Despite the differences in planning for vacations, everyone wanted to enjoy them in their own style. Some have plans to spend the spring holidays inside Saudi Arabia to meet friends and relatives, while others have plans to travel to different countries such as Egypt, Lebanon and Malaysia.

Saudi Arabian Airlines officials told Arab News that most Saudis wanted to travel to Dubai and Malaysia this spring. “We are operating three additional flights to Dubai,” one official told Arab News. However, he pointed out that there is a considerable decrease in the number of passengers traveling to Syria and Lebanon due to political problems there.

Samar Al-Motairy, a Saudi, said her family usually travels to Egypt for their vacation. “We have a furnished apartment in Cairo. We enjoy our vacation in Egypt by attending various cultural programs and visiting cinemas and plays. We also visit Alexandria and Sharm El-Sheikh. But this time we are going to Dubai,” she said.

Bassam Al-Ahmadi, another Saudi, said her family prefers to spend the vacation inside the Kingdom. “We rent rest houses and chalets in Jeddah and spend a nice time with families and relatives. We believe that Saudi Arabia is a better place to vacation in because it does not give us any bother and it allows me to spend more time with families and friends,” she pointed out.

Sarah Al-Suleimani, also Saudi, said she loves traveling a lot. “During travels, I experience greater freedom and enjoyment. I usually go to Syria, Lebanon and Egypt.” She does not like to visit Gulf countries very much because they are not much different from the Kingdom. “When we go to Egypt and Yemen we have a lot of enjoyment and freedom. There are many places for entertainment apart from enchanting resorts. Because of the recent political developments we cannot travel to these countries. I really feel depressed,” she said.

But Sidra Omar does not have any problem with either spending her time in the Kingdom or traveling abroad. “In both cases I will be with my relatives who include a number of young women my age,” she said. “We are a big family and we vacation together.”