Hotels.com surveyed a total of 600 respondents aged between 18-35 years, and it seeks to provide data on how modern consumers behave when it comes to booking.

The study revealed that 26% of respondents booked their holidays up to a month in advance; 20% booked barely two weeks before the travel date; 13% chose to book just a week before their holiday; and finally, 5% of them leaned on being more adventurous saying they left booking until the eve of their travel.

Technology has had a big influence on our booking and travel behaviour – and that goes for travellers in the UAE. The study showed that majority of consumers pick online agencies over traditional travel agents. 58% said they booked a holiday through an online travel platform using their laptops, and only 22% used the services of a travel agent.

The popularity of travel apps and the convenience they bring has become quite apparent, with over 13% indicating that they booked a holiday through an online portal using their devices. 6% said they were comfortable using their mobile devices to book a holiday through popular travel apps.

Liz Oakman, general manager at Hotels.com, EMEA, said: “Travellers from the UAE are increasingly becoming more discerning and are actively seeking new experiences in exotic destinations. The findings from the Hotels.com survey reinforce this trend and offer further proof that well-heeled travellers are confident of booking their holidays at the very last minute while using technology to their advantage”.

“UAE offers easy access to a number of destinations in neighbouring Africa, Europe and Asia”

“Furthermore, the strategic location of the UAE offers easy access to a number of destinations in neighbouring Africa, Europe and Asia. This naturally opens up endless possibilities and makes the decision to travel much easier,” she concluded.

On a final note, the study indicates that people are travelling to a neighbouring country for a quick getaway, but people who are seeking adventure and relaxation choose farther destinations. When asked to rank how far they would travel on holiday, 53% said they travelled to another continent on a holiday, and 42% said they travelled to a neighbouring country for a break.