For many Kenyans mapping out their festive season travel, the decision is no longer just about chasing the latest social trend. Festive travel has become more intentional compared to previous years. But, for many, it’s all about understanding the mood they want to create, the people they are travelling with and the kind of experience they want for themselves.
The Business Daily stepped out to different tours and travelling companies to understand the leading destinations that have emerged this year.
As Stellamaris Miriti, Marketing Director at Stejos Tours and Travel, explains, the smartest travellers this year are weighing the ‘vibe’ against the reality. A destination may look glossy online, but factors like December weather, crowd levels, and whether the place truly suits your travel style matter far more. “Ask yourself if you want quiet relaxation or a high-energy adventure,” she says.
Visa logistics are another major consideration for 2025. With shifting global entry rules such as new ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation ) systems, Stellamaris advises travellers to start with the basics. “Check entry requirements before anything else. Ease of entry is a huge factor this year.”
Stellamaris Miriti, the Marketing Director for Stejos Tours and Travel Limited.
Photo credit: Pool
She points out restrictions such as the current rule in the UAE, where visitors under 40 years may not be admitted unless travelling with family.
On budgeting, she cautions against confusing price with value. “While bargain deals can be tempting, what matters is what you actually get. An all-inclusive resort may look costly at first glance, but can end up saving you from the steep food and drink prices that often accompany the festive rush,” Stellamaris says.
Standout destinations
Based on this year’s booking patterns at the company, several international destinations are standing out for Kenyan travellers. “Turkey is having a moment, especially the Istanbul shopping experience paired with the famous Cappadocia balloon rides. Singapore and Malaysia are also rising sharply, driven by their combination of affordability, luxury, and visa-free access.”
However, Dubai is still a favourite for its shopping festival and family-friendly attractions. Locally, Diani continues to dominate, though Stellamaris notes growing interest in Samburu and Ol Pejeta from families who want a less crowded bush alternative to the Mara.
Planning, she says, is non-negotiable. Ideally, travellers should book three to four months in advance by August or September. “By early November, flight prices for festive dates typically jump by 30 to 50 percent,” she notes, adding that anyone booking this late will need to stay flexible or prepare to pay more.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy entrance in Nanyuki pictured on October 31, 2024.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
The most common mistakes travellers make are surprisingly avoidable. “One is attempting to replicate long online itineraries into much shorter trips, which leaves little room to rest or enjoy the moment.”
Another is overlooking travel insurance, something Stellamaris stresses is essential amid rising reports of cancellations and medical emergencies abroad. “Hidden costs, such as transfers, park fees, and city taxes, also catch many by surprise,” she adds.
Balancing cost, convenience, and experience, she explains, is often about strategy rather than sacrifice.
“Flexibility with dates makes a difference; flying on Christmas Day, for instance, is often cheaper than flying two days earlier. Travellers should consider using a curator or tour agent. Agencies often have negotiated rates and blocked hotel rooms that are not available on public booking platforms. And mixing high and low options, such as a short luxury stay followed by standard accommodation, allows for comfort without overspending.”
Different types of travellers should prioritise different things when choosing destinations. Families benefit from direct flights and hotels with children's Clubs, along with easy access to medical facilities.
“Couples prefer adults-only wings or resorts where privacy feels like a luxury in itself. Solo travellers should place safety at the top of their list, while group tours are great for meeting people, and destinations like Bali or Cape Town offer strong solo-friendly cultures,” Stellamaris says.
She also points to destination gems that remain underrated. “Locally, Meru National Park is a standout, wild, beautiful, and far quieter than its more famous counterparts. Western Kenya, too, is emerging as an exciting festive destination with lakeside resorts and rich cultural experiences.”
Internationally, Albania is fast becoming the ‘Maldives of Europe’ at a fraction of the cost of Italy or Greece. “And for those seeking a quieter slice of Zanzibar, Pemba Island offers all the beauty without the crowds of Nungwi,” she adds.
