

4. Mombasa, Kenya

How much: From Dhs1,180 with Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa)
Flight time: 8h20
Best for: Spend time enjoying the beach in the coastal city, before heading in-land for a safari adventure.

A post shared by Alara Alpay (@alaralpay) on Aug 13, 2017 at 1:59am PDT

5. Bangkok, Thailand

How much: From Dhs1,399 with flydubai (direct)
Flight time: 6h20
Best for: Spend your days exploring museums and temples, and then take full advantage of the famous Bangkok nightlife, with a night of bar hopping. 

6. Tivat, Montenegro

How much: From Dhs2,379 with flydubai (direct)
Flight time: 5h55
Best for: A postcard perfect destination! With the super yachts in the marinas, perfect clear sea and mountainous backdrop, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in Monaco. 

A post shared by Daria (@agent_of_influence) on Aug 15, 2017 at 4:25am PDT

7. Bucharest, Romania

How much: From Dhs1,368 with Wizz Air (direct)
Flight time: 5h20
Best for: Enjoy rooftop bars, fascinating museums and lush green parks in this lively and dynamic city. 

8. Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

How much: From Dhs2,022 with Air India (via Mumbai)
Flight time: 7h25
Best for: The monsoon season is still in full flow in Southern India, so don’t go expecting it to be a perfect beach holiday, but the rich culture is a must-explore. 

9. Hong Kong

How much: From Dhs1,697 with Jet Airways (via Mumbai)
Flight time: 12h45
Best for: The definition of a high rise city – explore a world of sky scrapers, before getting out of the town and enjoying the islands’ natural beauty on a hike. 

A post shared by Daryl Lam (@d.funglam) on Aug 4, 2017 at 8:37am PDT

10. Tbilisi, Georgia

How much: From Dhs2,047 with flydubai (direct)
Flight time: 3h30
Best for: You can lose hours wandering round the city’s stunning old town – with amazing bars, restaurants and cafes.

11. Colombo, Sri Lanka 

How much: From Dhs1,991 with Emirates and flydubai (direct)
Flight time: 4h15
Best for: Touch down in the Sri Lankan capital, and pay the famous Ministry of Crab a visit, before making your way down south to one of the blissful beaches, popular with surfers. 

12. Mahe, Seychelles

How much: From Dhs1,825 with Kenya Airways (via Nairobi)
Flight time: 13h10
Best for: If you’re looking for a weekend of pure island R&R, Mahe is a no-brainer. The toughest choice you’ll have to make is whether you’re going to spend your days lazing on the beach, or hiking on the island’s rugged interior. 

13. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

How much: From Dhs1,900 with Royal Brunei Airlines (via Brunei)
Flight time: 29h
Best for: Yes, it’s a very long lay over (perhaps you could take advantage and explore Brunei a little?) but the city in Southern Vietnam is well worth the journey. A vibrant street food culture, bustling markets and plenty of history, it’s a city to explore on foot and eat your way around. 

14. Amman, Jordan

How much: From Dhs1,746 with flydubai (direct)
Flight time: 3h10
Best for: Admiring some of the most incredible architecture in the Middle East in a lively, youthful city. No visit is complete without a trip to Petra. 

15. Zanzibar, Tanzania

How much: From Dhs1,996 with flydubai (via Dar Es Salaam)
Flight time: 7h45
Best for: The dream island getaway, with picture-perfect blue sea and pristine white sand.

Gone days with @spiritedpursuit. The Rock Restaurant. #yagazieemezi #travel #zanzibar #travelnoire

A post shared by Yagazie Emezi (@yagazieemezi) on Aug 15, 2017 at 10:43am PDT

16. Manila, Philippines

How much: From Dhs1,880 with Oman Air (via Muscat)
Flight time: 11h45
Best for: A gateway to a world of paradise islands, but make sure to explore the city before you do. Learn about the country’s fascinating history in the historic walled area of Intramuros.

Another one from the trip to Intramuros. #intramuros #spanish #fortsantiago

A post shared by Christof Renner (@renner_christof) on Aug 15, 2017 at 7:10pm PDT

17. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

How much: From Dhs1,735 with Oman Air (via Muscat)
Flight time: 9h40
Best for: Enjoy the hustle and bustle of a thriving Asian city, worth the visit to tuck into the amazing street food along Jln Alor alone.

hi haters

A post shared by justjamiie (@justjam1e) on Aug 14, 2017 at 9:09am PDT

18. Salalah, Oman

How much: From Dhs1,169 with flydubai (direct)
Flight time: 2h05
Best for: If you travel now, you’ll catch the end of the gorgeous green khareef season, a far departure from the UAE desert, with lush hills and flowing streams and wadis.

Salalah or Scotland? You decide.

A post shared by farahandrews (@farahandrews) on Aug 21, 2015 at 7:22am PDT

Note: All flight prices are approximate, and based on skyscanner.ae‘s prices from August 31 until September 3, leaving from Dubai (DXB)