DUBAI: As summer break sets in across the UAE, families are swapping sun-loungers for science museums, and lazy days for lessons in literature and history.
According to Expedia, educational travel is taking off among UAE households, with an impressive surge in searches for cities that combine adventure with learning.
From the philosophical heights of Athens to the cutting-edge innovation of Tokyo, UAE families are reshaping the meaning of a getaway. They’re heading to destinations where children can engage with art, science, philosophy, architecture, and natural history in interactive and exciting ways – turning summer holidays into an extension of the classroom.
Literature and legends
London, a perennial favourite, has seen a 20% year-on-year jump in searches by UAE travellers. The city opens a literary time capsule for curious families, from the historic British Library – home to treasures like Shakespeare’s First Folio and Jane Austen’s handwritten notes – to live performances at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Young fans of fantasy fiction also find delight in visiting Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station.
Recommended stays in the capital include The Westminster London, Curio Collection by Hilton (from Dh816 per night) and Jumeirah Lowndes London (from Dh1,848 per night).
Florence, with a 75% increase in interest, has emerged as a Renaissance playground. Beyond Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s paintings at the Uffizi Gallery, families can enrol in hands-on art workshops, where children learn to paint frescoes or shape clay – bringing their creative skills to life.
History comes alive
In Rome, travel interest is up 35%, fuelled by families seeking to explore the remains of the Roman Empire. From the Colosseum and Roman Forum to the awe-inspiring Vatican Museums, the city offers a living history lesson.
Stays include 9Hotel Cesari (from Dh1,464) and Starhotels Michelangelo (from Dh1,857).
Meanwhile, Cairo has seen a 10% rise in searches. Its ancient wonders – including the Pyramids of Giza and the new Grand Egyptian Museum – offer captivating windows into the world of the pharaohs. Recommended hotels include Marriott Mena House (from Dh777) and Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza (from Dh771).
Innovation and ideas
Tokyo leads the tech trail with a 50% spike in family travel searches. The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation lets visitors interact with robots and learn about space. The teamLab Borderless Museum offers a surreal digital art experience, while Akihabara provides an immersion into Japanese electronics and gaming culture. Even dining takes a futuristic turn at the DAWN Avatar Robot Café, where remotely operated robots serve patrons.
Top hotel options include Hilton Tokyo Bay (from Dh540) and Mimaru Tokyo Shinjuku West (from Dh1,148).
Athens, where philosophical thought began, is drawing 5% more UAE travellers this season. Kids and adults alike can explore Socratic debates at the Ancient Agora, visit the Acropolis, or engage in hands-on exhibits at the Hellenic Children’s Museum. Stay at COCO-MAT Athens BC (from Dh700) or Herodion Athens (from Dh795).
Science and nature
Sydney’s environmental offerings have pushed searches up by 65%. The Australian Museum and Royal Botanic Garden provide educational experiences in biodiversity and conservation. Families often extend their journeys to Queensland for an up-close view of the Great Barrier Reef. Top picks for accommodation include Shangri-La Sydney (from Dh632) and Meriton Suites Kent St (from Dh442).
Tanzania follows with a 55% boost in interest, thanks to its rich biodiversity and access to the Serengeti’s Great Migration. Families can join safari adventures or take part in conservation workshops to learn about endangered species. Options for stay include Gran Meliá Arusha (from Dh1,633) and Zanzibar Serena Hotel (from Dh1,104).
Designs and landscapes
Barcelona, where Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces redefine architectural imagination, has witnessed a 95% increase in searches. Families are exploring the surreal beauty of Sagrada Família, Park Guell, and interactive exhibits at the Barcelona Design Museum. Recommended hotels are H10 Cubik (from Dh891) and Novotel Barcelona City (from Dh753).
Leading the travel trend in growth is Iceland, with a remarkable 160% surge in interest. Ideal for budding geologists, Iceland offers striking natural phenomena – from tectonic plate boundaries at Thingvellir to geothermal marvels like Geysir and Gullfoss. Families can even step inside a glacier at Langjokull or explore volcanic activity at the Lava Centre. Popular stays include Center Hotels Plaza (from Dh787) and Fosshotel Reykjavik (from Dh943).
As UAE families prioritise experiences that enrich and educate, travel is evolving into something deeper than sightseeing – it’s becoming a dynamic classroom without walls.
AloJapan.com