How to Plan a Saudi National Day Holiday Abroad

Saudi National Day is a great opportunity to take a break from your routine and explore a new destination outside the Kingdom. With smart planning, even a short holiday can become an enjoyable trip filled with relaxation, sightseeing, shopping, and memorable experiences.

Saudi National Day is celebrated every year on September 23, and in 2026 it falls on Wednesday, September 23.

Because the holiday period can be relatively short, choosing the right destination and organizing your trip efficiently can make a major difference. Instead of spending much of your vacation at airports or in transit, you can choose a relatively close destination or add a few extra vacation days to enjoy a longer trip.

In this guide, we explain how to plan a Saudi National Day holiday abroad, from choosing your destination and booking flights and accommodation to preparing your budget and creating a practical itinerary.

1. Decide How Many Days You Have

Before choosing your destination, determine exactly how many days you can dedicate to the trip.

If you are traveling only during the official holiday, choose a destination that does not require a long journey.

If you can add two or three extra vacation days, you will have more options and can consider destinations farther away.

A simple rule:

• 3–4 days: Choose a nearby destination with a direct flight. 
• 5–7 days: Consider a medium-distance destination. 
• One week or more: You can consider longer-haul destinations and a more varied itinerary. 

2. Choose a Destination Based on Your Travel Style

There is no single perfect destination for everyone. First, decide what type of holiday you want.

If You Want to Relax

Choose a beach destination or a city with excellent resorts and hotels.

If You Love Shopping

Look for cities known for shopping malls, markets, restaurants, and entertainment.

If You Love Nature

Choose a destination with mountains, beaches, parks, or spectacular natural scenery.

If You Are Traveling With Children

Focus on destinations with family-friendly attractions, convenient transportation, and suitable hotels.

If You Want a Romantic Getaway

Consider a peaceful city or beach destination with romantic hotels and resorts.

3. Choose a Relatively Close Destination

Because the National Day holiday may be short, flight duration is an important factor.

It does not make much sense to choose a destination requiring two or three flights if you only have four days.

The shorter and easier the journey, the more time you can spend enjoying your destination.

It is also worth looking for direct flights from your departure city rather than choosing a cheaper flight with a long layover.

4. Set a Clear Travel Budget

One of the most common mistakes is creating a budget for flights and hotels only, then discovering that the rest of the expenses make the trip much more expensive.

Divide your budget into categories such as:

These percentages are not fixed rules, but they can help you create an initial estimate.

5. Book Your Flights Early

Public holidays often lead to increased demand for flights, so it is better not to wait until the last minute.

When comparing flights, do not look at the price alone.

Compare:

• Flight duration. 
• Number of layovers. 
• Baggage allowance. 
• Departure and arrival times. 
• Change options. 
• Additional baggage fees. 

Sometimes paying slightly more for a direct flight with convenient timings can be much better than choosing the cheapest available option.

6. Choose Your Hotel Carefully

Hotel location becomes especially important during a short trip.

A hotel far from the city center may be cheaper, but you could end up spending the difference on transportation and losing valuable time.

Before booking, check:

• Location. 
• Guest reviews. 
• Proximity to public transportation. 
• Breakfast availability. 
• Cancellation policy. 
• Additional accommodation fees. 
• Check-in and check-out times. 
• Parking availability if you plan to rent a car. 

For short trips, a centrally located hotel may be more convenient than a luxury hotel far from the places you want to visit.

7. Check Visa Requirements Before Paying for the Trip

This is one of the most important steps.

Do not purchase a non-refundable flight before confirming that you can legally enter your chosen destination.

Check:

• Whether you need a visa. 
• Whether an electronic visa is available. 
• Whether you can obtain a visa on arrival. 
• How long the application takes. 
• Passport validity requirements. 
• Additional entry requirements. 
• Visa fees or electronic travel authorizations. 

Always rely on official government or embassy sources because entry requirements can change.

8. Check Your Passport Validity

Some countries require passports to remain valid for several months after arrival.

Do not wait until your travel date to discover that your passport does not meet the destination's requirements.

It is also a good idea to keep secure digital copies of:

• Your passport. 
• Visa or travel authorization. 
• Flight tickets. 
• Hotel reservation. 
• Travel insurance policy. 

9. Create a Realistic Itinerary

Do not try to visit every attraction in the city in just a few days.

Instead, choose a limited number of important places and group them according to location.

For example:

Day 1:
Arrival + hotel check-in + light exploration nearby.

Day 2:
Main tourist attractions.

Day 3:
Shopping + restaurants + entertainment.

Day 4:
A nearby attraction + airport departure.

This approach reduces the amount of time wasted traveling between different parts of the city.

10. Book Some Activities in Advance

Some experiences can become very busy during holiday periods.

If you want to enjoy a specific activity, consider booking in advance, such as:

• Guided tours. 
• Boat trips. 
• Theme parks. 
• Shows or events. 
• Popular restaurants. 
• Adventure activities. 

However, do not fill every hour of your itinerary. Leave some free time for relaxation and spontaneous exploration.

11. Consider Travel Insurance

Even a short trip can be affected by unexpected problems.

Depending on the policy, travel insurance may provide coverage for:

• Medical emergencies. 
• Trip cancellation. 
• Flight delays. 
• Lost or delayed baggage. 
• Medical evacuation in certain situations. 