Urbanus Mbili Ngao, the founder and CEO of Urbann Vacations, says Kenyan travellers are becoming far more deliberate about where they go and why. He notes that the decision often begins with four simple but decisive considerations: how well a destination fits one’s needs, safety and how much the overall trip will cost.
The Asia appeal
From his point of view, the pattern in recent bookings reveals a strong shift toward Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Bali, Vietnam and Cape Town.
“Their appeal comes down to convenience and peace of mind. Many of these places are visa-free for Kenyans, are widely regarded as safe for women and children, and also offer lively nightlife scenes that travellers find attractive,” he explains.
He recommends planning six months before travelling, ideally between June and September, to secure reasonable prices and preferred hotels before demand spikes.
Urbanus points out that people sometimes choose destinations simply because they are trending or because someone else enjoyed them, without checking whether the experience aligns with their own interests.
A reticulated giraffe also known as the Somali giraffe crosses Isiolo-Moyale highway at the foot of Mt Lolokwe in Samburu County on September 8, 2025.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
“Others miscalculate the full cost of travel, end up in hotels that are not a good fit, or expect more than the property can realistically offer. The idea that a cheaper option always guarantees better value is a mistake that often leads to disappointment.”
Different types of travellers have different needs. “Thailand may not be ideal for families with young children because of the nudity and sex-related activity visible in some areas. Couples should look for places that match the occasion, whether it is an anniversary, honeymoon, or birthday, while families benefit most from hotels that are genuinely child-friendly,” he notes.
Solo travellers, meanwhile, he says, tend to enjoy destinations that offer a good mix of activities.
Emerging local gems
Looking beyond international hotspots, Urbanus believes travellers should also pay attention to emerging local gems. “Kajiado and Machakos counties are seeing new resorts that make for convenient short-drive getaways, and the Coastal region continues to introduce new properties that work well for families.”
For Maurine Kabu, the Managing Director of Adequate Safaris, choosing a festive season destination in 2025 begins long before tickets are booked. She believes the first step is to understand the kind of holiday mood you want, because it should guide the destination you settle on.
“Travellers should also pay attention to what a destination offers over the festive period, especially for those who enjoy experiencing local Christmas traditions,” she says, adding that the travel and tour company you choose plays a key role in whether the journey unfolds smoothly.
She says current booking trends reveal a clear pattern in how Kenyans are travelling this year.
Tourism activities tend to begin in central Kenya, which acts as the logistical hub. Interest is also spreading more widely to Western Kenya, she says.
Parts of northern Kenya, including Lewa Conservancy, Laikipia and Samburu National Park, are also drawing more attention. “Meanwhile, southern Kenya continues to attract steady traffic, offering views of Mount Kilimanjaro before leading travellers toward the south-eastern coast.”
When it comes to timing, Maurine notes that festive travel requires more than simply securing a flight and hotel room.
Maurine Kabu, the Managing Director of Adequate Safaris.
Photo credit: Pool
“Planning should be approached carefully, especially for travellers hoping to tick off specific experiences. The ideal timeline varies depending on the type of trip; most agencies advise travellers to book their destinations and accommodation three to six months in advance,” she says. This window not only gives time to make clear decisions, but also allows travellers to consult a travel company if they are unsure about where to go.
Women and solo travels
Maurine says many solo travellers are women who make up eleven percent of the travel market. Destinations such as the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Diani Beach and Amboseli National Park are among those they might consider.
Other underrated local destinations that are worth considering this festive season include Lake Chala, also known as the “Secret Crater Lake” between Kenya and Tanzania. “Maralal dubbed ‘The Wild North’s Best-Kept Secret’ always feels like stepping into a different world each time you visit the place,” she says. “Nguruman Escarpment, Lake Bogoria and Chyulu Hills are a hidden paradise for adventure.
She adds that some international destinations continue to grow in popularity, with Dubai, Malaysia and Singapore standing out as places Kenyans should consider this festive season.
