Where Are Mauritians Travelling for the Year-End Holidays?

With the festive season approaching, Mauritians are once again turning their attention to travel — whether for a short regional break or a long-haul adventure. Le Défi Media has taken a look at the destinations, prices, and trends shaping year-end travel from the island. **Regional favourites remain strong** For many Mauritian families, affordability is the primary driver. Regional destinations such as Réunion, Madagascar, South Africa, and Dubai continue to rank among the most popular choices for end-of-year getaways. These destinations benefit from relatively short flight times and a growing number of direct connections from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) International Airport in Plaisance. Thailand and Southeast Asia have also been gaining traction among younger travellers and couples seeking value-for-money long-haul options, where the strong purchasing power of the Mauritian rupee goes further. **Europe for the diaspora and aspiring travellers** France, the United Kingdom, and other European destinations remain aspirational choices — particularly for Mauritians visiting family abroad or exploring Europe for the first time. However, rising airfares and the cost of accommodation in major European cities mean that fewer travellers opt for this route outside of special occasions. **Prices and booking trends** Travel agents and online platforms report that year-end flights from Mauritius tend to book up quickly, with prices rising sharply from mid-November onwards. Travellers who have not yet secured their tickets should expect to pay a premium, especially for peak travel dates around Christmas and New Year's Eve. Early booking — ideally two to three months in advance — remains the most effective strategy for securing competitive fares. Package deals bundling flights and hotels are increasingly popular, offering greater predictability in overall costs. **What this means for Mauritian travellers** For anyone still planning a trip before year-end, the window for affordable bookings is narrowing. Those with flexibility on dates may still find reasonable fares, particularly for regional destinations. Travellers heading further afield — to Europe, the Americas, or East Asia — should be prepared for significantly higher costs if booking at this stage. Mauritius is served by a range of airlines including Air Mauritius (the national carrier), Air France, British Airways, Emirates, and Ethiopian Airlines, among others, offering connections across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. Source: Le Défi Media