Before purchasing insurance, carefully review the coverage, exclusions, and compensation limits.

12. Plan Your Transportation

Before traveling, find out how you will get around your destination.

Will you use:

• Metro systems? 
• Trains? 
• Taxis? 
• Ride-hailing apps? 
• A rental car? 

If the city has an excellent public transportation network, you may not need to rent a car.

If you plan to visit distant attractions or rural areas, however, renting a car may be more convenient.

13. Check the Weather

September can be ideal for some destinations but hot or rainy in others.

Before traveling, check:

• Temperatures. 
• Rainfall forecasts. 
• Humidity. 
• Daylight hours. 
• Weather conditions during your travel dates. 

Plan your clothing and activities accordingly.

14. Plan Your Daily Spending

It is useful to set a daily budget for food, transportation, and activities.

For example:

Daily budget = Food + Transportation + Activities + Emergency Reserve

Do not forget to set aside some money for unexpected expenses.

It is also a good idea to have more than one payment method, such as a bank card and some local currency.

15. Look for Holiday Deals

During major travel periods, airlines, hotels, and booking platforms may offer special promotions.

However, do not focus only on the advertised price.

Check:

• Taxes. 
• Baggage fees. 
• Resort or destination fees, if applicable. 
• Cancellation fees. 
• Promotion conditions. 
• Final price at checkout. 

The cheapest advertised rate is not always the cheapest final option.

16. Don't Make the Entire Trip About Shopping

If you are traveling for Saudi National Day, try to make your trip a complete experience.

Combine:

Sightseeing + Food + Nature + Shopping + Entertainment

This way, you return home with experiences and memories, not just shopping bags.

Best Types of Destinations for Saudi National Day

Nearby Destinations

Ideal for short holidays because they reduce travel time.

European Cities

Suitable if you have a longer vacation and want culture, museums, shopping, and sightseeing.

Asian Destinations

Asia offers a wide variety of nature, food, culture, and activities and can be suitable for families and couples.

Beach Destinations

A great option for travelers who want to relax and enjoy a less demanding itinerary.

How to Make the Trip Family-Friendly

If you are traveling with children, your priorities may be slightly different.

Choose:

• The shortest practical flight. 
• A hotel close to major attractions. 
• Family-friendly rooms. 
• Restaurants near the hotel. 
• Activities suitable for the children's ages. 
• Convenient transportation. 
• Regular breaks throughout the day. 

Avoid creating an overly packed schedule, as children often need more rest than adults.

What Should You Pack?

Before traveling, prepare a simple checklist.

Documents

• Passport. 
• Visa or travel authorization. 
• Flight tickets. 
• Hotel reservation. 
• Travel insurance. 

Clothing

Choose clothing based on the expected weather.

Electronics

• Smartphone. 
• Charger. 
• Power bank. 
• Travel adapter if the destination uses different electrical outlets. 

Personal Essentials

Pack any personal items and medications you may need during the trip.

Sample Short Holiday Itinerary

If you only have four days, your trip could look like this:

Day 1

Travel and arrival + hotel check-in + light exploration nearby.

Day 2

Visit the city's main attractions + a special dinner.

Day 3

Main activity + shopping + free time.

Day 4

Breakfast + a short activity or final shopping + airport departure.

The key is to keep the itinerary flexible and realistic rather than scheduling every minute.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing a Destination That Is Too Far Away

You may spend a large part of your vacation traveling.

Booking at the Last Minute

This can lead to higher prices and fewer choices.

Ignoring Visa Requirements

This can turn an exciting trip into a major problem.

Choosing a Hotel Too Far Away

You may save money on accommodation but spend more on transportation and lose valuable time.

Creating an Overly Packed Schedule

A holiday should be enjoyable, not a race between attractions.

Not Keeping an Emergency Budget

Unexpected expenses can happen on any trip.

Conclusion

Saudi National Day can be an excellent opportunity to discover a new destination outside the Kingdom, especially when the trip is planned strategically.

Start by determining the number of days and your budget, then choose a destination that matches your available time and interests. Check visa requirements and passport validity before booking your trip.

Next, choose your flights and hotel carefully and create a realistic itinerary that does not require you to spend most of your holiday traveling from one place to another.

Most importantly, do not make the goal of your trip visiting as many attractions as possible. Instead, focus on enjoying a comfortable and well-balanced experience that matches your time and budget.

With Saudi National Day falling on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, travelers who can add a few extra vacation days may be able to turn the short holiday into a longer and more varied international trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Saudi National Day in 2026?

Saudi National Day will take place on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

Is traveling abroad during Saudi National Day a good idea?

It can be an excellent way to use the holiday to explore a new destination. However, travelers should book early and compare prices because demand can increase during public holidays.

What are the best destinations for a short holiday?

Destinations with direct or relatively short flights are generally better for short holidays because they minimize time spent traveling and in transit.

When should I book a Saudi National Day trip?

The earlier you start planning, the more likely you are to find better flight and hotel options, especially if your travel dates are fixed.

Do I need travel insurance?

It is not mandatory for every destination, but some countries may require it. Travel insurance can also provide useful protection against certain medical emergencies and travel-related problems, depending on the policy.